National Events

Elite 64 Playoffs schedule set for Arizona event

FRISCO, Texas (Oct. 4, 2023) — The game schedule is now available for the USYS National League Elite 64 Playoffs taking place next month in Mesa, Ariz.

View the Schedule

The Elite 64 Playoffs in Arizona will feature boys and girls teams in the 13U through 19U age groups. The girls will take the fields first, with games scheduled for Nov. 3-6, and the boys will compete the following weekend, Nov. 10-13. All games in Arizona will be played at the Legacy Sports Complex.

The 14U-19U teams paying in Arizona will be competing for a chance to advance to National League P.R.O. for a chance to ultimately qualify for the 2024 USYS National Championships.

“It is always great bringing such talented teams and players together, and the Elite 64 Playoffs will provide a fantastic setting for youth soccer,” said Simon Collins, USYS National League Commissioner. “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 six teams that won titles at the 2023 Elite 64 National Finals — Legends FC Elite 64 10G, South Valley Surf SC Elite 64 09G, South Valley Surf SC Elite 64 08G, Legends FC (CA) Elite 64 07G, Los Angeles SC Elite 64 09B and Sparta United Elite 64 06B.

Teams playing in Arizona are divided 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 Elite 64 Playoffs 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 — National League P.R.O. — vary per pool.

For teams playing in Arizona that earn advancement, their National League P.R.O. event will take place in May 2024 in Oceanside, Calif. At that event, they will compete against fellow Elite 64 teams and top teams from the National League Conferences to determine which sides advance to the USYS National Championships.

Click here for more details on the Elite 64 Playoffs – Arizona.

Field Of Teams Announced For 2023-24 Conference Playoffs

FRISCO, Texas (Aug. 23, 2023) — The USYS National League has announced the full field of teams that will compete in the 2023 National League Conference Playoffs, which will be played this December at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla.

View the list of teams: BOYS | GIRLS

The Conference Playoffs include play for boys and girls teams in the 14U (2010), 15U (2009), 16U (2008), 17U (2007) and 18/19U (2006/05) age groups.

The Conference Playoffs will feature more than 350 top-performing teams from the past year of competition in the 13 National League Conferences, which comprise the National League’s team-based league format. Each side earned its place in the Conference Playoffs, either via automatic qualification or by securing an open slot selection through its recent on-field accomplishments.

“Each one of these teams has earned its place in the National League Conference Playoffs, which will make for a great event full of special teams and talented players,” said Simon Collins, USYS National League Commissioner. “Every team has an opportunity to get a step closer to advancing to the USYS National Championships, and we can’t wait to see them all compete in this stage of their journey.”

THE TEAMS

The 2023 Conference Playoffs will feature 92 teams that qualified for the 2023 National Championships in the 13U through 18U age groups, including 25 semifinalists, eight finalists and six champions.

In all, the Conference Playoffs will consist of teams from 39 of the 54 USYS State Associations. State Associations with participating teams include: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California South, Colorado, Connecticut, Eastern New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Texas, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania West, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, South Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

THE PATHWAY

Teams in the Conference Playoffs will be placed in groups of four and play each opponent in its group once over the course of three days of play. The top three teams in each group of four will advance to National League P.R.O., which is the second stage of the National League’s national events.

At National League P.R.O., the teams that advance from the Conference Playoffs will be joined by teams that advance from the Elite 64 Playoffs — out of the National League’s club-based format — and all competing teams will vie for berths to the 2024 USYS National Championships.

The game schedule for 2023 Conference Playoffs will be posted around mid-October.

Click here for more info on National League event dates and locations.

National League Teams Capture 12 of 14 USYS National Championships

The US Youth Soccer National Championships came to an exciting conclusion on Sunday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla., as USYS National League teams enjoyed a very strong showing — claiming 12 of a possible 14 titles across all age groups.

VIEW ALL RESULTS

National League P.R.O. proved to be an excellent indication of what was to come at the National Championships. Five of the National Champions also finished in first place in National League P.R.O., and two National title-winners finished in second place in National League P.R.O.

The depth of the National League Conferences was also evident based on the results in Orlando, as four conference winners claimed National Championships, while second-place (3), third-place (1) and fourth-place (1) conference teams ended their weeks by lifting up championship trophies.

Take a quick look at the path to the National title for each of the National League sides…

13U GIRLS

Columbus United G10 Lions (OH) finished in first place in the Great Lakes Conference, thanks to a win over second-place BVBIA Pittsburgh. The Ohio side finished 6-1-1 with 19 points — the same as BVB — but used the head-to-head win to claim the top spot in the standings. At the Midwest Regional Championships, Columbus won its group with a 2-0-1 record and capped a strong tournament with a 4-0 win in the final.

Two shutout victories to start its week at the National Championships helped Columbus clinch a spot in the final. Its last group play game resulted in a tie against Frontier Conference winner Solar 11G Shepard, in what was a preview of the final. When the two met in the championship game, Columbus continued with its strong defensive play to record its fourth shutout in Orlando. The Ohio side generated a pair of late goals to secure the 2-0 victory and claim the 13U Girls National Championship.

14U GIRLS

Trips to the mainland resulted in historic success for FC Hawaii 09G Red (HI) during the 2022-23 season. The journey began with an undefeated run through the Desert Conference, which saw FC Hawaii finish in first place. The Hawaiians won six games and tied once over two events to win the conference and secure a spot at the Far West Regionals. FC Hawaii started Regionals with four decisive victories before grinding out one-goal games in the semis and finals to win the regional title.

