Teams will compete for berths to Nationals at National League Semifinals

List of Qualifiers for NL Semifinals
Schedules & Results 
Photos 

MESA, Ariz. (Jan. 21, 2025) — Five exciting days of action at the USYS National League Quarterfinals in Mesa, Ariz., saw 45 boys teams qualify for the February 2025 National League Semifinals, while six sides claimed titles as the winners of the champions pool in their age group.  

This January quarterfinals featured primarily teams from Elite 64, the top club-based platform in the USYS National League. The Jan. 17-21 action took place at Arizona Athletic Grounds and featured more than 160 boys teams across the 13U-19U age groups.  

For the 14U-19U age groups, the quarterfinals represent the first of two stages of National League events, which provide every competing team with a pathway to ultimately advance to the USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life. The 45 teams that earned advancement to the next stage — the National League Semifinals — will play Feb. 22-25 in Round Rock, Texas, for a chance to qualify to the National Championships. 

“It’s very fun playing in this environment,” City SC Utah Elite 64 09B (UT) midfielder Nash Lassig said after his team clinched a spot in the National League Semifinals. “You get more experience, like going different places, playing different styles of the game. It feels good to be able to advance. I know we’re very excited to go and play for a spot in Nationals.” 

Ten different USYS State Associations saw teams advance to the February semifinals, led by New Jersey with 11 teams. Kansas, Ohio and Wisconsin followed, as they each had six teams advance. 

In addition to earning a place in the semifinals, six teams also won the tournament competition within the champions pool of their respective age groups to claim event titles. Cedar Stars Academy led the way, as it was the lone club to capture multiple champions pool titles this weekend. 

2025 NL Quarterfinals (January) | Boys Champions 
*13U: PDA Hibernian Elite 64 12B (NJ) 
14U: Cedar Stars Academy Elite 64 11B (NJ) 
15U: MI Rangers FC Elite 64 10B (MI) 
16U: Galaxy SC 09B Elite 64 (IL) 
17U: Steel City FC Elite 64 08B (PA-W) 
19U: Cedar Stars Academy Elite 64 06/07B (NJ) 

*The 13U age group does not advance teams to the semifinals event. 

PDA Hibernian Elite 64 12B (NJ) coach James Angiolino said his team earned valuable experience into learning how to play on the road in different environments and noted that winning their champions pool final in penalties will make the travel home a little sweeter.  

“We played teams from Illinois, Utah and the top-ranked team from Kansas today,” Angiolino said. “This is what we want. We want the best competition. We’re not looking for 5-0. We’re looking for 2-1 or 3-2 — that’s what’s going to make our guys better.” 

TITLE GAME RECAPS… 

13U Boys  
PDA Hibernian Elite 64 12B’s (NJ) furious second half comeback propelled its 2-2 (3-0 PK) win over Toca FC 12B Elite 64 (KS) in the 13U Boys champions pool final. George Wallace put Toca in front in the fifth minute, and Levi Hayes doubled the lead just six minutes later to give the Kansas side firm control throughout the rest of the first half. An impassioned halftime speech amongst PDA set the stage for the rest of this game, though. The New Jersey side put on a full-out attack and was rewarded when Dominic Multari’s 39th-minute goal brought his team within one. PDA continued to ramp up the pressure and ultimately found the equalizer in the 52nd minute from Bennett Cucchiara, sending the two teams to penalties. In the shootout, PDA keeper Matthew Angiolino saved all three of Toca’s kicks to drive his New Jersey side to a win. 

14U Boys 
An improbable comeback for Cedar Stars Academy Elite 64 11B (NJ) in the 14U Boys champions pool final stunned Toca FC 11B Elite 64 (KS) and those watching. The Kansas side got out to a dominant start behind two quick goals from Tristan Zimmermann and Emyr Vargas and then added to its lead in the 27th minute once more with a Tripp Walters goal. Down by three, Cedar Stars took complete control of the game the rest of the way to fuel its storybook win. Kaleb Kelly put his team on the scoreboard just before halftime, and Lucas Donnelly added a second just three minutes into the second half to cut the deficit to one. Cedar Stars continued to create chances and found the leveler in the 51st minute behind a Karam Mohd goal. Samuel Kim’s 62nd-minute goal finally put the New Jersey side ahead for the first time and put the finishing touches on an impressive comeback. 

15U Boys 
Osiel Magana Nieves and MI Rangers FC Elite 64 10B (MI) proved too much to handle for in-state foe Michigan Tigers Elite 64 10B (MI) in the 15U Boys final. Nieves wasted no time getting his name on the scoresheet, scoring the game’s opening goal in the third minute. The Tigers leveled the game shortly after, but Nieves’ determination was more than they could handle. He added two more before the 32nd minute to cap off a first-half hat trick, and Massimo Mancini added the Rangers’ fourth in the 74th minute to cap off a decisive win in the champions pool title game. 

16U Boys 
A strong defensive performance helped lead Galaxy SC 09B Elite 64 (IL) over City SC Utah Elite 64 09B (UT), 1-0, in the 16U champions pool final. The Illinois side was no stranger to grinding out games after needing to overcome a scoreless penalty shootout to reach the final, so they were up for another test. Galaxy took the lead in the 38th minute off a Gavin Brown goal and stifled all City SC Utah chances from there to earn another hard-fought win. 

17U Boys 
A back-and-forth 17U Boys final required penalties to decide the winner, as Steel City FC Elite 64 08B (PA-W) outlasted PDA Hibernian Elite 64 08B (NJ) to claim the champions pool title. PDA grabbed an 18th-minute lead behind a Jayden Maxwell goal, but Steel City responded just 10 minutes later when Nicholas Niebauer slid his shot inside the right post to level the score. Both sides generated chances across the final hour of gameplay but a winning goal never developed. Steel City keeper Mason Smith made a key save in the shootout, and Sean Regan netted the deciding penalty to help the PA West side secure the title. 

