ORLANDO, Fla. (July 26, 2025) — The 2025 US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life, continued Saturday in Orlando, Fla., as the teams that will vie for remaining National titles were determined during intense semifinal action.
All 20 teams that are set to compete in the 14U-19U National Championship finals played in the National League during the 2024-25 season. The National League teams include 10 sides that won their regular season division and four sides that finished in second place.
Several of the remaining teams did well in the National League Semifinals, as seven won champions pool titles, one won its silver pool group, and two won the wildcard pool.
Two clubs have multiple teams in the 14U-19U finals, as Elmbrook United (WI) has three sides playing for titles, while Columbus United (OH) has two.
Both Columbus sides are looking to capture titles after finishing as finalists in 2024, while both 17U Boys Utah Celtic 08B E64 Bradley (UT) and 19U Girls MI Rangers FC Elite 64 06/07G (MI) are looking to repeat as champions. For Utah Celtic, it would be a third straight title — joining select few sides to accomplish that feat in US Youth Soccer history.
JAHBAT TAKES CINDERELLA STORY TO MCGUIRE CUP FINAL
NL Team Premier 2 side JaHbat B06 Premier 1 (IL) is one win away from lifting the oldest trophy in youth sports, as it advanced to the 19U Boys final with a 1-0 win over PDA Hibernian Elite 64 06/7B (NJ) on Saturday.
“We’ve been working very hard to get to this point,” JaHbat midfielder Joseph Ndahiriwe said. “It’s a really great feeling. Last year, we tried to qualify but we couldn’t. This year, we put in everything together. Worked, trained. It’s exciting to be here and make it to the final with this great group of guys.”
The game’s lone goal came in the 60th minute. The PDA keeper deflected a shot off the crossbar, but JaHbat’s John Hunwick followed the shot and chested the rebound into the net.
The Illinois side nearly doubled its advantage in the 72nd minute, but a saved penalty kick attempt kept PDA within a goal. That made for a nervy final 20 minutes, but JaHbat managed to secure the shutout win and booked its place in the title game.
“I’ve been playing with these guys since I was 8 years old,” Ndahiriwe said. “Playing with them has been very exciting. It’s a little emotional because it’s our last time playing together, but it’s a great way to end it — in the final. Hopefully, we can win it.”
EBU 10G ENDS TFA’S STANDOUT SEASON
Elmbrook United 10G Elite 64 (WI) became the club’s third team to advance to Sunday’s finals — joining EBU’s 2009 and 2011 sides — when it held on for a 1-0 win against TFA Elite 64 10G (OH).
The Wisconsin side faced a tall task in Saturday’s semifinal, as TFA entered the week with top finishes in its National League division, the National League Semifinals, and the Midwest Regional Championships. But EBU, a National League division winner itself, was up to the challenge.
After a scoreless first half, Elmbrook broke through off a 45th-minute throw in. A flicked on header fell to the feet of Mia Soung, who placed her shot inside the right post to put her side in front.
TFA provided plenty of pressure, but the Elmbrook back line held strong and prevented the Ohio side from generating an equalizing goal — as EBU earned its place in the final.
“It took a lot to get here,” EBU center back Avery Mantei said after the clean sheet victory. “Last year we came here and lost. We didn’t move on. But this year we came out with a lot of energy. We were really excited, and we really worked as a team. This is just a big opportunity and we’re really excited about it and proud.”
The National Championship finals for the 14U-19U age groups will take place Sunday morning, with the first games kicking off at 7:30 a.m.