At Nationals, FC Hawaii drew, 1-1, in its opening game before securing a 1-0 victory on the second day of play. In a must-win third group game, Hawaii shut out Keystone FC Premier 09G to jump to the top of the group and secure a semifinal berth. The team’s offensive prowess proved to be the deciding factor in the next to games, as it secured 4-1 and 3-1 wins to claim the 14U Girls National Championship — the state’s first National title for a girls team.

14U BOYS

Club Ohio 09 National (OH) began its run to the National title by testing itself against National League P.R.O. competition. Across events in Round Rock and Tampa, the Ohio side went undefeated and capped its event schedule with a key 2-0 win against Team Boca to jump to the top of the standings. In its seventh game against BVBIA Pittsburgh, Club Ohio earned a 1-0 victory to clinch the group title in a hard-fought race at the top.

After two wins to open its week at Nationals, Club Ohio earned a necessary draw in its final group play game to earn the berth to the semifinals. The Ohio side struck for two goals in rapid succession during its semifinal against Team Boca to take a 2-0 victory. In the final, one goal was all that was needed, as Club Ohio shut out in-state foe Sporting Columbus 09 Academy to earn a 1-0 victory and win the 14U Boys National Championship.

15U GIRLS

For Galaxy SC 2008 (IL), the journey to defend its National Championship began with a strong campaign in National League P.R.O. The Illinois side won all six of its games across the competition’s two events, as it outscored opponents 22-to-1 en route to winning Group A.

After finishing its P.R.O. season with four straight clean sheets, Galaxy continued its stifling defense with a pair of shutout wins to begin group play at Nationals. It clinched a spot in the semifinals with a 3-1 win against NJ Premier in its third game in Orlando. A 1-0 win in the semifinals allowed Galaxy to advance to the final, where it defeated Germantown Lady Legends 08 Black, 2-0, to win its second straight National Championship.

15U BOYS

Utah Celtic FC 08 Boys (UT) enjoyed plenty of success in National League play leading into the National Championships. Celtic finished second in the Desert Conference and saved its best performances for National League P.R.O., where it went a perfect 7-0-0 to win Group B. During its P.R.O. campaign, Celtic outscored opponents 24-to-2.

Potent attacking displays became a theme for Utah Celtic during the National Championships, as it averaged three goals per game during group play to win all three matches and advance to the semifinals. Another 3-0 win in its semifinal matchup against LMSC allowed Celtic to advance to the championship game, where it netted five goals to defeat SC Wave and claim the 15U Boys National Championship.

16U GIRLS

Wasatch SC 07G ZB (UT) earned a chance to defend its 2022 National title by finishing in first place in National League P.R.O. The Utah side compiled six wins and one tie during its P.R.O. campaign, which required a win in its final game to hold off second-place Club Ohio Dayton.

After conceding just one goal in its seven P.R.O. games, Wasatch carried over its stout defensive play into the National Championships. It recorded three shutout victories to win its group and advance to the semifinals, where it won, 6-3, against Vegas United to earn an opportunity to win back-to-back titles. In the final against in-state foe Utah Surf, neither side managed to break through in regulation or extra time — leading to penalties to decide the title. Wasatch came up with a save and converted its kicks to win the penalty shootout and secure the 16U Girls National Championship.

16U BOYS

La Roca J Milla (UT) completed a clean sweep of its competitions, as it started its 2022-23 campaign by winning the Desert Conference and National League P.R.O. In P.R.O., La Roca needed every one of its five wins and two draws to hold on to first place, as it finished two points above FC United DSM.

With five of its P.R.O. games decided by a goal or less, La Roca came to the National Championships prepared for tight, high-level competition. Two close wins to begin group play left La Roca needing just a tie in its third game to advance to the semifinals. It got that result by holding off SAC Boys 07 in a scoreless draw. After a 2-0 win the semifinals, La Roca held off JB Marine to win, 1-0, in the final and claim the 16U Boys National Championship.

17U GIRLS

DASC 06G BLACK (SD) became the first National Champion in South Dakota history by hitting its top form this summer. The South Dakota side competed the Desert Conference and finished in third place with four wins and three losses across the two events in December and February. At the Midwest Regional Championships in June, DASC won all five of its games to claim the regional title and advance to Nationals.

The impressive play continued in Orlando, with a win and a draw to begin group play. Needing a big result in its third game to top the group via goal differential superiority, DASC recorded a dominant shutout victory to advance to the semifinals. Following a 4-1 victory in the semis, DASC went back and forth in the final with former National Champion Solar SC. The two sides finished regulation and extra time tied at 2-2, but DASC triumphed in the penalty shootout to win the 17U Girls National Championship.

17U BOYS

Sunday’s title capped quite a month — and season — for Sparta United Elite 64 06B (UT). The Elite 64 Desert winners went to Boise, Idaho, and won the Far West Regional Championship on June 29. A week later, it competed in the Elite 64 Nationals Finals, where it battled through several knockout games to win the 17U National title and help Sparta United to the overall Elite 64 Club Championship.

Looking to complete a sweep of the three summer competitions, Sparta began its week in Orlando by recording two wins and a draw to finish atop its group and move on to the semifinals. A dominant semifinal win set up Sparta with a chance at another title, but it fell behind NL P.R.O. champs Miami Breakers in the championship match. However, Sparta fought back and recorded a late winner to claim a 2-1 victory and the 17U Boys National Championship.

18U GIRLS

While it finished with the ultimate prize, Patriots FC Girls 05/06 (NY-E) began its run to the title with a pair of runner-up finishes in National League competitions. Patriots FC finished second to SBMC in the North Atlantic Conference, and it went 4-1-2 to qualify for Nationals as the second-place team in its National League P.R.O. group.