19U Boys 
Cedar Stars Academy Elite 64 06/07B (NJ) scored two late goals to fuel a 2-2 (5-3 PK) comeback win against Toca FC 07B Elite 64 (KS) in the 19U Boys champions pool final. Toca opened the scoring when Bernardo Dickmann found the back of the net in the 26th minute, and the Kansas side doubled its lead in the 62nd minute with a goal from Kevin De Andrade. Cedar Stars continued to work the ball around the field and finally broke through the organized Toca defense in the 76th minute, when Raymond Diouf followed up his own attempt and knocked the rebound into an open net. Just minutes later, Amadou Hann converted a penalty kick to level the game and send the teams to a penalty kick shootout. In the shootout, Alpha Bah converted the final penalty for Cedar Stars to help the New Jersey side win the final. 

NATIONAL LEAGUE SEMIFINAL QUALIFIERS

The following teams have advanced to the National League Semifinals (February) via their performance at the January 2025 Quarterfinals.

Next month’s National League Semifinals in Round Rock, Texas, represent the next national events taking place within the National League. Girls teams will compete Feb. 21-23 and boys teams will compete Feb. 22-25, with games taking place at Old Settlers Park.

Visit the National League website for more information on its national events and Elite 64.

Teams will compete for berths to Nationals at National League Semifinals

List of Qualifiers for NL Semifinals
Schedules & Results 
Photos 

MESA, Ariz. (Jan. 13, 2025) — Four exciting days of action at the USYS National League Quarterfinals in Mesa, Ariz., saw 45 girls teams qualify for the February 2025 National League Semifinals, while six sides claimed titles as the winners of the champions pool in their age group.  

This January quarterfinals featured primarily teams from Elite 64, the top club-based platform in the USYS National League. The Jan. 10-13 action took place at Arizona Athletic Grounds and featured more than 125 girls teams across the 13U-19U age groups.  

For the 14U-19U age groups, the quarterfinals represent the first of two stages of National League events, which provide every competing team with a pathway to ultimately advance to the USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life. The 45 teams that earned advancement to the next stage — the National League Semifinals — will play Feb. 21-23 in Round Rock, Texas, for a chance to qualify to the National Championships. 

Thirteen different USYS State Association saw teams advance out of this weekend’s quarterfinals. Wisconsin and Michigan led the way, as they each saw 10 teams qualify for the NL Semifinals during play from this event. 

“Every game we’re working hard and trying to win, but this really gives us something to work toward,” Legends FC Elite 64 06/07G (MI) goalkeeper Sarah Marsac said after her team earned a National League Semifinals berth. “We feel like we’re earning something when we win our games, and we’re really working hard to get that spot [in the Semifinals].” 

In addition to earning a place in the semifinals, six teams also won the tournament competition within the champions pool of their respective age groups to claim event titles.  

2025 NL Quarterfinals (January) | Girls Champions 
*13U: Elmbrook United 12G Elite 64 (WI) 
14U: Madison 56ers Elite 64 11G (WI) 
15U: Elmbrook United 10G Elite 64 (WI) 
16U: Charlotte SA Elite 64 09G (NC) 
17U: WNY Flash Rochester Elite 64 08G (NY-W) 
19U: Madison 56ers Elite 64 06/07G (WI) 

*The 13U age group does not advance teams to the semifinals event. 

Elmbrook United and Madison 56ers led the way, as the two Wisconsin clubs each secured two champions pool titles. Across the six age groups, Elmbrook United had four teams advance to the finals in the champions pool. 

Giuliano Oliviero, a director of coaching at Elmbrook United, said he was proud of their whole girls program and the consistency their players showed from age group to age group. He also noted the value of a successful weekend at the National League Quarterfinals.  

“You want to win every game you play in, and that’s the mentality the girls have and the effort they showed up with,” Oliviero said of the EBU 10G side after it claimed the club’s first champions pool title. “To go 3-0-0 and earn a top spot heading into Texas in February for the Semifinals puts us in a really great spot. We’ll continue to prepare and be ready for the Semifinals next month.” 

TITLE GAME RECAPS… 

13U Girls  
Elmbrook United 12G Elite 64 (WI) powered its way to the champions pool title behind an offensive avalanche. Its 5-0 win over KC Legends Elite 64 12G (KS) was never in question, as Kyra Patterson’s eighth-minute goal put her team in the driver’s seat early. Patterson added her second off a rebound during first-half stoppage time to give her Wisconsin side even more momentum heading into the break. From there, it was the Khloe Bacon show. Bacon’s sizzling second-half hat trick — all coming in a span of 10 minutes — put the game out of reach and sealed the win for Elmbrook. 

14U Girls 
Madison 56ers Elite 64 11G (WI) capped off a stout defensive weekend with a third straight shutout in the champions pool final. Facing in-state foe Elmbrook United 11G Elite 64 (WI), the 56ers once again put their defensive skill on display to shut out a team that had scored seven goals heading into the match — but this one needed penalties to be decided. Madison keeper Alana Curley continued her stellar event by making two saves in the shootout, and Corbi Grinch played the hero by converting the decisive penalty kick to clinch the game for the 56ers. 

15U Girls 
Elmbrook United 10G Elite 64’s (WI) commanding 3-0 win over Madison 56ers Elite 64 10G (WI) in the champions pool final was a reflection of its weekend at the quarterfinals. The Wisconsin side scored a combined eight goals in its first two games in Mesa and came into the final red hot. Elmbrook’s Lydia Presti wasted no time putting her team in front, catching the 56ers off guard and scoring in the second minute. Dylan Szesterniak headed in the team’s second just nine minutes later, and Olivia Rameker added one more for insurance in the 49th minute to cap of a title-winning weekend for Elmbrook. 

16U Girls
Charlotte SA Elite 64 09G (NC) clinched the champions pool title over Elmbrook United 09G Elite 64 (WI) behind timely goals and a clinical defensive performance. Samia Margherio broke the deadlock early, scoring in the 10th minute and putting Charlotte ahead. That margin held for the next 70 minutes until Shradha Kathirvel found the back of the net and iced the game for the North Carolina side. Elmbrook — which came into the final scoring five goals in each of its first two games in Mesa — had put the Charlotte defense under intense pressure for most of the second half, but it could find no answer against the fortified unit. 

