ORLANDO, Fla. (July 23, 2025) — The 2025 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.
The field of 168 teams playing in Orlando features collections of players that have proven themselves on the field while helping achieve team success — including several standout players who have excelled within The National League by producing impressive performances over the last few seasons.
In the 19U Boys age group, Wednesday’s Group A clash between Alliance Fire 06/07B (IN) and Raiders FC 2007 (IL) ended in a scoreless tie, but it didn’t lack for thrilling action. And a pair of skilled midfielders — identified by Taka as top performers over the course of the 2024-25 season — were at the heart of many of the game’s defining moments.
Alliance’s left attacking midfielder, Joe Luther, made a perfectly timed back post run in the 68th minute that ended with his header just missing the target. Despite the near-miss, the draw left Luther’s side in a good position, as the Indiana side heads to the final day of preliminary play tied atop the group with four points.
“It was crazy important to get that draw today,” Luther said. “This Raiders team is probably one of the most, if not the most, talented we’ve ever played. It’s a good game every time. We haven’t gotten so lucky, but this time we pulled out the draw, so we’re happy with that.”
Luther said the game could have gone either way and that both teams had moments where they felt they should have secured all three points with a win.
Raiders, which is still in contention to win the group after tying both of its games, may have earned the win if not for the woodwork and an excellent sprawling kick save by the Alliance goalkeeper midway through the second half. The tight margins at the National Championships are something for which standout attacking midfielder Gustavo Herrera and his Raiders teammates have become quite familiar.
“The National Championships are very competitive. I love coming out here every year to compete against very good players,” said Herrera, another player identified by Taka as a top performer for the season. “Winning the whole thing is the best thing you can dream for. We have a very strong team here. We’re unfortunate to have two ties, but we still go and won’t give up and still have a chance.”
Herrera produced two of Raiders’ prime scoring opportunities in the span of five minutes early in the second half against Alliance. He curled a free kick off the left post in the 59th minute and later blasted a left-footed shot that rang off the crossbar and left the goal shaking.
Both teams still have work to do to on Thursday to try to claim the group’s berth to the semifinals, and chances are both midfielders will play a key role in their team’s fate. After Wednesday’s matchup, Luther said it’s “really special” to be recognized for his play and face off against fellow top players like Herrera.
“It means a lot to be highlighted like that by Taka,” Luther said. “Our team is doing so well, and I couldn’t be here without them. But to be included with someone of [Herrera’s] level is really something special.”
The 2025 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.
Flip through player cards to see some of the Taka top performers and their play strengths.