Those challenges prepared Patriots FC for the high level of competition at Nationals, and it ran through group play with three shutout victories to move on to the knockout rounds. A tight 2-1 win in the semifinals allowed Patriots FC to advance to the final against fellow Eastern New York side SBMC. In a reversal of their North Atlantic Conference result, Patriots FC earned a 2-0 win over SBMC to win the 18U Girls National Championship.

18U BOYS

Libertyville FC 1974 Elite 05 Boys (IL) won the Midwest Conference and finished second in its National League P.R.O. group during league play this season. Its runner-up finish in its P.R.O. group ensured the Illinois side would return to Nationals for a chance to defend its 2022 National title.

A pair of tight wins in its first two games in Orlando helped Libertyville to advance to the semifinals, where it would play in the game of the tournament against NL P.R.O. winner and fellow Illinois side Raiders FC. The two teams played to a 2-2 draw in regulation before a wild extra time period that included seven goals resulted in a 6-5 victory for Libertyville. A much more defensive-minded final saw Libertyville take down another Illinois side, Galaxy SC, by a 1-0 score line to claim the 18U Boys National Championship.

19U BOYS

Inland Surf (CA-S) qualified for the National Championships by finishing third in its National League P.R.O. group during the league season. The Cal South side had to rebound after an opening-game loss to FC Bucks Dominion, but seven points from its final three games helped it to make the cut for the group’s three spots to Nationals.

In Orlando, Inland Surf tied its first game before picking up two straight wins to finish on top of Group C and advance to the semifinals. A 2-0 win against Lou Fusz allowed Inland to advance to the final for a rematch against Dominion to decide the McGuire Cup champion. A late penalty kick conversion allowed Inland Surf to earn a 2-1 victory, which made them 19U Boys National Champions and ensured the team name will be added among past winners on oldest trophy in youth sports.

49 National League Teams Advance at 2023 National Championships

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 21, 2023) — Following three exciting days of group play at the 2023 US Youth Soccer National Championships, 49 teams that competed in the USYS National League during the 2022-23 season are among the 52 sides remaining in contention for national titles.

The 2023 National Championships are taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the Orlando, Fla., area, and the first champions will be crowned tonight when the 13U Boys and 13U Girls finals are played. The 14U-19U age groups will hold semifinals on Saturday morning, with teams advancing to Sunday’s championship games.

BY THE NUMBERS

National League teams at the National Championships

Forty-nine of 52 (95%) of teams advancing out of group play competed in at least one National League competition during the 2022-23 season
Three of the four 13U finalists competed in their respective National League Conference, and each of the three finished in first place.
In the 14U-19U age groups, 41 of the 48 semifinalists competed in National League P.R.O., including 19 teams that finished in first place.
Forty-six of 52 (88%) of teams advancing out of group play competed in a National League Conference in 2022-23. Of those 46 teams, 26 finished in first place in their respective conference standings, while another seven finished second and five finished third.
Nine of the 13 NL Conferences are represented in the 13U finals or 14U-19U semifinals.
Five teams that competed in Elite 64 have advanced to the semifinals. Of those teams, two teams finished in first place in their Elite 64 groups, while one finished in second, one finished in third and one finished in fourth.

Select games from the National Championships are being streamed live, and the broadcasts can be accessed here.

To view the full National Championships schedule and results, click here.

National League Announces Dates and Locations for 2023-24 National Events

FRISCO, Texas (June 1, 2023) — The US Youth Soccer National League is excited to announce the dates and locations for its five national events for the 2023-24 season. The five events include the National League Conference Playoffs (1 event), Elite 64 Playoffs (2 events) and National League P.R.O. (2 events).

DATES AND LOCATIONS | 2023-2024 EVENTS

(Subject to change)

Elite 64 Playoffs¹
Girls – Nov. 3-6, 2023 | Legacy Park – Mesa, Ariz.
Boys – Nov. 10-13, 2023 | Legacy Park – Mesa, Ariz.

National League Conference Playoffs³
Boys – Dec. 1-4, 2023 | ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – Orlando, Fla.
Girls – Dec. 8-11, 2023 | ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – Orlando, Fla.

Elite 64 Playoffs²
Girls – January 2024 | Location TBD (Florida)
Boys – January 2024 | Location TBD (Florida)

National League P.R.O.²
Boys and Girls – Feb. 23-26, 2024 | Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay – Tampa, Fla.
(An auxiliary complex will also be used during this event)

National League P.R.O.¹
Boys and Girls – May 3-6, 2024 | SoCal Sports Complex – Oceanside, Calif.

¹ E64 teams assigned to the November event would advance to the May event.
² E64 teams assigned to the January event would advance to the February event.
³ Teams that advance from the Conference Playoffs will be assigned either the February or May event.

“Our recent history with each of these venues has produced a great experience for all attendees, and we’re looking forward to once again working with some of the very best soccer facilities in the country,” said Simon Collins, National League Commissioner. “The new format for the national events will create an amazing atmosphere and excitement all around the fields, and these venues will provide a great setting for our talented players to make memories as they continue their soccer journeys.”

All participating teams will play at up to two of the national events. Teams begin at their respective playoff event and — should they secure advancement — move on to one of the National League P.R.O. events.

The Conference Playoffs will feature the top teams from the 13 National League Conferences, all of whom earn their place in the playoffs through their performance in conference play during the 2022-23 season. Teams competing at the Conference Playoffs will all have the opportunity to advance to the next stage — National League P.R.O.

The Elite 64 Playoffs will feature every team from the National League’s club-based national platform — Elite 64. Seeded by prior regular season finish, each Elite 64 team will play in knockout style competition at one of the two playoff events to determine which sides advance to the next stage — National League P.R.O.