17U Girls 
WNY Flash Rochester Elite 64 08G’s (NY-W) late game heroics helped it complete a comeback win over Michigan Tigers Elite 64 08G (MI) in the champions pool final. The Tigers struck first in this one, with Ayla Tindall opening the scoresheet in the 22nd minute, but it took just 10 minutes for the Flash to level the game again behind a Savanna Biehler goal. The Tigers snuck into the break up one, though, as Maya Borgsdorf’s stoppage-time strike put her team in the driver’s seat with 45 minutes gone. The Michigan side did its best to hold on for the win, but WNY Flash’s Alexis Olson leveler in the 87th minute sent this final to a penalty shootout. Once there, Addison Tally made multiple saves to seal the win for the New York side. 

19U Girls 
Madison 56ers Elite 64 06/07G (WI) topped Steel City FC Elite 64 06/07G (PA-W) 1-0 in a very competitive champions pool final. While both sides traded chances throughout the game’s opening period, it was scoreless at the break with neither team able to capitalize. It took until the 66th minute for the deadlock to be broken, with Madison’s Nola Maughan putting her team in front for good. The 56ers defense did the rest from there, with the backline holding strong and Reese McCabe making timely saves to preserve the shutout win. 

NATIONAL LEAGUE SEMIFINAL QUALIFIERS

The following teams have advanced to the National League Semifinals (February) via their performance at the January 2025 Quarterfinals.

The final National League Quarterfinals event will take place this coming weekend, once again in Mesa, as the boys compete Jan. 17-21.

Visit the National League website for more information on its national events and Elite 64.

Teams will compete for berths to Nationals at next stage of National League events

May Semifinals Qualifiers
Schedules & Results
Photos

MESA, Ariz. (Nov. 11, 2024) — Four exciting days of action at the USYS National League Quarterfinals in Mesa, Ariz., saw 45 girls teams qualify for the May 2025 National League Semifinals, while six sides claimed titles as the winners of the champions pool in their age group.

This November quarterfinals featured primarily teams from Elite 64, the top club-based platform in the USYS National League. The Nov. 8-11 action took place at Arizona Athletic Grounds and featured more than 90 girls teams across the 13U-19U age groups.

For the 14U-19U age groups, the quarterfinals represent the first of two stages of National League events, which provide every competing team with a pathway to ultimately advance to the USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life. The 45 teams that earned advancement to the next stage — the National League Semifinals — will play May 2-4 in Oceanside, Calif., for a chance to qualify to the National Championships.

“Our team has been working hard for this, so we’re happy we finally got to show how we can play,” said Alyssa Galasso, whose goal in Sunday’s game helped Sporting California Elite 64 10G (CA-S) clinch a place in May’s event in Oceanside. “It means a lot. I’m really happy and grateful. It feels really great when you score a goal that makes your team move on to the [National League] Semifinals.”

In addition to earning a place in the semifinals, six teams also won the tournament competition within the champions pool of their respective age groups to claim event titles. City SC Utah led the way, as it captured three champions pool titles — leading all clubs.

2024 NL Quarterfinals (November) | Girls Champions
*13U: City SC Utah Elite 64 12G (UT)
14U: CDA Slammers Elite 64 11G (CA-S)
15U: City SC Utah Elite 64 10G (UT)
16U: East County Surf Elite 64 09G (CA-S)
17U: Los Angeles Soccer Elite 64 08G (CA-S)
19U: City SC Utah Elite 64 06/07G (UT)

*The 13U age group does not advance teams to the semifinals event.

TITLE GAME RECAPS…

13U Girls
A second clean sheet of the event helped propel City SC Utah Elite 64 12G (UT) to the 13U champions pool title, as it defeated East County Surf Elite 64 12G (CA-S), 2-0, on Monday. After a scoreless opening half, Adriana Garcia provided the breakthrough when she slid her 45th-minute strike past the keeper. Garcia added some breathing room for City SC when she netted her second goal 10 minutes later, and the Utah side saw out the 2-0 victory.

14U Girls
In a high-scoring 14U champions pool final, CDA Slammers Elite 64 11G (CA-S) held on for a 3-2 win against AYSO United Elite 64 11G (CA-S). The Slammers went on the front foot early, as Carissa Garcia scored in the second minute, and Kyla Uno made it dos a cero inside of 10 minutes. Samantha Garcia added a crucial insurance goal for CDA in the 51st minute before a late AYSO United push. Scarlett Diaz netted AYSO’s first goal in the 60th minute, and Amelia Nielsen pulled AYSO within a goal with a 68th-minute penalty kick. However, the Slammers held strong in the final minutes to secure the victory to win the champions pool.

15U Girls
Behind an impenetrable back line, City SC Utah Elite 64 10G (UT) secured a 2-0 win over So Cal Blues Elite 64 10G (CA-S) in the 15U champions pool final. Neither team managed to grab an upper hand for an hour of game play before a Josephine Cannon blast in the 63rd minute put City SC ahead. Samantha Sebahar added an insurance goal shortly after, and the Utah side secured its third straight clean sheet to finish a perfect weekend of play at the quarterfinals.

16U Girls
Solid performances from each line of its formation helped East County Surf Elite 64 09G (CA-S) win the 16U champions pool — capped by a 3-0 win against Los Angeles Soccer Elite 64 08G (CA-S) on Sunday. Caroline Inafuku gave Surf a 30th minute lead, and Hattie Oliver doubled the advantage in the 69th minute. Sophia Tousley added a late insurance goal, and the East County defense — which conceded just one goal in its three games in Mesa — recorded a shutout to clinch the title.

