National Championships

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 28, 2025) — The 2025 US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life, wrapped up on Sunday in Orlando, Fla., as the week ended with National League teams claiming 11 of the 12 National titles.

For each newly crowned National Champion, the titles came after a full season of hard work. For a club like Raiders FC (IL), lifting the trophy marked a moment more than a dozen years in the making, as the club secured its first National Championship.

“We’ve had teams coming here for 14 years, and we’ve finally won a National Championship,” Raiders FC owner Salvador Valencia said. “It’s a great feeling, and I send congratulations to all these players and parents. It’s hard to win here. It felt like we’d never win that one because we’ve been coming here for 14 years with close losses. Thank God, we’ve finally made it.”

Columbus United (OH) was the lone club to win two 2025 National Championships, as its teams claimed titles in the 14U Girls and 15U Girls age groups. Meanwhile, Utah Celtic 08B E64 Bradley (UT) made history by becoming just the sixth team — and first since 2017 — to win three consecutive US Youth Soccer National Championships.

The 11 champions from the National League came from seven different USYS State Associations. Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and South Texas each had two teams win championships, while Eastern Pennsylvania, Utah and Wisconsin each had one.

Teams that played in National League club-based divisions secured five National titles, while five of the National Champions played in team-based Premier 1 Divisions, and one team played in a team-based Premier 2 division. The majority of title-winning teams had very strong performances in the regular season, as six finished in first place in their National League division, while one finished in second place and two finished in third place.

Eight of the new National Champions played in the National League Semifinal events in 2024-25. Four of those sides won champions pool titles and one won the wildcard pool.

The road to the title

Meet the newly crowned USYS National Champions from the National League and see the path each took to lifting the trophy.

13U Girls

HTX Soccer 13G (TX-S)

PATH TO NATIONALS

HTX 13G (TX-S) finished in third place in its NL Club Premier 2 division, but it impressed by doing so as one of the youngest teams in the group. It carried the confidence developed by that showing into the Southern Regional Championships, where it won five straight games to win the regional title and qualify for Nationals.

NATIONAL FINAL KEY MOMENTS

In the 15th minute, Hayleigh Simon whipped in a left-footed free kick from distance that found the back of the net. That strike proved to be the lone goal in the game, as HTX held on for the 1-0 victory against City SC Utah 12G SA (UT).

14U Girls

Columbus United G11 Lions (OH)

PATH TO NATIONALS

After coming up short in the final last year and finishing as the national runner-up, Columbus United G11 Lions (OH) fought to get back to Orlando. The Ohio side won its NL Team Premier 1 Great Lakes division, and it qualified for Nationals through the National League Semifinals — setting up another chance to play for the National title.

NATIONAL FINAL KEY MOMENTS

After a year of battling to get back for another title opportunity, Columbus needed to wait just a little longer to lift its trophy. In the title game against Elmbrook United 11G Elite 64 (WI), a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation sent the game to extra time. Just two minutes into the extra periods, Cara Crawford headed in a free kick at the back post to put the Ohio side in front. Columbus rode the momentum of that go-ahead goal to secure a 4-1 win and the National Championship.

14U BOYS

LT Elite SGA 11B Premier (TX-S)

PATH TO NATIONALS

A first-place finish in its NL Team Premier 1 Frontier division set the tone for the rest of the season for LT Elite SGA 11B Premier (TX-S). Using a combination of clean sheets and high-scoring outbursts, the South Texas side won all five games in Texas to claim the Southern Regional Championship and advance to Nationals.

NATIONAL FINAL KEY MOMENTS

Just three minutes into the championship game, Alexis Rodriguez ran on to a flicked on header and hammered a shot past the keeper to put SGA in front of Minneapolis United 11B Academy (MN). Walter Lazo Padilla later added an insurance goal to help SGA to a 2-0 win in the championship final.

15U Girls

Columbus United G10 Lions (OH)

PATH TO NATIONALS

This title has been two years in the making for Columbus United G10 Lions (OH) — the 2023 National Champions that came up a win short of repeating as champs a year ago. After its finalist showing in 2024, the Ohio side earned a third straight trip to Nationals in emphatic fashion at the National League Semifinals — scoring 20 goals while conceding just one en route to the champions pool title.

NATIONAL FINAL KEY MOMENTS

Taylor Whetzel held off her defender in the 17th minute before hitting a shot from distance that dipped under the bar for the opening goal against Elmbrook United 10G Elite 64 (WI). Whetzel added a second in the 32nd minute to help set Columbus on its way to a 3-0 victory — giving the team its second National Championship in three seasons.

15U BOYS

MI Stars 10B Academy (MI)

PATH TO NATIONALS

MI Stars 10B Academy (MI) finished in second place in its NL Club Premier 2 division, and it got a taste of highly competitive nation-wide competition at the National League Semifinals in Texas. There, MI Stars qualified for Nationals and played three games decided by a goal or less.

NATIONAL FINAL KEY MOMENTS

A quick counter-attack turned a dangerous Tuzos Tucson Academy 10B E64 (AZ) free kick into a scoring opportunity for MI Stars. The Michigan keeper grabbed the ball off the set piece and played a quick long ball down the field. Some link-up play in the midfield led to a through ball that found Liam Trimble, who fired the Stars in front for the breakthrough goal in an eventual 3-0 title game victory.

16U Girls

Elmbrook United 09G Elite 64 (WI)

PATH TO NATIONALS

A first-place finish in its NL Club Premier 1 division showed that Elmbrook United 09G Elite 64 (WI) had the potential to make noise on the national stage. The Wisconsin side earned a chance to prove itself further by qualifying for Nationals via the National League Semifinals.

NATIONAL FINAL KEY MOMENTS

Elmbrook grabbed full control of the final match against Rebel Elite 09 Black (UT) with goal in quick succession that built a two-goal lead midway through the first half. Alivia Becker opened the scoring with a right-footed rocket to the near post in the 20th minute that left the goalkeeper with no chance to stop it. Just five minutes later, Kathryn Craddock finished a loose ball in front of goal to extend the lead and help fuel Elmbrook’s 5-1 title game victory.