The National League P.R.O. events will see teams that advance from the Conference Playoffs and Elite 64 Playoffs combine to compete for berths directly to the USYS National Championships. Each qualifying team competes at one of the two National League P.R.O. events — in Florida (February) or California (May).

Click here for more information on the recently announced enhanced national event structure within the USYS National League.

National League P.R.O. Teams punch Tickets To 2023 National Championships

FRISCO, Texas (May 25, 2023) — Following successful USYS National League P.R.O. seasons, 144 teams have punched their ticket to the USYS National Championships, being played July 18-23 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla.

VIEW ALL QUALIFIERS

In each of the 14U through 19U age groups, National League P.R.O. competition saw 12 boys teams and 12 girls teams earn advancement to the National Championships, where they will be joined by the four representatives from the upcoming USYS Regional Championships – completing the field of 16 teams in each of those age groups.

“We’re so excited. We’ve been training and working and putting in the effort to try to get where we are right now,” said Coppermine SC 07G (MD) midfielder Riley Matthews in March after her team qualified for Nationals. “We’re just so excited and can’t wait to have a chance to play for the National Championship.”

The National League P.R.O. season featured five exciting events that spanned November through March. Each team attended two events, where they played at least six games before rounding out their seven-game season with a standalone game. With several highly competitive groups, many of the seventh games played during the spring determined National League P.R.O. group titles, as well as berths to Nationals.

The teams that qualified for Nationals through National League P.R.O. represent 28 USYS State Associations, led Eastern Pennsylvania with 16 teams. Illinois followed with 14 qualifiers, while Ohio had 13, Maryland had 10 and New Jersey had nine.

Among the 13 National League Conferences, the Midwest Conference led the way with 36 teams that secured their place in the National Championships, followed by the Great Lakes Conference and Mid Atlantic Conference with 21 each. Totals for the other conferences include: South Atlantic (16), Frontier (8), Sunshine (8), Desert (7), Mid South (7), North Atlantic (7), Pacific (5), Northwest (3), Piedmont (3), New England (2).

“After watching the amazing competition throughout the National League P.R.O. season, we know that any team that earned its place in the National Championships is full of talented and deserving players,” said National League Commission Simon Collins. “The challenges these teams faced throughout the National League season have prepared them well to compete for the ultimate title of USYS National Champions, and we can’t wait to cheer them on this summer.”

* * * *

About the US Youth Soccer National Championships
Each summer, US Youth Soccer crowns a 13U-19U Boys and Girls National Champion after a culmination of year-long competitions at the state and regional levels during the National Championship Series. Consisting of approximately 185,000 players on 10,000 teams from USYS’ 54 State Associations, it offers the opportunity to showcase your talent against the best competition in the nation. The representatives from the Regional Championships are joined by the National League qualifiers to complete the field of teams competing for the National title.

About USYS National League P.R.O.
National League P.R.O. (Player. Recruitment. Opportunity.) serves as the competition in which teams compete for direct advancement from the National League into the annual US Youth Soccer National Championships. Beginning in 2023-24, both club-based (Elite 64) and team-based (Conference) teams will compete in National League P.R.O. in a unified pathway to the National Championships.

NL Greensboro Sees 27 Boys Teams Qualify For 2023 USYS National Championships

PHOTOS

VIDEOS

GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 29, 2023) — Several of the top 15U-19U Boys teams and players in the US Youth Soccer National League competed March 24-27 in Greensboro, N.C. The event featured teams from both National League P.R.O. and Elite 64.

The Elite 64 matches allowed players from US Youth Soccer’s top club-based league to compete against each other in unique matchups. Meanwhile, National League P.R.O. — the top team-based league in US Youth Soccer — featured games that saw league standings near their final form and teams secure berths to the 2023 US Youth Soccer National Championships.

During the action in Greensboro, 27 boys teams secured their place in the National Championships via National League P.R.O. One of those sides, 17U Washington United SC 06 (NJ), did so by climbing from mid-table to win its group, thanks to a dramatic win in its final game of the league season.

“All weekend we’ve had to fight, because we knew anything other than a win, we were most likely done,” said David Heil, head coach of Washington United. “Coming in today, facing last year’s national champ, (there was) a lot of intensity. They never doubted themselves. I couldn’t be more proud.

“We’re a small club from Jersey, so to make a name for ourselves and do what they did, it’s pretty amazing. We had the No. 1 team in the nation, No. 3 team in the nation, No. 5 team in the nation all in our bracket, so it’s pretty special.”

2023 USYS National Championships | Qualifiers via National League P.R.O. (Boys)
*National League P.R.O. Group Champion

(Only groups that played in Greensboro are listed below. Click here to see the full list of qualifiers.)

15U Boys – Group C
Billy Goat FC 08 (KS)*
SBLGN Wildlings Blue 2008 (NY-E)

15U Boys – Group D
Potomac Premier I 08B (MD)*
Juventus Miami Pogba (FL)

15U Boys – Group E
Brentwood SC 08 Premier Man City NL (NY-E)
Chicago Magic 2008 MCL (IL)
NY Hota Bavarian SC 08 Blue (NY-E)

16U Boys – Group D
Chicago Magic 2007 MCL (IL)*
07 PTFC Triad Premier (NC)

16U Boys – Group E
Titans FC Orozco B07 (CA-S)*
JB Marine Academy Baum 07B (MO)

16U Boys – Group F
Madison 56ers 07 Boys Red (WI)*
Croatian Eagles Red 2007 (WI)

17U Boys – Group D
WUSC 06 (NJ)*
CUP 06 Black (OH)

17U Boys – Group F
Miami Breakers FC 2006B Black (FL)*
FCE 2006 Boys Elite (PA-E)