17U Girls
A second straight 2-1 scoreline was enough to give Los Angeles Soccer Elite 64 08G (CA-S) the win over CDA Slammers Elite 64 08G (CA-S) in the 17U champions pool final. The back lines held strong for the first hour of game play, as the game moved deeper into the second half without a breakthrough goal. Kayla Muramatsu finally broke the deadlock in the 64th minute to give LASC the lead, but that advantage disappeared when Cynthia Torres equalized for the Slammers six minutes later. LASC had a response of its own, as Joseline Murillo registered a 78th-minute winning goal to secure the win for her team.

19U Girls
After it needed penalties to win its opener in Mesa, City SC Utah Elite 64 06/07G (UT) secured another close victory when it came back to beat AYSO United Elite 64 07G (CA-S), 2-1, in the 19U champions pool final. Kathryn Santiago put AYSO in front just before halftime, but Utah replied immediately with a Peyton Smith goal in the opening minute of the second half. Kamri Yergensen later found the back to put City SC ahead, and that goal held up as the Utah side secured the 2-1 victory.

# # #

The next National League Quarterfinals event will take place next month, once again in Mesa, as the boys compete Dec. 6-9 and the girls compete Dec. 13-16. Those quarterfinal weekends will feature teams primarily from the National League Conferences and Elite 64 Regional League.

Visit the National League website for more information on its national events and Elite 64.

The girls kick off their National League Quarterfinals when dozens of Elite 64 teams travel to Mesa, Ariz., to compete Nov. 8-11 at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. (View schedule)

Each age group features a champions pool, where teams will play in a tournament format to determine the event champion. In the 14U-19U age groups, teams in every pool are also playing for qualifying spots into the May 2025 National League Semifinals, where teams will compete for a chance to advance to the 2025 USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life.

While teams in the 13U age group will see a champions pool winner crowned, the Quarterfinals primarily serve an opportunity to earn seeding points for next season’s events. There is no semifinal advancement in the 13U age group.

Take a look at some of the teams, games and players to watch in the 14U-19U Girls age groups during the National League Quarterfinals in November.

There may not be an abundance of past results for teams in this age group, but for City SC Utah Elite 64 11G (UT), the team history that is available is overwhelmingly positive. The Utah side finished first in the Elite 64 Northwest last season, as it compiled an 8-1-1 record while scoring 28 goals and conceding just three. If it can recapture that form in Arizona, City SC Utah could be a strong contender in the champions pool.

A couple of other teams to watch in the champions pool come from the Elite 64 Pacific and feature similar resumes. AYSO United Elite 64 11G (CA-S) and Legends FC Elite 64 11G (CA-S) finished tied for second place in the league last season. AYSO put together a strong plus-13 goal differential, and the teams split their head-to-head matchups with a pair of high-scoring games decided by just one goal. AYSO has been the in-form team so far in 2024-25, as it is off to a perfect 11-0-0 start in league play.

Though it is coming off a mid-table finish in the Elite 64 Pacific, East County Surf Elite 64 11G (CA-S) may be another team to watch in the champions pool. Surf finished 4-3-2 in league play in 2023-24, but it put in several impressive showings en route to a plus-11 goal differential. East County is off to a slow start this season, but if it plays to its potential in Arizona, it could make a run in the champions pool.

Day 1 Game to Watch

In the wildcard pool, FC Premier Elite 64 11G (CA-S) takes on Cook Inlet SC Elite 64 11G (AK) on Nov. 9. The game will mark Cook Inlet’s first in Elite 64 competition, while FC Premier will aim to build on its early-season results from several close encounters in the Elite 64 Pacific. The winner of this game will set itself up with a chance to earn a berth to the NL Semifinals.

US Youth SOccer ODP Players

2011 West Region – Breeze Kaahanui – AYSO United Elite 64 11G (CA-S)

Over the past year, City SC Utah Elite 64 10G (UT) has proven to be a consistently strong side across various competitions. In 2023-24 league play, it won the Elite 64 Northwest with a perfect 10-0-0 record, and City SC Utah’s performance at national events was equally as impressive, as it earned its way to the 2024 National Championships. There, the Utah side won its group and advanced to the semifinals. It will aim to get back to that stage this season, and that journey starts with champions pool action in Arizona.

Another league winner from last season that is looking to make noise in the champions pool is Legends FC Elite 64 10G (CA-S). The Cal South side posted an unbeaten record in 2023-24 league play, as it went 8-0-2 in the Elite 64 Pacific — boasting the division’s top defense while conceding just seven goals. It will look to regain that form to challenge in the champions pool in Arizona.

East County Surf Elite 64 10G (CA-S) finished just one point behind Legends in the Elite 64 Pacific standings last season. East County claimed the division’s most potent attack, as it led the group with 44 goals scored to finish with a plus-31 goal differential. It will look to threaten the back lines of its opponents in Arizona to fuel a deep run in the champions pool.

In the wildcard pool, AYSO United Elite 64 10G (CA-S) heads to Arizona as one of the most in-form teams in the age group. To start this season, AYSO jumped into the top spot in the Elite 64 Pacific standings by winning six of its first seven games. After some recent close losses, AYSO will hope to get back on track during play in Arizona.

Day 1 Game to Watch

With its impressive resume from last season, City SC Utah Elite 64 10G (UT) will be challenged right away in Arizona when it faces Los Angeles Soccer Elite 64 10G (CA-S) on Nov. 9. LASC will aim to carry early-season momentum into the quarterfinals after it began its 2024-25 league campaign with a 6-1-2 record. Several of those wins came in close games, and a single goal may be the difference in this champions pool matchup.

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Jai Scipio (Forward – Los Angeles SC)
Tenacity, game awareness and versatility are just some of Scipio’s strengths. She’ll be hunting for goals and assists all weekend!

Ivy Jacobson (Defender – Utah Celtic)
Jacobson is alert, mobile and capable of playing an important role at both ends of the field for Utah Celtic in Mesa.