16U BOYS

Raiders FC 2009 (IL)

PATH TO NATIONALS

Raiders FC 2009 (IL) qualified for Nationals through the National League Semifinals in California, where it followed up a loss in penalties by rattling off three straight wins to claim the wildcard pool’s ticket to Orlando. The triumph was followed by a title in its NL Team Premier 1 Midwest division, as Raiders entered the summer in top form.

NATIONAL FINAL KEY MOMENTS

After Raiders and KC Legends 09B Academy Red (KS) exchanged goals in the first half, the title game crept closer to regulation with no clear winner in sight. That changed in the 67th minute, when Kristopher Caravantes received a through ball in the left side of the box and bent his shot inside the far post for the game-winner in Raiders’ 2-1 triumph.

17U Girls

Michigan Tigers Elite 64 08G (MI)

PATH TO NATIONALS

All signs pointed to Michigan Tigers Elite 64 08G (MI) being a serious National title contender when it traveled to Orlando. The Tigers exceled in the regular season by winning their NL Club Premier 1 division. Their success continued at the National League Semifinals, where they went undefeated to claim the champions pool title and carry plenty of confidence into the National Championships.

NATIONAL FINAL KEY MOMENTS

After an early goal from Maya Bjedov put Michigan in front, the Tigers seized full control of the title matchup against Ambassadors FC 2008 Girls (OH) with two quick goals late in the second half. River Pham doubled the Tigers’ lead when she ran onto a ball at the top of the box and slotted her shot inside the right post, and Tatum Borton scored from distance shortly after the restart to seal the 3-0 National Championship win.

17U BOYS

Utah Celtic 08B E64 Bradley (UT)

PATH TO NATIONALS

With two straight National Championships to its name, Utah Celtic 08B E64 Bradley (UT) showed no signs of slowing down in the buildup to the 2025 National Championships. Celtic earned a chance to go for a three-peat by winning the champions pool at the National League Semifinals and added a first-place finish in its NL Club Premier 1 division, as well.

NATIONAL FINAL KEY MOMENTS

After three straight games decided by a goal or less, Celtic left little doubt in earning its third straight National Championship. In the final, Kobe Lerma headed the Utah side in front for the only goal in a close first half. However, Celtic’s Corbin Gardner hit a 50th-minute shot through traffic and into the far side-netting to open up the game and kick off a dominant second half that saw Utah pull away for a 5-0 victory.

“It’s unbelievable. Not many teams have won three times in a row,” Celtic defensive midfielder Ben Bradley said. “I’m just grateful to be a part of this team with a great family, great coaches and a bunch of boys that love each other. “It’s a lot of work, a lot of grinding, a lot of late nights and early mornings. It’s all worth it. All the work you put in leads to these kinds of moments, and we love to have these moments.”

19U Girls

Penn FC 07G Black (PA-E)

PATH TO NATIONALS

Penn FC 07G Black (PA-E) turned in a solid showing in its NL Team Premier 1 Mid Atlantic division — finishing third — and continued to round into form from there. The Eastern Pennsylvania side showcased offensive firepower in five straight wins at the Eastern Regional Championships in Virginia that helped it claim the regional title and move on to the National Championships.

NATIONAL FINAL KEY MOMENTS

The key moments for Penn FC can’t be limited to the final match, as the team approached the brink of elimination in a penalty kick shootout in the semifinals. However, goalkeeper Chelsea Coburn saved an attempt that would have ended Penn FC’s run, and her second straight save set up Kali O’Connell’s winning attempt that sent Penn FC to the title game.

Facing defending National Champion MI Rangers FC Elite 64 06/07G (MI) in the final, Penn FC faced another massive challenge when it fell behind by two goals. After Haley Bull gave Penn FC some life with a 68th-minute goal, Viktorya Luckenbach scored two goals in quick succession to fuel her side to the 3-2 comeback victory.

“It feels amazing to end our youth careers on this note,” Coburn said. “We played together in this last game and played for our team and did everything we could to just work together until the end. “Yesterday, in the semifinals, it came down to penalties. I had to save a couple to get to this game. We had to push through yesterday and had to push through today, so the win feels even better.”

19U BOYS

JaHbat B06 Premier 1 (IL)

PATH TO NATIONALS

The structure of the National League is intended to allow teams to earn their place through their play on the field, and no team exemplified that more than JaHbat B06 Premier 1 (IL). A NL Team Premier 2 division side, JaHbat took advantage of its opportunities and won the champions pool at the National League Semifinals to move on to Orlando.

NATIONAL FINAL KEY MOMENTS

In the final against Ohio Galaxies FC Elite 64 06/07B (OH), JaHbat ensured that the final place it would earn would be a place in the history books. A scoreless first half precluded a final 45 minutes that was filled with fireworks. Makhi Francis curled a free kick inside the near post to put JaHbat in front in the 52nd minute.

The Illinois side struck off another free kick in the 63rd minute when Joseph Sargent hammered a knocked down ball into an open net, and Francis perfectly shaped a left-footed strike just moments later that found the far side-netting to give JaHbat a 3-0 lead. That goal proved vital, as Ohio Galaxies fought back to within 3-2, but JaHbat held on to claim the James P. McGuire Cup as 19U Boys champions.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PHOTOS

2025 Nationals – Semifinals Recap

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.

2025 Nationals – Matchday 3 Recap

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 24, 2025) — Thursday marked the decision day at the 2025 US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life, in Orlando, Fla., as boys and girls teams in the 13U-19U age groups wrapped up group play and secured berths to the tournament’s knockout rounds.

Three of the four finalists in the 13U age group played in The National League during the 2024-25 season, and two of those three sides won their respective National League division.

In the 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U and 19U age groups, the top team in each four-team group earned advancement to semifinal matches that will be played on Saturday morning. Of the 40 teams that advanced to the weekend’s semifinals in those age groups, 38 played in National League competitions during the 2024-25 season.

The National Championships semifinalists include nine teams that won the champions pool at their National League Semifinal event, while two silver pool winners and seven wildcard pool winners also earned berths to the semifinals.

Meanwhile, 23 of the semifinalists finished in first place in their regular season division within the National League.

WILD FINISH IN 17U GIRLS GROUP C

With little separating the top-level teams at Nationals, each goal and each moment can be the difference in deciding which teams move on. That was no truer than in 17U Girls Group C, where Plymouth Reign 08 NL (MI) used an 89th-minute goal by Camryn Huhn to seal a semifinal berth following a wild group stage finale.