18U Boys – Group D
NLS Ajax 05 White (MD)

18U Boys – Group E
Madison 56ers 05 Boys Red (WI)*

18U Boys – Group F
BVB International Academy Pittsburgh 05 Premier (PA-W)*
CUP 05 NL (OH)

19U Boys – Group C
FC Bucks DOMINION 04 Boys (PA-E)*
Highland FC 04/05 Red (NC)
Inland Surf 19U (CA-S)

19U Boys – Group D
SCS United 2004 Boys Black (PA-W)
CUP 04 NL (OH)
Dutchmen FC 04 Boys (NJ)

“Greensboro provided a great conclusion to our combined Elite 64 and National League P.R.O. boys events,” National League Commissioner Simon Collins said. “It’s always great to have so many talented players together in one location, and the on-field performances showed why these players have earned the right to compete at the highest levels of the USYS National League.”

GREENSBORO LOOK BACK: NATIONAL LEAGUE P.R.O.

Recap some of the NL P.R.O. matchups and performances from Greensboro…

15U Boys

Potomac Premier I 08B (MD) did just enough to clinch NL P.R.O.’s 15U Group D title Sunday afternoon in an extremely competitive match against Rhode Island Surf 08B Elite (RI).

In a game filled with back-and-forth action and no shortage of drama, neither side could break down a strong opposition defense and separate each other by find a game-winning goal. There were large portions of the game played in the midfield, with the two teams evenly matched and proving that they were two of the group’s top sides.

That suited Potomac just fine, as the team that calls Maryland home needed only a draw to clinch the group’s top spot and a trip to Nationals in July. Group D was extremely competitive all throughout the year, so coming out on top was a well-deserved feat — and no easy task.

In Group C, Billy Goat FC 08 (KS) got a win in its last game to jump to the top of the standings and secure a first-place finish. Meanwhile, the Group E title will be decided when Brentwood SC 08 Premier Man City NL (NY-E) faces NY Hota Bavarian SC 08 Blue (NY-E) in the group’s lone remaining game.

16U Boys

On Saturday, 07 PTFC Triad Premier (NC) and Chicago Magic 2007 MCL (IL), two of NL P.R.O. 16U Group D’s top sides, went head to head.

Implications were high with just a few games left in the season — and these two high-scoring teams provided a thriller. Both teams were on the attack early, trading chances and getting up and down the field. Alessandro Mendoza Ortiz’s slick through ball from midfield to a streaking Cohen Muse, who finished the chance, put Piedmont Triad up first in the 14th minute.

Chicago Magic’s dominance with set pieces allowed them to respond quickly. Bogich Milosevic sent a corner in during the 19th minute that Ajdin Sabanovic met to level the teams, and then Milosevic added one of his own off a scramble in the box three minutes later to take the lead.

It was a tense second half with both teams pushing forward, but it was the Illinois side that found the next goal. Sabanovic’s second of the day gave the Magic a much-needed insurance goal and cemented the win. Chicago went on to secure the Group D title.

Elsewhere, eight points in Greensboro helped Titans FC Orozco B07 (CA-S) finish atop Group E, and Madison 56ers 07 Boys Red (WI) narrowly won Group F by one point over in-state foe Croatian Eagles Red 2007 (WI).

17U Boys

Needing a win or tie on Monday to clinch the 17U Group F title, Miami Breakers FC 2006B Black (FL) fought back — and then held on — to secure a 3-2 victory against Potomac Blue 06B (MD).

The Maryland side took a 34th-minute lead on a Brian Ignacio goal, but Miami responded shortly after when Joaquin Merlo cut back to his left foot and blasted a shot past the keeper. Merlo added his second shortly before halftime to give Miami a 2-1 lead at the break.

Despite going down to 10 men, the Breakers extended the lead to 3-1 on an 83rd-minute free kick from Fabrizio Bustos. An 85th-minute foul saw Miami go down to nine men, and Potomac capitalized on the ensuing free kick through Juan Cruz Markarian’s headed goal — cutting the Miami lead to 3-2. However, the Breakers held on in the final minutes to secure the win and first-place finish.

Monday also featured a dramatic matchup in Group D, which saw WUSC 06 (NJ) defeat CUP 06 Black (OH) in a must-win scenario to claim the group title. Meanwhile, the Group E title is still up for grabs, with the April 22 matchup between NYPFC 2006 Boys (NYE) and Brentwood SC 06 Premier United NL (NY-E) serving as the deciding factor.

18U Boys

A 1-0 win against Ronkonkoma Real FC (NY-E) on Sunday helped BVB International Academy Pittsburgh 05 Premier (PA-W) secure the NL P.R.O. 18U Group F title.

It took just seven minutes for BVB to take a lead, as Matthew Armenio found the back of the net to put the PA West side up, 1-0. Despite the early BVB goal, Real FC used physicality to slow down the BVB attack and keep the game in a one-goal margin.

Real FC — which entered the day in third place — pinned BVB in its own defensive half for periods late in the first half and through the final 45 minutes as the New York side searched for an equalizer. However, the BVB back line intervened on multiple occasions to block Real FC attempts on goal. The PA West side repelled some late pressure, including several corner kicks, to secure the shutout and win the group title.

In Group D, NLS Ajax 05 White (MD) is currently in first place, but Raiders FC 2005 (IL) has a chance to win the title if it can win its final game. Elsewhere, the Group E title went to Madison 56ers 05 Boys Red (WI), which held on for a draw against second-place Libertyville FC 1974 Elite 05 Boys (IL) to get the clinching point on Monday in Greensboro.