A collection of skilled teams with varying backgrounds suggest this age group could be wide open during the quarterfinals in Arizona. Valor Elite 64 09G (WA) will be out to make some moves in the champions pool after it finished in first place in the Elite 64 Northwest last season. The Washington side showed it could manufacture complete team performances, as its seven league wins included four shutouts and four victories by a margin of more than two goals.

Valor will be joined in Arizona by some teams that gained experience competing at the National Championships this past season. Fellow champions pool side East County Surf Elite 64 09G (CA-S) made it to Nationals in 2024 after strong event performances and a second-place league finish that saw it go 8-2-1 in the Elite 64 Pacific. Elite 64 newcomer Cook Inlet SC Elite 64 09G (AK) also played at Nationals, and it will look to tap into that experience when it competes in the wildcard pool this November.

One team that appears to have taken a step up since last season in Los Angeles Soccer Elite 64 09G (CA-S), which has already surpassed its win total from a season ago. LASC is 7-0-2 in 2024-25 league play and currently leads the Elite 64 Pacific standings.

Day 1 Game to Watch

The Nov. 8 matchup between Valor Elite 64 09G (WA) and Los Angeles Soccer Elite 64 09G (CA-S) will be one to watch. With a berth to the semifinals on the line, Valor will look to recapture the strong form that helped it win its Elite 64 division last season. Meanwhile, LASC is already deep into its league schedule this year and has shown it’s one of the most in-form teams in the age group.

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Quynn Campbell (Midfielder – Cook Inlet SC)
Campbell has played a year up at this age group but certainly doesn’t look out of place. She drives hard down the right flank looking to score and assist.

Emily Christensen (Forward – City SC Utah)
Powerful but also possessing good footwork and soccer IQ, don’t be surprised to see Christensen regularly on the scoresheet in Mesa.

After advancing to the semifinals of the USYS National Championships last season, Utah Celtic Elite 64 08G (UT) is looking to once again perform well on the national stage. Celtic posted an 8-0-2 record while winning the Elite 64 Northwest in 2023-24, and its strong play at national events helped it advance to the National Championships. The Utah side can begin a similar run with a good showing in the champions pool in Arizona.

The team that finished just one point behind Celtic in last season’s Elite 64 Northwest standings — City SC Utah Elite 64 08G (UT) — will be another side to watch in the champions pool. City SC Utah earned eight wins and a draw from its 10 league games, and it showed some grit in finding ways to win close games.

Another team that could challenge for the top spot in the champions pool is Los Angeles Soccer Elite 64 08G (CA-S). LASC finished second in the Elite 64 Pacific last season, and it is off to an even better start to its 2024-25 league campaign. LASC currently leads the standings after an unbeaten opening nine games, and it will bring that top form to the quarterfinals this November. East County Surf Elite 64 08G (CA-S) is just behind LASC in the league standings, as East County is 6-0-1 and playing well.

Day 1 Game to Watch

Two of the top teams in the Elite 64 Pacific meet on Nov. 8 with a spot in the National League Semifinals on the line when Los Angeles Soccer Elite 64 08G (CA-S) takes on AYSO United Elite 64 08G (CA-S). LASC came out on top when the two sides met earlier this fall, but anything can happen with the added excitement and atmosphere that comes with playing at the quarterfinals.

US Youth SOccer ODP Players

2008 West Region – Suri Parsia – Utah Celtic Elite 64 08G (UT)

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Hanley Larabee (Defender – East County Surf)
A versatile player who is crucial to East County Surf’s defensive efforts, Larabee’s qualities ensure she can also make a big impact at the top end of the field.

Leilani Phillips (Forward – AYSO United)
A powerful, prolific forward – Phillips scored four goals in one Elite 64 regular season game against Las Vegas Heat Surf in September.

With lots of experienced players, several teams could stake a claim to being a favorite to win the champions pool in this age group. Among them is Utah Celtic Elite 64 06/07G (UT), which finished second in the Elite 64 Northwest as a 17U side in 2023-24. Combining with some players from last year’s first-place 19U side will make Celtic a challenge for opponents in Arizona.

With more than 12 months of consistently strong play, East County Surf Elite 64 06/07G (CA-S) provides plenty of reasons to believe they’ll be a challenger for the champions pool title. The Cal South side finished near the top of the Elite 64 Pacific standings last season with a 7-2-2 record, and it’s off to an impressive start in 2024-25 at 5-1-1. The same can be said for So Cal Blues Elite 64 06/07G (CA-S), which currently stands in second place in a very congested top half of the Pacific standings. With strong recent performances, the Blues could make a deep run in the wildcard pool at the quarterfinals.

Elsewhere in the wildcard pool, Cook Inlet SC Elite 64 06G (AK) will be aiming to get one step closer to returning to the USYS National Championships. At Nationals in 2024, Cook Inlet came one goal away from advancing out of its group, and the Alaska side’s experience there and at past National League events could prove valuable in high-pressure moments in Arizona.

Day 1 Game to Watch

Last season’s second-place finisher in the Elite 64 Pacific, Legends FC Elite 64 06/07G (CA-S), takes on Los Angeles Soccer Elite 64 06/07G (CA-S), in a showdown on Nov. 8. Legends will be looking to replicate its league success from the 2023-24 campaign, while LASC will hope its current run of success carries over to Arizona. Prior to some recent hiccups, LASC began its 2024-25 season atop the Pacific standings by putting together a seven-game unbeaten streak.

US Youth SOccer ODP Players

2007 West Region – Kamri Yergensen – City SC Utah 06/07G E64 (UT)

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Brooklyn Bailey (Defender – Cook Inlet SC)
Strong positional sense and work ethic make Bailey a key part of the Alaska club’s defense. She also takes a mean free kick!

Mikaela Thibodeaux (Midfielder – CDA Slammers)
Thibodeaux thrives both centrally and on the left flank, where her quality crossing makes her a threat for opponents.