“We had to win by two, so it was really stressful,” Reign winger Aubrey Krischano said following her team’s 4-2 win. “We had all our attacking players go back into the back line to just clear it and make sure they didn’t score again. To get that last goal in the last couple minutes of the last half was really awesome, and we were all super stoked.”

Krischano joined Lauren Fowler and Huhn on the scoresheet, as she helped Reign build a 3-0 lead against group leader Los Angeles SC Elite 64 08G (CA-S). However, the Cal South side pulled within 3-2 — giving it the goal differential advantage in a three-way tie atop the standings.

But Huhn’s 89th-minute goal that completed her brace flipped the script and allowed Plymouth to continue its pursuit of the National title.

“We lost our first game, so we had to use that anger and momentum to get back up today,” Krischano said. “We knew coming into this, it was going to be our toughest game since they hadn’t lost. But we focused on winning every 15-minute increment to get it done.”

TITLE DEFENSE STILL ON FOR MICHIGAN RANGERS

In a must-win situation on Thursday, MI Rangers FC Elite 64 06/07G (MI) leaned on its big-game experience to secure a 3-2 win against 19U Girls Group A leader JB Marine Gold Garabedian 06G (MO). The victory allowed the 2024 National Champions to jump JB Marine in the group standings and extend their title defense — and final moments together as a group — to the weekend.

“It is a really cool opportunity to come back here again, and it’s our last time all playing together before we go off to college,” Rangers center midfielder Jordyn Klaasen said. “It’s really fun to be here with each other and get after it. It was really nice to get the win. Our team worked really hard together and busted our butts.”

Klaasen — a Ball State commit — played a key role in her team’s win, but it was Sydney Wilcox who first gave Rangers a vital lead when she scored in the 24th minute. Klaasen slotted a shot inside the far post later in the half to give Rangers a 2-0 lead.

That advantage nearly lasted until halftime, but Madison Mauch pulled a goal back for JB Marine in first-half stoppage time. With her side needing just a tie to advance out of Group A, Mauch completed a brace in the 66th minute — scoring a goal that put JB Marine in position to move on to the semifinals.

However, Klaasen recorded a brace of her own — hitting an unstoppable strike from distance that hit off the underside of the crossbar a 73rd minute goal that proved to be the game-winner.

TKO PREMIER WINS GROUP WITH A STATEMENT

When the day started, it was clear 15U Boys Group A was going to be decided on Field 20 at ESPN Wide World of Sports. The only question was which two-win team was going to take the group’s semifinal berth.

TKO Premier SC 10B Blue (MI) rode the momentum of an early goal to earn a 2-1 win against KBSC Elite 2010 (FL), giving the Michigan side a spot in the weekend’s knockout rounds.

“Going into this game we knew we had to tie or win to go through,” TKO attacking midfielder Osiel Magana Nieves said. “But we didn’t want to go on by tying, so we came in strong because we knew they are a good team, and we came out with the win.”

Dylan Ferreira put TKO up early with a fifth-minute goal before Juan Javier Avila equalized for KBSC in the 31st minute. But Ferreira gave TKO complete control of the group once more when he netted his second goal in the 66th minute — helping the Michigan side to the 2-1 win.

“It feels amazing to play with this group of guys. We have a great team,” Magana Nieves said. “I’m very excited for the semifinals because we’re going against another Michigan team. It’s a big rivalry, and we want to come out with the win.”

The action at the National Championships will continue with the 13U championship matches on Friday evening, followed by the 14U-19U semifinals on Saturday morning.

2025 Nationals – Matchday 2 Recap

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.

2025 Nationals – Matchday 1 Recap

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 22, 2025) — The 2025 US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life, kicked off Tuesday in Orlando, Fla., as 168 of the best teams in the country began their pursuit of history.

The field of teams includes 49 sides that qualified for Nationals by winning their respective pool at one of two National League Semifinal events during the 2024-25 season. Those teams were all in action on Tuesday, as they looked to build off the momentum of their earlier triumphs against some of the top teams from the National League.

In the 15U Boys age group, Tuzos Tucson Academy 10B E64 (AZ) picked up three points to begin Group B play with a 2-1 win — defeating ZYSA 10B Green NL (IN) in a tight matchup of NL Semifinals pool winners. Tuzos, a Silver Pool winner, knew the importance of a strong start at the National Championships.

“It means a lot to get this first win,” Tuzos right back/left winger Gabriel Kesitilwe said. “We’ve been trying to get to Nationals for a couple years now. Now that we’re finally here, it feels good to get a win and it motivates us to go further and further, and, hopefully, we can get to that final this year.”

The champions pool winners from National League Semifinals did especially well on Tuesday, as they recorded 12 wins, three losses and four draws. Overall, pool winners from all three levels of National League Semifinal events earned 23 wins, 14 losses and 12 draws, with 11 of the 14 defeats coming to other National League sides.

For many of the teams that battled through the National League events to get to Nationals, that experience provided great preparation for the biggest stage.

“Playing in the National League really helped us prepare for the competition here,” Kesitilwe said. “It really gave us an opportunity to play at the highest level in the league. Coming here, I feel like we’re prepared and ready to make a run to the finals.”

COLUMBUS UNITED LOOKING TO RECLAIM THE TITLE

Champions Pool winner Columbus United G10 Lions (OH) entered the week looking to regain the title of National Champions — which the team earned as a 13U side in 2023 — after it came up just short in the title game a year ago.

The 2024 finalists’ journey to reclaim the National title got off to an ideal start, as Columbus defeated NJ Nationals FC 2010 Girls Elite (NJ), 4-0, to move to the top of Group B. Zoey Davis ensured the Ohio side set off on the right foot when she put them in front just three minutes into the game, and Isabella Giannetti hammered a one-touch finish into the roof of the net to double the advantage just before halftime.

Cali Hejduk extended the lead in the 64th minute, and Taylor Whetzel capped the 4-0 win with a goal in stoppage time.

“We made it to the finals last year, and hopefully this year we can win,” Hejduk said. “We’ve been trying to get back in it, and we’ve been working really hard to get the cup back.