19U Boys

The top two teams in NL P.R.O. 19U Group D faced off on Friday to kick off their weekend in Greensboro, and the gameplay lived up to their standing. In a back-and-forth affair, LFA Phillips 2004B (MO) and SCS United 2004 Boys Black (PA-W) split the points in a 2-2 draw.

A few minutes after LFA keeper Andrew Klott saved a penalty to keep the game level, the Missouri side took a 1-0 lead when Samuel McCrary made a late run into the box and finished at the back post. LFA couldn’t maintain the advantage, as SCS United’s Beaux Lizewski equalized in the final minute of the first half.

SCS carried that momentum through the break and took a 48th-minute lead on a Seth Basinger strike. LFA later replied in the 77th minute when Tyler Eberlin found the back of the net — forcing the 2-2 draw. SCS went on to wrap up its time in Greensboro by recording two shutout wins, which left it in first place. The PA West side has one game left against CUP 04 NL (OH), which will decide the group winner.

Elsewhere, FC Bucks DOMINION 04 Boys (PA-E) won all three games in Greensboro to secure the Group C title.

To view all of the standings and results from the National League P.R.O. season, click here.

GREENSBORO LOOK BACK: ELITE 64

15U Boys

PDA Elite 64 08B and Beadling SC Elite 64 08B each entered Sunday with a win and a draw in Greensboro, and the two sides battled to finish the weekend with an unbeaten mark. After a close contest, PDA scored a late penalty kick to secure a 1-0 victory.

Each team spent periods of play in the attacking half, as they searched for the all-important opening goal. The defenses held strong, as the game entered its final minutes — when PDA earned a 75th-minute free kick in a dangerous position.

Landon Hoenisch’s curling attempt was pushed over the bar by Beadling keeper William Guarino, but the ensuing corner kick led to a hand ball in the box. Hoenisch put his laces through the penalty kick attempt to find the back of the net and give PDA the 1-0 win — helping the New Jersey side to a 2-0-1 mark in Greensboro.

16U Boys

Boise Timbers | Thorns Elite 64 07B and Cedar Stars Academy North Elite 64 07B got the final day of National League Greensboro off on the right foot, providing an entertaining Elite 64 showcase match early Monday morning.

Two fast-paced offenses went head-to-head, with Boise using the speed of Kai Anitok up front to create havoc for a Cedar Stars Academy defense that had not surrendered a goal in its first two outings in North Carolina.

Cedar Stars took more control in the second half, allowing Alpha Bah to use his pace and skill on the wing. The breakthrough came in the 74th minute, with the New Jersey side drawing a penalty. Sebastian Vera stepped up to the spot and calmly converted his chance, finding the back of the net and breaking the deadlock.

Boise Timbers went on an all-out attack from that point on, trying to find the equalizer, but Cedar Stars capitalized on the Oregon team’s aggressiveness. Kieran Murray was played through on a breakaway in the 80th minute and slotted his shot past the keeper, giving CSA an insurance goal and locking in a last-game win.

17U Boys

After they each split their first two games in Greensboro, Toca FC Elite 64 06B and AYSO United Elite 64 06B went down to the wire in their matchup to close out the weekend. Despite some late chances for a winner at both ends, the two sides finished in a 1-1 draw.

AYSO took the lead in the 57th minute when Daniel Nadeau scored the game’s opening goal from a corner kick. Toca fought back and generated a tying goal, as Pierce Lysinger found the back of the net in the 65th minute.

The final five minutes of play saw both teams create scoring opportunities. Toca narrowly missed on a header at the near post off a corner kick, and AYSO couldn’t take advantage of a dangerous free kick and chance in the box. The final whistle sounded shortly after to lock in the 1-1 tie.

18/19U Boys

Determined efforts and quality play from at both ends of the field helped Ohio Galaxies FC Elite 64 04/05B complete a three-win weekend in Greensboro, as it defeated SC Wave Elite 64 04/05B, 3-0, on Sunday.

Both teams were unbeaten through two days in Greensboro, and it took 45 minutes to separate them, as Joshua Cline put Ohio in front shortly after the break. Ethan Reidy pushed the lead to 2-0 in the 65th minute when finished a squared ball from right winger Gavin Morningstar.

Wave had chances to cut into the deficit, but Galaxies sealed the 3-0 win in the final minutes when Nathan Buecker poked home the team’s third off a corner kick. Galaxies recorded nine goals while conceding none over its three games in Greensboro.

To view all of the results from the Elite 64 action in Greensboro, click here.

* * *

Click here to view a full list of National League P.R.O. events for the 2022-23 season, and click here to view a full list of Elite 64 national events for the 2022-23 season.

About USYS National League P.R.O.
USYS National League P.R.O. represents the top team-based competition in the USYS National League. National League P.R.O. provides teams in the 14U-19U Boys and Girls age groups with the ability to earn their place into the league, where they have the opportunity to play against the top teams in the country while competing for berths to the USYS National Championships. For each gender, 12 teams per age group will advance to the National Championships from National League P.R.O.

About USYS National League Elite 64
USYS National League Elite 64 represents the elite club-based platform in the USYS National League. Elite 64 features year-round competition in six age groups (13U through 18/19U) for the top 64 boys clubs and top 64 girls clubs in the country. The annual competition calendar includes the league season, national showcases and the Elite 64 National Finals. Thanks to partnerships with world leaders in their respective fields, Elite 64 players have access to tools and technology to capture key information that can be shared with college coaches and professional scouts — making every game a recruitable moment.