Teams will compete for berths to Nationals at next stage of National League events

May Semifinals Qualifiers
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MESA, Ariz. (Nov. 4, 2024) — Four exciting days of action at the USYS National League Quarterfinals in Mesa, Ariz., saw 45 boys teams qualify for the May 2025 National League Semifinals, while six sides claimed titles as the winners of the champions pool in their age group.

This November quarterfinals feature primarily teams from Elite 64, the top club-based platform in the USYS National League. The Nov. 1-4 action took place at Arizona Athletic Grounds and featured more than 120 boys teams across the 13U-19U age groups.

For the 14U-19U age groups, the quarterfinals represent the first of two stages of National League events, which provide every competing team with a pathway to ultimately advance to the USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life. The 45 teams that earned advancement to the next stage — the National League Semifinals — will play May 3-6 in Oceanside, Calif., for a chance to qualify to the National Championships.

In the wildcard pool of the 15U Boys age group, Team Chicago 11 Boys Elite 64 RL (IL) knew it needed to win all three games in order to move on to the National League Semifinals. The team discussed that opportunity ahead of the weekend, and head coach Tom Nevill said he was very proud of the way his players responded.

“Understanding pressure and playing under pressure is a big part of this experience,” Nevill said. “Knowing you need to win here to get to the semifinals helps them develop as players. If you don’t learn to handle the pressure and play your style of soccer, then you won’t win important things down the line when you get older.”

In addition to earning a place in the semifinals, six teams also won the tournament competition within the champions pool of their respective age groups to claim event titles.

2024 NL Quarterfinals (November) | Boys Champions
*13U: Sparta Elite 64 12B (UT)
14U: Nona FC Elite 64 11B (FL)
15U: Sparta Elite 64 10B (UT)
16U: Los Angeles SC Elite 64 09B (CA-S)
17U: Nona FC Elite 64 08B (FL)
19U: Los Angeles SC Elite 64 06/07B (CA-S)

*The 13U age group does not advance teams to the semifinals event.

“Winning the champions pool final means a lot,” LASC 06/07 midfielder James Cosner said. “We’ve been struggling a little bit in the league, but to come here and prove that we can do what we can do — hopefully we can carry it into the next part of the league and then the semifinals in Oceanside.

“It gives us a lot of confidence. It shows we can beat some of the top teams and that we can make it through the semifinals and to the National finals in Florida.”

TITLE GAME RECAPS…

13U Boys
Sparta Elite 64 12B’s (UT) dominant weekend was highlighted by its 5-1 win over Utah Celtic Elite 64 12B (UT) in the 13U Boys Champions pool final. Bodhi Owens wasted no time getting Sparta on the scoresheet, breaking the deadlock in the fourth minute. That one-goal lead stood until the second half, when Sparta’s quick barrage of goals caught Utah Celtic off guard and blew this one open. In a four-minute span – from the 40th minute to the 44th – Owens scored his second and third goals of the game, while teammate Ivan Galves also tallied one of his own. Sparta’s Romeo Perez added a fifth goal in the 52nd minute before Isaac Searnan brought one back for Utah Celtic in the 65th minute.

14U Boys
Two evenly matched teams — Nona FC Elite 64 11B (FL) and Tuzos Elite 64 11B (AZ) — battled it out in the 14U Boys champions pool final that went all the way to penalties. Nona struck first in this tightly contested game, with Mathias Ibarra Gonzalez’s 19th minute goal putting his team ahead. Nona was able to defend that lead until the 47th minute, when Bangally Jaiteh brought Tuzos back level with a flicked header off a long free kick. With neither team able to separate itself throughout the rest of regulation, penalties were needed to decide a winner. Nona’s composed finishes and clutch goalkeeping proved to be the difference, with the Florida side coming out ahead 4-1 in the penalty shootout.

15U Boys
So Cal Blues Elite 64 10B (CA-S) led the 15U Boys champions pool final against Sparta Elite 64 10B (UT) for most of the game, with Ulisses Venegas’ 17th-minute goal almost enough to win the game for the Cal South side. Just before the final whistle, though, Sparta earned a penalty kick and Dante Sanchez-Cervantes calmly converted the chance to bring the two sides even in the game’s last seconds. In penalties, Sparta goalkeeper Jacob Skiles was the hero, saving two penalties and propelling his Utah side to a 1-1 (4-2 PK) win.

16U Boys
Los Angeles SC Elite 64 09B (CA-S) built a commanding lead against Nona FC Elite 64 09B (FL) and saw out a 4-1 victory that helped it win the 16U Boys champions pool final. Jacob Pepe found the back of the net in the 14th minute to put LASC in front, and Matthew Manrique followed shortly after to give LASC a 2-0 lead. Brayan De La Torre pushed the LASC lead to 3-0 with a goal halfway through the second half before Nona’s Lucas Quesada found the back of the net in the 73rd minute to get his team on the scoresheet. That’s as close as the score would get, as Michael Fernandez added a stoppage time goal to cap the 4-1 LASC win.

17U Boys
Very little separated Nona FC Elite 64 08B (FL) and NW United Elite 64 08B (WA), as the two sides required penalties to decide a winner in the 17U Boys champions pool final. Taven Clancy scored for NW United in the 32nd minute to give the Washington side a lead that held up for more than 40 minutes of game time. However, Davi Miranda finally broke through for Nona in the 73rd minute to tie the game at 1-1. A scoreless final 20 minutes set up a penalty kick shootout, and Nona came out on top in kicks from the mark, 6-5, to earn the 17U champions pool title.

19U Boys
For the second straight game, an overpowering attack led Los Angeles SC Elite 64 06/07B (CA-S) to victory, as it defeated So Cal Blues Elite 64 06/07B (CA-S), 6-2, in the 19U Boys champions pool final. William Hoshek gave LASC a 28th-minute lead, and Phillip McLeod doubled the advantage with a goal just before halftime. After James Cosner pushed the LASC lead to 3-0, Benjamin Tovar pulled a goal back for So Cal. However, Cosner netted his second to put LASC up, 4-1, in the 68th minute. Moises Alvarez scored for the Blues in the 77th minute to reduce their deficit to two goals, but John Beltran Castillo and Griffin Fittante each registered late goals to seal the 6-2 win for LASC.