“In every game, we worked super hard. We’ve been training for this for a while now, and we’re really trying to get back in the final to win it.”

CELTIC GOING FOR THREE

After winning the Champions Pool at the NL Semifinals, Utah Celtic 08B E64 Bradley (UT) added even more fuel to a full tank of confidence and momentum it has built up over the past few seasons.

Their confidence likely rose even higher on Tuesday, as Utah side kicked off its quest for a third straight National Championship by securing a 3-1 win against Toca FC 08B Elite 64 (KS).

“We’re two-time defending champions, and we’re trying to go for a third one,” Utah Celtic winger Corbin Gardner said. “No one from Utah has ever won three before, and we’d love to make that statement and win three in a row.”

The tight battle of proven National League sides went scoreless until the 30th minute, when Celtic’s Blake Stuart opened the scoring. However, Toca replied minutes later with an Emmanuel Hernandez goal to level the score.

Celtic regained the lead in the 60th minute through a Jace Thomsen strike, and Brooks Barker’s goal eight minutes later added some breathing room as Utah claimed the win.

“Today’s win was very big because they’re very good team,” Gardner said. “Beating them gave us motivation to move on to the next round. We’re so focused. We’re staying hydrated and taking care of our bodies because we want that three-peat.”

The 2025 National Championships will continue on Wednesday when teams play their second of three group stage games. Games are being played the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.

153 National League teams to compete for youth soccer crown

FRISCO, Texas (July 17, 2025) — In less than a week, 168 of the best youth soccer teams in the country will be competing at the 2025 US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life, as they vie for the ultimate achievement in youth soccer.

Among the sides competing at Nationals in the Orlando, Fla., 153 teams competed in The National League during the 2024-25 season.

The US Youth Soccer National Championships crown the top youth soccer team in each of the 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U and 19U age groups for both boys and girls. The action kicks off with group play July 22-24, followed by the 13U title games on July 25. The remaining age groups play semifinal games on July 26, and the 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U and 19U champions will be crowned on July 27. National League teams have historically captured a large majority of the National Championships, and the sides set to compete this year will be aiming to add to that legacy.

The Standouts

Just one team — 15U Boys Sparta Elite 64 10B (UT) — is heading to the National Championships in pursuit of its fourth major title of the 2024-25 season. The Utah side won its NL Club Premier 1 division during the league season by going unbeaten, and it added a Champions Pool title at the National League Semifinals in Oceanside, Calif. Most recently, Sparta ran the table at the Far West Regional Championships in Boise, Idaho, where it claimed the Regional title.

If Sparta 10B can navigate the upcoming challenges at the National Championships, it could match the historic accolades garnered by the club’s 2006 Boys team, which produced a four-title season of its own in 2022-23 — winning its Elite 64 division, the Elite 64 National Finals, the Far West Regional Championship and the US Youth Soccer National Championship.

Meanwhile, 15U Girls TFA Elite 64 10G (OH) has also compiled a sparkling resume during the 2024-25 season. The Ohio side qualified for the National Championships by winning all three of its Wildcard Pool games at the National League Semifinals in Round Rock, Texas.

TFA’s performance at the National League’s events foreshadowed a standout spring and summer that has seen it add two more titles to its name. It first compiled a perfect 13-0-0 record to finish on top of its NL Club Premier 1 division, and it built off that performance to go on and win the Midwest Regional Championship in Overland Park, Kan. Now, TFA will aim to maintain that pristine record and cap its strong season with the US Youth Soccer National Championship.

In-Form Teams

A strong collection of teams is heading to the National Championships after winning multiple titles across National League competitions and the Regional Championships.

Teams that won their National League division and the Champions Pool at the National League Semifinals (8): Ambassadors FC 2008 Girls (OH), Michigan Tigers Elite 64 08G (MI), PPA 10G Green (MD), Rhode Island Surf B11 Elite Blue (RI), Sparta Elite 64 10B (UT), Steel City FC Elite 64 06/07G (PA-W), Steel City FC Elite 64 09G (PA-W), Utah Celtic 08B E64 Bradley (UT)

Teams that won their National League division and the Silver Pool at the National League Semifinals (2): Imperial SC 09B (TX-S), Strikers Miami FC Elite 64 09B (FL)

Teams that won their National League division and the Wildcard Pool at the National League Semifinals (7): Azzurri Storm Elite 64 07B (FL), *CarShield FC 11G Academy NL (MO), *FC Dallas ETX 07G Premier (TX-N), MFA Revolution GR 08B Elite (MI), Raiders FC 2009 (IL), *Team Chicago 11 Boys Elite 64 RL (IL), YMS 10B Premier United (PA-E)

*No pool final but won all three games during the NL Semifinals

Teams that won their National League division and their respective USYS Regional Championship (18): Aggies FC 09B Blue (UT), City SC Utah 12G (UT), Elmbrook United 12G Elite 64 (WI), Galaxy SC 09B Elite 64 (IL), KBSC Elite 2010 (FL), LA Force 07G Elite (LA), Legacy 08 Boys Green (TX-S), LI Slammers Boys 2010 (NY-E), LT Elite SGA 11B Premier (TX-S), LT Elite SGA 12B Premier (TX-S), NC Rush Triad 09 Blue (NC), NUSA 07 Boys Maroon (TN), Players 08 Boys Elite (NV), Ponys F.C. 2010 (IL), Rebel Elite 09 Black (UT), Seacoast United Maine 09B Elite (ME), Toca FC 08B Elite 64 (KS), Western United Pioneers 12B Elite Red (MA)

Team Origins

The National League teams that are preparing to compete at the National Championships represent all areas of the country. On the team-based side, all 13 conferences have multiple teams in the field in Orlando. Meanwhile, the NL Club Premier 1 divisions produced 53 National Championship qualifiers, and the NL Club Premier 2 divisions are represented by 18 teams.

Among the team-based divisions, the Midwest’s 13 qualifiers lead the way, followed closely by the Frontier and Great Lakes (11 each) and the Mid Atlantic (10). In NL Club Premier 1, the Midwest leads the way with 19 qualified teams, followed by the Great Lakes with 12 and the Northwest with 10.