NL Greensboro Sees 18 Girls Teams Qualify for 2023 USYS National Championships

VIEW PHOTOS

VIDEOS: March 17 | March 18 | March 19 (1) | March 19 (2) | March 20

GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 21, 2023) — Several of the top 15U-19U Girls teams and players in the US Youth Soccer National League competed March 17-20 in Greensboro, N.C. The event featured teams from both National League P.R.O. and Elite 64, and all games took place at Bryan Park – Truist Soccer Complex.

The Elite 64 matches allowed players from US Youth Soccer’s top club-based league to compete against each other in unique matchups. Meanwhile, National League P.R.O. — the top team-based league in US Youth Soccer — featured games that saw league standings near their final form and teams begin to secure berths to the 2023 US Youth Soccer National Championships.

During the action in Greensboro, 18 girls teams secured their place in the National Championships via National League P.R.O., including defending National Champion 16U Wasatch SC 07G ZB (UT).

“It’s super important,” Wasatch coach Zach Burton said after his team secured a berth back to the National Championships on Saturday. “If we don’t win here, we don’t get the opportunity to defend our title. The girls came in focused today, ready to play. Everyone has the same goal, and everyone is trying to win and do their best. The team that performs the most precise has the best opportunity to win, and they did it well today.”

While Wasatch is heading back to Nationals in July to try to defend its 2022 title, other teams — and clubs — are looking forward to experiencing the National Championships for the first time. Coppermine SC Girls 2007 Elite 64 (MD) became the first team from Coppermine SC to qualify for the National Championships, and it did so while finishing in first place in National League P.R.O. 16U Group D.

“It took a lot of heart from our team,” Coppermine SC forward Laina Elliott said. “It took putting all we had into the game. We’ve been practicing to get to this moment. Being the first team to go to the National Championships out of Coppermine definitely feels good.”

2023 USYS National Championships | Qualifiers via National League P.R.O. (Girls)
*National League P.R.O. Group Champion

(Only groups that played in Greensboro are listed below. Click here to see the full list of qualifiers.)

15U Girls – Group C
NJ Premier G2008 (NJ)*

15U Girls – Group D
FC Frederick 08 Girls (MD)*
STA-MUSC 2008G NL (NJ)

16U Girls – Group D
Coppermine SC Girls 2007 Elite 64 (MD)*
KHA North 2007G Red (OH)

16U Girls – Group E
Wasatch SC 07G ZB (UT)*

17U Girls – Group D
FC Revolution Reds 06 (PA-E)*
NJ Premier G2006 (NJ)

17U Girls – Group E
RUSA FC G06 Gold (NJ)
WYSA 06G Explosion (NC)

18U Girls – Group C
McLean YS Virginia Union 05 Girls (VA)*
Patriots FC Girls 05 (NY-E)
Legends IE G05 (CA-S)
NJ Nationals 2005 Girls Elite (NJ)

19U Girls – Group C
Penn FC Youth 04G Lightning (PA-E)
Hoosier FC 2004G Elite Wolves (IN)
FCE 2004 Elite (PA-E)
STA MUSC 04/05G NL (NJ)

“Greensboro provided a great conclusion to our combined Elite 64 and National League P.R.O. girls events,” National League Commissioner Simon Collins said. “It’s always great to have so many talented players together in one location, and the on-field performances showed why these players have earned the right to compete at the highest levels of the USYS National League.”

GREENSBORO LOOK BACK: NATIONAL LEAGUE P.R.O.

Recap some of the NL P.R.O. matchups and performances from Greensboro…

15U Girls

Fighting to secure their place at Nationals, Group D top contenders FC Frederick 08 Girls (MD) and STA-MUSC 2008G NL (NJ) took the field Sunday morning in Greensboro.

It was a battle of wills as both sides fought furiously for dominance in the midfield through the first half, but neither team could find their rhythm in the attacking third. FC Frederick’s unrelenting defensive line, led by Molly Ward, thwarted several of STA’s offensive breakaways to keep the New Jersey side from getting a clear shot on frame.

Determined to find a goal, FC Frederick found their flow midway through the second half with quick transitions down the sidelines. Rebounding a save by STA’s keeper, Fiona Collins succeeded in providing the game’s lone goal in the final minutes to secure the Maryland side a 1-0 win. Results later in the day ensured that FC Frederick clinched the Group D title.

Elsewhere in 15U action, NJ Premier G2008 (NJ) conceded just two goals en route to a 7-0-0 record that allowed it to win the 15U Group C title.

16U Girls

Coppermine SC Girls 2007 (MD) maintained its lead atop the 16U Group D standings with a 2-0 win on Sunday against Team Challenger FC G07 Black (OH). The win marked Coppermine’s sixth in as many games, with each contest decided by two goals or less.

The Maryland side grabbed a 21st-minute lead through a Shyann Hansen goal, and it had to fend off several pushes for an equalizer from a threatening Team Challenger attack. Around the hour mark, Team Challenger’s Jordan Rowan forced the Coppermine keeper into a diving save to preserve the lead. Minutes later, the Maryland side doubled its advantage when Gabriela Colon wrapped her foot around a half volley from a tight angle and fired it into the far corner.

On Monday, Coppermine played a winner-take-all game against KHA North 2007G Red (OH). In another close contest, the Maryland side won, 2-1, to clinch the group title.

In Group E, Wasatch SC 07G ZB (UT) won all its games in Greensboro — including its final league game on Tuesday — to finish 6-0-1 and clinch the group title.

17U Girls

A shutout victory on Monday helped RUSA FC G06 Gold (NJ) maintain its lead atop the 17U Group E standings, as it finished its weekend in Greensboro with a 3-0 win against Commack Destroyers G06 (NY-E).