# # #

The next National League Quarterfinals event will take place this coming weekend, Nov. 8-11, when the girls take the fields in Mesa, Ariz.

Visit the National League website for more information on its national events and Elite 64.

The boys kick off their National League Quarterfinals when dozens of Elite 64 teams travel to Mesa, Ariz., to compete Nov. 1-4 at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. (View schedule)

Each age group features a champions pool, where teams will play in a tournament format to determine the event champion. In the 14U-19U age groups, teams in every pool are also playing for qualifying spots into the May 2025 National League Semifinals, where teams will compete for a chance to advance to the 2025 USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life.

While teams in the 13U age group will see a champions pool winner crowned, the Quarterfinals primarily serve an opportunity to earn seeding points for next season’s events. There is no semifinal advancement in the 13U age group.

Take a look at some of the teams, games and players to watch in the 14U-19U Boys age groups during the National League Quarterfinals in November.

Last year’s first-place finish in the Elite 64 Northwest showcased the quality of Utah Celtic FC Elite 64 11B (UT) and its completeness as a team. Propelled by a high-powered offense and stifling defense, Celtic’s plus-36 goal difference cemented its status as a team to watch in the champions pool at the November Quarterfinals. The Utah side is off to another good start this year, starting 5-1-1 in league play and firmly in contention for the division title.

Also set to compete in the champions pool are last season’s top two finishers in the Elite 64 Southeast: Azzurri Storm Elite 64 2011 Boys (FL) and Nona Soccer Academy Elite 2011B (FL). Azzurri narrowly edged its Floridian counterpart by one point to finish top of the group a year ago and sits in a similar position right now — albeit with one game in hand.

A team to keep an eye on in the silver pool is Excel Soccer Academy Elite 64 11B (AZ). The new Elite 64 team is off to a hot start with four wins in four games has the Arizona side as one to watch in Mesa.

Day 1 Game to Watch

A Nov. 2 champions pool matchup between Azzurri Storm Elite 64 11B (FL) and Sparta Elite 64 11B (UT) pits the current top teams in the Elite 64 Southeast and Northwest against each other. For either team, a win on day one will secure a place at the National League Semifinals in May.

US Youth SOccer ODP Players

2011 West Region – Leonardo Guadagnino Rodriguez (XL Atletico E64 B11)
2011 West Region – Landon Alferez Montoya (XL Atletico E64 B11)
2011 West Region – Ricardo Amador II (Excel Soccer Academy E64 11)

A fourth-place finish in the Elite 64 Pacific last year seems to have ignited a hot start this time around for Empire Surf Elite 64 10B (CA-S). Heading to Mesa with a 9-2-0 record and plus-40 goal differential through 11 games has positioned the team from Cal South as a real threat in the champions pool at the November Quarterfinals.

A tight race in last year’s Elite 64 Northwest saw Northwest United FC Elite 64 10B (WA) narrowly edge its opponents to finish top of the table. While the Washington side is off to a slow start in league play this year, it will also be a team to watch in the champions pool if it can get back on track.

Keep an eye on two more teams from the Elite 64 Pacific — Tuzos Elite 64 10B (AZ) in the silver pool and Sporting California Elite 64 10B (CA-S) in the wildcard pool. Tuzos has enjoyed a strong 3-1-0 start to the season and is poised to move up in the standings once it catches up in games played, while Sporting California (8-1-2) sits just one point behind Empire Surf at the top of the table. Both teams can make noise at the November Quarterfinals.

Day 1 Game to Watch

Two teams looking to regain their form from last season — Nona FC Elite 64 10B (FL) from the Elite 64 Southeast and Legends FC Elite 64 10B (CA-S) from the Elite 64 Pacific — match up in a champions pool contest on Nov. 2. The two sides, who both earned a top three finish in their respective standings a year ago, will hope a win — and with it a trip to the Semifinals in May — can provide some momentum for the stretch run of the season.

US Youth SOccer ODP Players

2011 West Region – James Kennedy (Sparta B10 E64)

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Benjamin Castellanos (Attacking Midfielder – Empire Surf)
Strong and athletic with an eye for a pass, Castellanos will pose a challenge for defenses in Arizona.

Jacob Skiles (Goalkeeper – Sparta United)
Skiles positions himself well, enabling him to make both routine and acrobatic saves to deny the opposition.

A near-perfect run through last year’s Elite 64 Pacific saw Los Angeles Soccer Club Elite 64 09B (CA-S) tally 51 goals while giving up only three en route to a 9-0-1 record, firmly solidifying its status as one of the top teams in the champions pool at the November Quarterfinals. The Cal South side remains in impeccable form this year, racing out to an 8-0-0 start to its campaign.

The one team that earned a point against the formidable LASC team in the Elite 64 Pacific last season — CDA Slammers Elite 64 09B (CA-S) — is also set to compete in the champions pool in Mesa. The Slammers will hope to show some consistency at the Quarterfinals after a 5-2-3 finish in the Pacific last year and a 3-4-2 start this year, but as they proved in the past, they can go head-to-head with anyone on their day.

In the silver pool, Strikers Miami FC Elite 64 09B (FL) arrives at the November Quarterfinals in top form and sitting at 6-0-0 in the Elite 64 Southeast. The Florida side has scored 31 goals and given up only four in the early portion of the season to propel its undefeated start.

Sporting California Elite 64 09B (CA-S) — currently sitting in second place in the Elite 64 Pacific at 7-2-2 — will look to stay in form at the Quarterfinals as it competes in the wildcard pool. The group’s winner will advance to the National League Semifinals in May, so the Cal South side promises to be a team to watch if it can keep its current pace. 

Day 1 Game to Watch

Two of the Elite 64 Pacific’s top five teams this season – Sporting California Elite 64 09B (CA-S) and Phoenix Rising FC Elite 64 09B (AZ) – go head-to-head in the wildcard pool on Nov. 1. The two sides should be familiar with each other after they drew 1-1 in league play on Oct. 20.