League play within the National League also proved to be a good indicator of success on the national stage, as 76 teams — nearly half of the field playing in Orlando — finished in first place in their National League division. In all, more than 126 of the teams playing at Nationals finished in the top 3 of their National League division.

Drag the slider (left-right) to see where qualifiers finished in NL league standings and from which areas of the country they come from.

Defending Champs & Challengers

Five teams that won National titles in 2024 are back again in 2025, and each played in The National League during the regular season. See the pathway each team took in 2024-25 to return to Orlando for a chance to defend their titles:

The Football Academy NJ 11B Black (NJ) — Qualified for Nationals by winning the Champions Pool title at the NL Semifinals in Oceanside, where it scored 14 goals and conceded none.
Ponys F.C. 2010 (IL) — Finished in first place in the Midwest division of NL Team Premier 1 and qualified for Nationals via the NL Semifinals in Round Rock. It also won the Midwest Regional Championship.
Aspire FC 09B Black (TX-S) — Finished in fourth place in the Frontier division of NL Team Premier 1 and qualified for Nationals via the NL Semifinals in Oceanside, where it narrowly lost in the Champions Pool final.
Utah Celtic 08B E64 Bradley (UT) — Finished in first place in its NL Club Premier 1 division and won the Champions Pool at the NL Semifinals in Round Rock.
MI Rangers FC Elite 64 06/07G (MI) — Finished second in its NL Club Premier 1 division and won all three of its Wildcard Pool games at the NL Semifinals in Round Rock to qualify for Nationals.

Additionally, six teams that finished as runners-up at Nationals in 2024 are back in the field for the 2025 National Championships. Each returning finalist earned its place in Orlando by qualifying through the National League Semifinals, and several secured titles during regular season competitions.

Columbus United G11 Lions (OH) — Won the Great Lakes division (NL Team Premier 1).
The Football Academy 10B Black (NJ)
Columbus United G10 Lions (OH) — Won the Champions Pool at the NL Semifinals in Round Rock.
Galaxy SC 08B Elite 64 (IL) — Finished second in its NL Club Premier 1 division.
FW United Elite 64 08G (IN) — Finished first in its NL Club Premier 1 division.
FW United Elite 64 06/07G (IN) — Finished second in its NL Club Premier 1 division.

Last year, 40 percent of the returning finalists managed to claim National Championships on their second try. These teams will be aiming to do the same when they take the field next week in Orlando.

120 National League Reps Punch Tickets to 2025 Nationals

Qualifiers (List)

Qualifiers (Gallery)

FRISCO, Texas (May 14, 2025) — After an exciting 2024-25 event season, 120 teams from The National League have secured their place in the 2025 USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life.

The National League representatives — featuring boys and girls teams in the 14U-19U age groups — will join representatives from the upcoming USYS Regional Championships to compete at the National Championships, which take place July 22-27 in Orlando, Fla.

Each National League team that qualified for Nationals did so by proving itself against some of the top competition in the country. A field of more than 780 teams started at the National League Quarterfinals level and eventually pared down to the 120 sides that punched their tickets to Nationals through top performances at one of the two National League Semifinal events.

+ VIEW: See the list of 120 National Championships qualifiers

“The semifinals in Texas, and California each featured great performances, and the teams battling to secure their place at the National Championships added even more excitement to great environments,” said Marc Frankland, National League General Manager. “Congratulations to all the teams that are moving on to Nationals, and thanks to everyone who contributed to a great National League event season.”

The National Championship qualifiers from the National League events feature teams from 25 different USYS State Associations. Ohio leads the way with 12 qualifiers, while Illinois is close behind with 10.

In total, 85 different clubs have secured at least one berth to the National Championships, and 25 clubs have multiple teams set to compete this July in Orlando. City SC Utah (UT) and Los Angeles SC (CA-S) each qualified four teams to lead all clubs.

Among the qualifiers are six defending USYS National Champions who are looking to defend their titles. For more information on the 2025 USYS National Championships, click here.

To learn more about to the formats of the National League events for the upcoming 2025-26 season, click here.

Applications for team-based divisions within the National League are now being accepted. Click here for information on applications and deadlines in your area of the country.

National League teams claim 13 of 14 titles at 2024 Nationals

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 29, 2024) — The 2024 US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life, wrapped up on Sunday in Orlando, Fla., as the week ended with National League teams claiming 13 of the 14 National titles.

Among the winners, 16U Boys Utah Celtic was the lone team to repeat as champions after the team won in 2023 as a 15U side.

“To go back-to-back is just surreal,” Utah Celtic forward Brooks Barker said. “The first time, we thought it was hard. This year, we came out and it was three times harder. We had to come back twice, and the glory of winning it twice is just unbelievable.”

The 13 champions from the National League came from eight different USYS State Associations. Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, and South Texas each had two teams win championships, while Kansas, Nevada and Utah each had one.

Elite 64 teams secured five National titles, while seven of the National Champions played in Premier 1 Divisions of the conferences, and one team played in a Premier 2 division. The majority of title-winning teams had very strong performances in the regular season, as six finished in first place in their National League division, while five finished in second place.

Eleven of the new USYS National Champions played in National League P.R.O. in 2023-24. Three of those sides won champions pool titles and two won silver pool brackets.

“We went against a lot of good teams and worked really hard,” said Alyssa Carrasco, center back for Las Vegas Surf SC 09G Elite 64 (NV). “It was a great experience. We’ve been working really hard at practice, so it feels great to finally accomplish this.”

The road to the title

Meet the newly crowned USYS National Champions from the National League and see the path each took to lifting the trophy.

13U Girls

HTX 12 (TX-S)

Path to Nationals

HTX 12 (TX-S) won the Premier 1 division of the Frontier Conference and secured the title at the Southern Regional Championships to move on to Orlando.

National final key moments

A tight defensive battle against fellow National League side Columbus United 11G Lions (OH) required extra time and penalties to decide a winner. HTX keeper Madison Smith saved one attempt and Caroline Synnott fired the winning penalty inside the left post to give HTX the 13U Girls National Championship.

13U BOYS

The Football Academy NJ 11B Black (NJ)

Path to Nationals

After winning the Premier 1 division of the Mid Atlantic Conference, The Football Academy NJ 11B Black (NJ) traveled to West Virginia and claimed the Eastern Regional Championship.

