ORLANDO, Fla. (July 24, 2024) — The 2024 US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life, continued Wednesday in Orlando, Fla., as boys and girls teams in the 13U-19U age groups played their second of three group stage games.
Seven National League teams entered the week looking to defend the titles they won at the 2023 National Championships, while another five sides that finished as runners-up a year ago are trying to get over that final hurdle and lift the trophy this week.
After two days of play, the defending champions have combined for five wins, one loss and one draw, and the 2023 finalists have added four wins, four losses and a draw in their quests to capture the elusive National title.
In the 17U Boys age group, defending National Champion La Roca Milla (UT) faced a stiff test against 2023 National semifinalists FC United DSM 2007B (IA). Behind a pair of goals from JJ Cubillas, the Utah side pulled away for a 2-0 victory to remain on top of Group C.
The La Roca forward said adding their team to US Youth Soccer history as a repeat champion has been a big motivator for the team while competing this season.
“It means a lot. We come here each time to win, and this year to defend our title and go for a two-peat,” Cubillas said. “We’re going to try our hard to go back-to-back, and we’re on that path so far. We just have to keep pushing.”
In pursuit of the historic McGuire Cup
In the 19U Boys age group, Libertyville FC 1974 Elite (IL) is looking to make history in multiple ways. The Illinois side has won back-to-back National titles and is attempting to complete a rare three-peat this season while capturing the historic James P. McGuire Cup.
“We’ve had some really great competition this week,” Libertyville defender Mateo Ormaza said. “The first team, PA Dominion, came out really strong and was really physical. We won that game and then battled today to win, 6-1. We’re looking at finishing the group well tomorrow and then hopefully making another deep run.”
Alex Gotz and Miguel Garcia each found the back of the net in the first 20 minutes to put Libertyville up, 2-0, on Wednesday against CT Rush Select 06B (CT). Rush replied with a 30th-minute goal from Munib Kassem to cut the Illinois advantage in half, but Frankie Jimnez reestablished the two-goal cushion with a goal just before halftime.
Jorge Hernandez Lopez added to the lead in the 58th minute, and Frederick Barnshaw later slid a shot inside the far post to add a fifth. Garcia netted his second on a late breakaway to cap the victory and put Libertyville at the top of the Group C standings after two days of play.
“We won the last two National titles, and we’re really motivated to come out here and win a third,” Ormaza said. “It’s a big motivation for us to be one of historic teams and do it again.”
Columbus looking to go 2 for 2
After winning the title in the youngest age group last season, Columbus United G10 Lions (OH) is aiming to add the 14U Girls title a resume that includes the 2023 13U Girls National Championship.
The Ohio side faced a stiff challenge on Wednesday against Rising 10G Burgess (AR), as Columbus overcame a halftime deficit before holding on for a 3-2 victory.
Rising’s Ella Dietz opened the scoring in the 18th minute, and that lead held until the early portion of the second half.
Maya Alonso equalized for Columbus when she spun at the top of the box and place her shot inside the right post. The Ohio side rode the wave of momentum and took the lead just two minutes later on Emerson Rehklau’s strike from inside the box.
Gabrielle Smullen added a key insurance goal in the 57th minute before Dietz completed a brace with a 63rd-minute tally to pull Rising within a goal. However, Columbus held off a few late pressures to secure the win.
“We won our first two games, and there’s a lot of pressure on our backs because we won last year and everyone is out to get us,” Columbus United forward Taylor Whetzel said. “We just have to keep pushing hard and make it through.”
The 2024 National Championships will continue on Thursday when teams play their third and final group stage game. Games are being played the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.