US Youth SOccer ODP Players

2010 West Region – Jacob Pepe (Los Angeles Soccer Club 09B Elite 64)

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Angel Joshua Jasso Sanchez (Forward – LASC)
Sanchez has speed, game awareness and dribbling skills, but his best asset is his ruthless finishing.

Javier Meissen (Goalkeeper – FBSL Tuzos)
An agile shot-stopper, Meissen impressed at National League events last season, helping FBSL secure several shutouts.

An attack that averaged more than five goals per game led Nona Soccer Academy Elite 64 2008B (FL) to a first-place finish in the Elite 64 Southeast last season. Throughout its 10 games, the Florida side scored 54 goals while giving up just four to position itself in the champions pool at the November Quarterfinals. Nona is off to another hot start in 2024-25, with four wins and 24 goals scored in its first five games.

While Northwest United FC Elite 64 08B (WA) went undefeated in the Elite 64 Northwest last season, an up-and-down campaign this year has the Washington side sitting mid-table with a 3-3-0 record. If they can regain their top form, they’re another team to watch in the champions pool.

In just seven games this season, Strikers Miami FC Elite 64 08B (FL) has scored 36 goals to propel the team to a 5-2-0 record and second-place position in the Elite 64 Southeast. That offense will need to travel to Arizona, but if it does, Strikers Miami will position itself with a great chance in the wildcard pool.

Day 1 Game to Watch

All eyes should be on Nona FC Elite 64 08B (FL) and Los Angeles Soccer Elite 64 08B (CA-S) when the two sides take the field in a champions pool match on Nov. 1. The Florida squad’s 54-goal tally from last season stands to be tested just one year later, as the team has already piled in 24 during the first five games of the season, putting them right in the mix for the Elite 64 Southeast title once again. LASC, though, has a few convincing wins of its own in the Elite 64 Pacific this season, including a 6-0 shutout in its last game played before the Quarterfinals.

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Caleb Barajas (Forward – Legends FC San Antonio)
Technically gifted and unselfish, Barajas glides past defenders with ease and could provide lots of assists in Mesa.

Moah Silva (Defender – Nona Academy)
Silva is a talented, athletic centre-back who is capable of stepping up into midfield when required. His aerial prowess makes him a big threat from corners.

Forty-four goals scored for Azzuri Storm Elite 64 07B (FL) led to a 9-1-0 record and second-place finish in last season’s Elite 64 Southeast. Heading to Mesa for the November Quarterfinals, Azzuri finds itself in second place in the Southeast again but is a clear team to watch in the champions pool with how many goals it can rack up.

Headlining the silver pool is the defending 18U National Champions, Strikers Miami FC 2006 Elite (FL). The Florida side is undefeated to start the season and very capable of scoring in bunches. Miami has scored no less than three goals in each of its four Elite 64 Southeast games this season, showcasing the strong, consistent attack that led them to the National title.

In the wildcard pool, Oceanside Breakers Elite 64 06/07B (CA-S) will head to the November Quarterfinals sitting in first place in the Elite 64 Pacific with a 10-1-2 record. They’ll want to bring the defense that anchored the early part of their season, though, as the Cal South side tallied three consecutive shutout victories throughout September.

Day 1 Game to Watch

An offense vs defense matchup awaits on Nov. 1., when So Cal Blues Elite 64 06/07B (CA-S) and Nona FC Elite 64 06/07B (FL) meet up in a champions pool contest. The Cal-South side is led by an attack that’s tallied 31 goals in 10 Elite 64 Pacific games this season, while Nona have only given up three goals in four Elite 64 Southeast games to start the season.

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Daniel Echeverry (Defender – Strikers Miami)
A strong and composed centre-back whose leadership skills helped the Florida club win the National Championship last season.

Nathanael Lempao (Midfielder – Sparta United)
Lempao has put together a strong start to the E64 regular season, scoring a brilliant hat-trick against Excel Soccer Academy in September.

FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 25, 2024) — The game schedule is now available for the USYS National League Quarterfinals that will take place this November in Mesa, Ariz.

Please note: All games are listed in local (Arizona) time.

The November Quarterfinals will feature boys and girls teams, primarily from Elite 64, in the 13U through 19U age groups. The boys will take the fields first, with games scheduled for Nov. 1-4, and the girls will compete the following weekend, Nov. 8-11. All games in Mesa will be played at the Arizona Athletic Grounds.

The 14U-19U teams playing in Arizona will be competing for an opportunity to advance to the National League Semifinals for a chance to ultimately qualify for the 2025 USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life.

“It is always great bringing such talented teams and players together, and the Quarterfinals in November will provide a fantastic setting for high-level youth soccer,” said Marc Frankland, USYS National League General Manager. “With each team playing meaningful games and having opportunities for advancement, we know the atmosphere in Arizona will be fun and memorable for all participants.”

The field of teams competing in Arizona features two teams that won titles at the 2024 USYS National Championships — Las Vegas Surf Elite 64 09G and Strikers Miami Elite 64 06/07B.

Teams playing in the November Quarterfinals are divided into pools within each age group, with pool placement dependent on Elite 64 performance from last season. The Champions Pool features last season’s top-performing teams, followed by the Silver Pool (in applicable age groups) and then the Wildcard Pool. Visit the event homepage to view a breakdown of the pools.

The November Quarterfinals feature a primarily tournament style schedule, and teams competing in Arizona will each play three games over three days. The results necessary for a team to advance to the subsequent national event — the National League Semifinals — vary per pool.

For teams that earn advancement from the November Quarterfinals, their National League Semifinals event will take place in May 2025 in Oceanside, Calif. At that event, they will compete against fellow Elite 64 teams, along with top teams from the National League Conferences and Elite 64 Regional League, to determine which sides advance to the USYS National Championships.

Click here for more details on the November 2024 National League Quarterfinals.