National final key moments

A strong first half powered The Football Academy to a 3-0 victory against BLFC Premiership 11 (IL) in the championship game. Joel Ahn opened the scoring in the 18th minute, and Mason Cominski doubled the New Jersey side’s advantage just a few minutes later. Alejandro Berrio pushed the advantage to 3-0 just before halftime, and The Football Academy remained organized in the second half to hold on for a clean sheet that secured the National title.

14U Girls

Galaxy SC 10G NL (IL)

Path to Nationals

Galaxy SC 10G NL (IL) finished fourth in the Premier 1 division of the Midwest Conference, but it showed fine form on the national stage. After advancing to National League P.R.O., the Illinois side won the champions pool in Oceanside to head to Orlando with momentum.

National final key moments

Galaxy broke open a tight championship game against defending champion Columbus United G10 Lions (OH) with three second half goals to secure a 3-0 shutout victory.

After a scoreless first half, Aubrey Guskey gave Galaxy the lead when she held off a pair of defenders to record a 42nd-minute goal. Columbus pushed for an equalizer, but the Illinois side instead managed to double its advantage with a headed goal from Quinn Fahey at the hour mark. Samantha Latawiec added a stunning insurance goal shortly after, as she caught the keeper slightly off her line and perfectly struck a shot from 30 yards out that flew into the back of the net — sealing the 3-0 win.

14U BOYS

Ponys FC 2010 (IL)

Path to Nationals

Last year’s National finalists, Ponys FC 2010 (IL) put together a fifth-place finish in the Premier 1 division of the Midwest Conference. In February in Tampa, the team won all three of its games to win the silver pool and secure a spot back at the National Championships.

National final key moments

After coming up just short in 2023, Ponys FC found itself moments away from another runner-up finish at Nationals. However, two stoppage time goals against The Football Academy 2010 Boys Black (NJ) set up a penalty kick shootout that the Illinois side won to claim the 14U Boys title.

TFA appeared to be on its way to the club’s second National title of 2024, as Evan Johnson and Alex Pando each scored in the opening 14 minutes to give the New Jersey side a 2-0 advantage. That scoreline held until the first minute of second-half stoppage time, when Andrew Collins sent a looping header off a long free kick into the net to give Ponys a lifeline.

Ponys won a free kick in the attacking half a couple minutes later on a play that resulted in the TFA keeper being sent off for a second yellow card. The ensuring free kick saw the substitute keeper make an initial save, but Anthony Vega finished the follow-up attempt to level the game and send it to overtime. A scoreless two overtime periods led to penalties, and Edgar Brigido netted the clinching penalty to give Ponys the National title.

15U Girls

Las Vegas Surf SC 09G Elite 64 (NV)

Path to Nationals

For the second straight season, Las Vegas Surf SC 09G Elite 64 (NV) put in an impressive regular season to win the Pacific division of Elite 64. On the national event stage, Surf continued its strong play, as it won the champions pool at National League P.R.O. in Oceanside — leaving the National Championship as the final competition to conquer.

National final key moments

Las Vegas Surf overcame an early deficit against MIFC 2009 Girls (FL) by responding with three unanswered goals to claim a 3-1 victory and the 15U Girls National title. The championship game saw MIFC take a 10th-minute lead behind a goal from Vienna Morgan. However, Surf equalized in the 54th minute when a shot from a tight angle deflected off a defender and into the net. The Nevada side took the lead on a long shot from Alondra Rivera in the 77th minute and added a stoppage time goal by Madalynn Smith to secure the National Championship.

15U BOYS

Aspire FC 09B Black (TX-S)

Path to Nationals

Aspire FC 09B Black (TX-S) finished in second place in the Premier 1 division of the Frontier Conference and secured advancement to the National Championships through National League P.R.O. in Tampa.

National final key moments

The South Texas side saved its best performances for Nationals in Orlando and capped its run with a 6-1 win over Miami Breakers FC 2009 Black (FL) in the final. Carlos Reyes had a standout game that saw him net an amazing five goals — including four in the first half, capped off by a deft chip of a bouncing ball in first-half stoppage time. Fernando Mendoza scored a 19th-minute goal for Miami that resulted in a 4-1 score line at the break, but the Breakers also went down a man late in the half. Reyes added his final goal in the 44th minute, and Santiago Arriazola added a late tally to cap the victory that gave Aspire the 15U Boys National title.

16U Girls

Team Boca 08G Elite 64 (FL)

Path to Nationals

Team Boca 08G Elite 64 (FL) showed consistency during the regular season en route to winning the Southeast division of Elite 64. The Florida side competed in the champions pool at National League P.R.O. in Tampa, where it qualified for the National Championships.

National final key moments

A back-and-forth 16U Girls championship game saw Team Boca hold off Fort Wayne United 08G Elite 64 (IN), 4-2, to win the National title. Adrianna Gonzalez powered a strong start for the Florida side, as she recorded a brace in the opening five minutes to put Team Boca in front, 2-0. Fort Wayne fought back early in the second half, as Grace Mann scored in the 44th minute, and Channing Xayarath equalized with a 53rd-minute strike from distance.

Team Boca recaptured the momentum in the 69th minute, as a low cross from the right wing found Colbie Pirchio, who finished inside the left post. Mary Hartofilis lifted an 80th-minute shot over the keeper to wrap up the 4-2 win and give Team Boca the National Championship.

16U BOYS

Utah Celtic FC 08B (UT)

Path to Nationals

Defending National Champion Utah Celtic FC 08B (UT) finished in second place in the Premier 1 division of the Desert Conference. After advancing to February’s National League P.R.O. event in Tampa, the Utah side won all three games to win the silver pool title and secure a berth to Nationals.

National final key moments

A second straight clean sheet helped power Utah Celtic to its second straight title, as it defeated Galaxy SC 08B Elite 64 (IL), 2-0, in the 16U Boys title game. Blake Stuart put Utah Celtic in front in the 26th minute, as he danced around the defense at the top of the box and cut his right-footed shot inside the left post. Galaxy pushed for an equalizer for nearly an hour before Brooks Barker sealed the victory for Utah. After his initial shot was saved, Barker quickly hit the rebound past the keeper to give Celtic the 2-0 win that helped the team lift the National Championship trophy for a second consecutive year.

17U Girls

Nationals Union 07 Girls Black (MI)

Path to Nationals

Nationals Union 07 Girls Black (MI) won the Premier 2 division of the Midwest Conference and qualified for the National Championships by winning the champions pool at National League P.R.O. in Tampa.

National final key moments

In a championship game full of twists and turns, Nationals Union held off Aztec 07 Girls (MA), 3-2, in extra time. Aztec gained an initial lead thanks to a Molly Vana goal in the 16th minute, but Presley Jones replied six minutes later to equalize for Nationals. That kickstarted a banner day for Jones, who gave the Michigan side the lead in the 40th minute by running on to a cross and finishing into an open net.

The Massachusetts side’s Georgia Prouty curled a left-footed shot past the Nationals keeper in the 61st minute to tie the game, and the two sides needed extra time to determine the National Champion. In stoppage time of the first overtime period, Jones made a back post run and tapped in a cross for what proved to be the championship-winning goal.

17U BOYS

Toca FC 07B Elite 64 (KS)

Path to Nationals

A second-place finish in the Midwest division of Elite 64 was an example of the consistency showed by Toca FC 07B Elite 64 (KS) this season. The Kansas side did well at its national events, and it earned its place in Orlando by winning twice in the champions pool at National League P.R.O. in Tampa.

National final key moments

After knocking off the defending champions in the semifinals, Toca completed its title quest with a 3-0 win against Hoosier FC 07 Elite Wolves I (IN) in the 17U Boys final. In the 12th minute, Crew Alvarez ran on to a through ball and found the back of the net from a tight angle to give Toca the 1-0 lead. The Kansas side doubled its lead through a 34th-minute corner kick, as defender Duncan Black made a near post run and headed the ball into the back of the net. Black added his second just minutes later, as he remained forward following a corner kick and got his first on a cross to redirect the ball past the keeper. Toca’s defense did the rest, as it kept its third clean sheet of the event to win the 17U Boys title.

18U BOYS

Strikers Miami FC 06B Elite (FL)

Path to Nationals

Strikers Miami FC 06B Elite (FL) finished in first place in the Premier 1 division of the Sunshine Conference and competed at National League P.R.O. The Florida side qualified for the National Championships by winning the Southern Regional Championship in June.

National final key moments

A defensive stalemate between Strikers Miami and Kansas Rush Academy 2006 (KS) required extra time to determine the 18U Boys National Champion. After a scoreless 90 minutes, the two teams moved on overtime. In the 94th minute, a foul at the top of the box resulted in a penalty kick for Strikers. Pedro Arrieta stepped up to the spot and hammered his penalty down the middle for the game’s lone goal, as the Florida side secured the National title.

19U Girls

Michigan Rangers FC 05/06G Elite 64 (MI)

Path to Nationals

Michigan Rangers FC 05/06G Elite 64 (MI) recorded a pair of second place finishes this season — starting with a runner-up finish in the Midwest division of Elite 64. Michigan advanced to the champions pool title game at National League P.R.O. in Tampa, where it qualified for the National Championships.

National final key moments

In a tight championship game, Michigan Rangers held on for a 2-1 win against Fort Wayne United 05/06G Elite 64 (IN) to win the National title. Rangers grabbed a 12th-minute lead in the matchup of Elite 64 sides when Alexa Boersma rose up to send a looping head a corner kick just under the bar for the opening goal. Michigan made it 2-0 in the final seconds of the first half when Ava Lutke’s tight angle shot flew inside the far post. Josslyn Goss finished from close range to pull Fort Wayne within a goal in the 87th minute, but Michigan held on to earn the 2-1 victory and claim the 19U Girls title.

19U BOYS

Cedar Stars 05/06B Elite 64 (NJ)

Path to Nationals

Cedar Stars 05/06B Elite 64 (NJ) finished second in the Northeast division of Elite 64, and it advanced to National League P.R.O. The New Jersey side won the Eastern Regional Championships in early July to earn a place at Nationals.

National final key moments

Cedar Stars added to the many dramatic moments in the history of the storied James P. McGuire Cup, as it came back to win, 3-2, in the 19U Boys championship game against two-time defending National Champion Libertyville FC 1974 Elite (IL).

The Libertyville side appeared on its way to a third straight title — and fourth overall — when it built a two-goal lead. Oscar Martinez scored on a spinning half volley in the 19th minute, and Frankie Jimenez used some superb individual skill to add a second for the Illinois side in the 40th minute.

Cristian Oliveira pulled a goal back for Cedar Stars in the 72nd minute, and Kwaku Agyabeng curled a perfectly placed free kick into the left upper-90 to level the score at 2-2 in the 82nd minute. In the first minute of stoppage time, a cross intended for Harrison Garcia from Martin Pulgarin Aguirre tucked into the far side netting for the goal that gave Cedar Stars the win and added it to the long list of McGuire Cup champions.

USYS National Championships – Semifinals & 18U Finals

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 27, 2024) — The 2024 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.

In addition to the semifinals, Saturday morning also saw the 18U National Champions crowned. Sunshine Conference winner Strikers Miami FC 2006 Elite (FL) secured a 1-0 win in extra time to secure the 18U Boys National Championship.

“It feels amazing. Unbelievable. It’s crazy. I never thought I would be here,” said Strikers Miami forward Pedro Arrieta. “I was injured earlier this year, but we’re back and better, and we won the National Championship. I’m so happy. It’s an amazing, surreal feeling.”

In the 18U Girls final, Midwest Conference winner Wheaton United 2006G Academy made a frantic comeback to tie the match in stoppage time but eventually fell, 5-4, in extra time to NCFC Youth Elite (NC).

The 18U title-winners joined the 13U champions, who lifted their trophies on Friday night. A pair of National League sides — HTX 12 (TX-S) and The Football Academy NJ 11B Black (NJ) — won the girls and boys titles, respectively, in the event’s youngest age group.

After Saturday morning’s action, 20 teams now know they are one win away from joining the first four 2024 National Champions at the pinnacle of youth soccer.

The remaining National Championships finals include 19 teams that played in the National League during the 2023-24 season. The National League teams include nine sides that won their regular season division and seven sides that finished in second place.

Several of the remaining teams did well in National League P.R.O., as six won champions pool titles and two won their silver pool brackets.

Two clubs, Fort Wayne United (IN) and Galaxy SC (IL), have two teams in Sunday’s finals, while The Football Academy (NJ) has one team that will aim to add to the 13U Boys title the club claimed on Friday night.

To advance to the championship final, it takes hard work not only during the week in Orlando or across the season, but over the course of several years.

“Two years ago, we lost in the finals for State Cup,” said center back Finnley Crawford of Fort Wayne United 08G Elite 64 (IN). “Last year, we went into two overtimes in the State Cup final and went to Regionals, where we won one game and lost two. This year, we’re going to the National Championship final, so we’ve grown a lot.”

Ponys overcomes early deficit to earn return to final

For the second straight season, Ponys FC 2010 (IL) is heading to the National Championship final after it defeated Barca Academy Pro Miami B10 (FL), 3-1, on Saturday.

Barca took an 11th-minute lead behind a Mikhail Louis-Pierre goal, but Ponys responded late in the first half. Fabian Lopez equalized with a 34th minute strike, and Michael Panduro put the Illinois side in front when he scored three minutes later, just before the halftime whistle blew.

Geovanni Morales added an insurance goal in the 53rd minute, and Ponys secured the 3-1 win and a return trip to the National final — where the team will aim to capture the title after coming up just short a year ago.

“It feels really good to get back to the final after last year,” Panduro said. “We lost it last year, but we’re going to win it this year. We’re very thankful. It takes a lot of sacrifices, so we’re very glad to get back here.”

Fort Wayne United advances to the 16U Girls final

A pair of late first-half goals helped power Fort Wayne United 08G Elite 64 (IN) to a 3-1 win against Chattanooga Red Wolves 08G (TN) to advance to the 16U Girls championship game.

Braylee Morris netted an opener for Fort Wayne in the 39th minute, and Allison Heine doubled the advantage just minutes later when she found the back of the net in stoppage time.

Emily Betterton pulled a goal back for Chattanooga in the 58th minute, but Channing Xayarath added a late insurance goal for the Indiana side, as Fort Wayne held on for the victory.

“It took a lot of hard work to get here. Our coaches have done a really good job of helping us stay committed and picking up intensity during practice,” Fort Wayne center back Finnley Crawford said. “We’ve all just trusted each other through the process, with new girls coming into the team and a lot of girls who have been playing together for a while. Building that trust and connection has really helped us get this far.”

USYS National Championships – Matchday 3

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 25, 2024) — Thursday marked the decision day at the 2024 US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life, in Orlando, Fla., as boys and girls teams in the 13U-19U age groups wrapped up group play and secured berths to the tournament’s knockout rounds.

Five of the eight finalists in the 13U and 18U age groups played in the National League during the 2023-24 season, and four of those five sides won their respective conference.

In the 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U and 19U age groups, the top team in each four-team group earned advancement to semifinal matches that will be played on Saturday morning. Of the 40 teams that advanced to the weekend’s semifinals in those age groups, 39 played in National League competitions during the 2023-24 season.

“We knew we had to come out today balling,” said Miami Breakers 09B (FL) winger Gabriel Perrotti after a must-win contest for advancement. “We got the win, so now we’re going through. For me, it means everything. It’s my last season here at this club, where I’ve played my whole life, and the truth is I wouldn’t want it to end any other way.”

The National Championships semifinalists include 12 teams that won the champions pool at their National League P.R.O. event, while six runners-up from P.R.O. events also advanced to this weekend’s semifinals in Orlando. Four silver pool winners and five wildcard pool winners also earned berths to the semifinals. Overall, each of the 39 semifinalists that played the National League advanced out of their respective playoff events and played at a National League P.R.O. event.

Nineteen of the semifinalists finished in first place in their regular season division within the National League, and 11 finished as regular season runners-up.

Galaxy 08B comes through in must-win game

Tied atop 16U Boys Group C with four points apiece, Galaxy SC 08B Elite 64 (IL) and AC Brea B08 (CA-S) knew one of the sides would earn the group’s spot in the semifinals.

Galaxy, which needed all three points to guarantee advancement, grabbed an early lead behind a 4th-minute goal from Oliver Brosnahan. The Illinois side maintained that lead until the 48th minute, when AC Brea’s Antonio Diaz Madrid ran on to a long ball played behind the back line and found the back of the net with his first-touch shot.

While a tied score line would mean AC Brea’s advancement, that scenario did not last long. Just five minutes after the equalizer, Galaxy regained the lead thanks to a Ryan Gervase goal. The defender’s tally proved to be the winner, as the Illinois side held on for the 2-1 win.

“All the parents knew we had to win the game. Everyone knew. The other team knew, so they were playing to tie or win,” Gervase said. “I’ve been on this team for about 10 years. It’s my first time at Nationals, and it’s a big opportunity to score the winning goal to make it to the semifinals and have a chance to win the National title.”

DASC wins battle of former champions

In the 19U Girls age group, 2023 17U National Champion DASC Black (SD) faced a must-win situation against Group A leader NOSC Blast 05G Sahara (MN), which featured several players returning from the Blast side that won last year’s 19U National title.

The experience on the biggest stage shared between both teams was evident, as the two sides battled for 90 minutes in a game that featured plenty of momentum swings.

After a scoreless first half, Elizabeth Castelli began a frantic second half by scoring in the 53rd minute to give DASC a 1-0 lead. The South Dakota side doubled its advantage around the hour mark on an Aftyn Murray strike.

NOSC replied minutes later to pull within a goal, as Meghan Przybilla ran on to a cross into the box and hit her first-time shot into the back of the net. The Minnesota side got the tying goal that had the potential to put it through to the semifinals in the 72nd minute, when Molly Burkstrand hit a shot form distance the dipped under the bar.

In the final minutes of regulation, DASC earned a series of corners that ended with Makenzie Nelson making a back post run and hammering a volley into the roof of the net. DASC held on in the waning moments to earn the 3-2 win and advance out of Group A to the semifinals.

“Playing another team that also won Nationals last year is a huge opportunity for us to even get better as a team,” Nelson said. “We came into this game needing to win and wanting to win. We had that all throughout the game. We gave it everything we could and came up with the win.”