It took just three minutes for the New Jersey side to go in front, as Annabella Ramirez scored the opener to put RUSA on its way. Madeline Hicks made it 2-0 in the 35th minute when she hit a quick shot that slid just inside the left post.

Commack tried to cut into the lead, as it looked for a result to remain in the group’s top three, but RUSA sealed the victory in the 63rd minute. A hand ball led to a penalty kick that Mia Abbey tucked a into the right corner to cap the 3-0 win. The Group E title will be decided by remaining 7th games.

In 17U Group D, FC Revolution Reds 06 (PA-E) picked up a big win against then group leader NJ Premier G2006 (NJ) on the final day in Greensboro to move to the top of the standings, but remaining 7th games will be required to determine the title.

18U Girls

McLean YS Virginia Union 05 Girls (VA) completed a 7-0-0 Group C campaign by winning all three of its games in Greensboro. The Virginia side excelled on both ends of the field — conceding just one goal while scoring more than five per game.

Despite its strong season, McLean needed a result against second-place Patriots FC Girls 05 (NY-E) to secure the Group C title. Patriots, Legends IE G05 (CA-S) and NJ Nationals 2005 Girls Elite (NJ) claimed the groups other berths to the National Championships.

19U Girls

Hoosier FC 2004G Elite Wolves (IN) came away with a crucial three points on Friday night in a tight 19U Group C, as it secured a 4-1 win against FC Europa 2004 Elite (PA-E).

FC Europa grabbed the opening goal with a strike by Kiara White in the 9th minute. The Eastern Pennsylvania side’s lead lasted just 10 minutes, as a Hoosier player flew down the sideline and whipped a cross into the box for a goal. Capitalizing on their momentum, Indiana’s Sophie Shepard tallied her first — and Hoosier’s second — just one minute later.

Sheppard netted her second goal of the game to extend the Indiana side’s lead, but she wasn’t done just yet. A quick counterattack in the 73rd minute found Sheppard with the ball at her feet again. After beating the last defender, she sent in a rocket shot just outside the box to give her a hat trick and clinch a 4-1 victory.

Hoosier FC and FC Europa both secured one of Group C’s berths to the National Championships. FC Europa will play Penn FC Youth 04G Lightning (PA-E) in the teams’ 7th game, which will determine the group winner. Penn FC, which has also secured a place at Nationals, has been dominant this league season and has yet to concede a goal through five games.

To view all of the standings and results from the National League P.R.O. season, click here.

GREENSBORO LOOK BACK: ELITE 64

15U Girls

East County Surf SC Elite 64 08G picked up its second win in Greensboro with a 1-0 victory against Western New York Flash Elite 64 08G on Saturday.

WNY Flash played to a scoreless draw in its first game, and the matchup with East County was another tightly contested one, as the teams went to the break level at 0-0. That scoreline changed in the 46th minute, as Surf managed to break through on a strike from Adrianna Elsass.

East County nearly doubled its lead shortly after scoring the opener, but WNY keeper Sierra Bianchi came up with a series of saves — including a double save on a breakaway and the follow-up effort. WNY produced a couple of chances as it pushed for the equalizer, but East County held on for the clean sheet and 1-0 win.

16U Girls

North Shore United Elite 64 07G and Pittsburgh Hotspurs SC Elite 64 07G took the field Monday morning looking to cap one last win for their respective unbeaten streaks in North Carolina before their journeys home.

The Hotspurs struck first courtesy of Briana Ross, whose 20^th-minute goal pulled PHSC into a 1-0 lead. Eager to find an equalizer, the Wisconsin side picked up their pace of play in an effort to contain the action to their attacking third. A quick throw and cross found Madelynn Festering with the ball at her feet for a chip shot just over the keeper’s hands to give North Shore the tying point in the 25th minute.

With the Wisconsin defensive line pushing high, shortly after the start of the second half, Hotspurs slotted a through ball to Ross who once again knocked it into the back of the net. North Shore generated several opportunities, but Pittsburgh held firm to secure a 2-1 finish.

17U Girls

FC Copa Academy Elite 64 06G, currently sitting second in the Northeast Conference, looked to continue their undefeated streak in their Monday matchup against third-ranked Great Lakes Conference foes Fort Wayne United FC Elite 64 06G.

Trying to put Fort Wayne’s feet to the fire, FC Copa applied high pressure from the first whistle to generate chances in front of the goal. Fort Wayne United kept their defensive composure, staying compact and not allowing any clear shots. In the 23rd minute, Hailey Santiago finally broke through and grabbed a goal to give FC Copa the lead.

A rapid play by the New Jersey midfield in the 81st minute created a give and go opportunity for Santiago once again, slipping her into the Indiana 18-yard box to smash a shot into the back of the net. FC Copa’s unwavering defensive line kept Indiana’s late half advances at bay to finish out the match with a 2-0 victory.

18/19U Girls

Looking to continue their unbeaten streak, Team Boca Elite 64 04/05G squared off with Northeast conference foe FC Copa Academy Elite 64 04/05G to kick off games on Saturday in Greensboro.

Team Boca came close to pulling ahead late in the first half by creating several goal scoring opportunities. Reading the flow of play Copa’s Maura Chawner made numerous big plays shutting down the Florida side’s advances.

Coming out of halftime each side generated breakaways deep into the opposition’s defensive third. An Amalia Holman strike finally landed in the 60th minute to give Team Boca the lead. Keeping the momentum going for Boca, Charlotte Bullen found the back of the net again just two minutes later. Playing until the last whistle was blown Florida’s Hannah Pahl captured a goal in the 89th minute to end the match as a 3-0 victory.

To view all of the results from the Elite 64 action in Greensboro, click here.

* * *

Click here to view a full list of National League P.R.O. events for the 2022-23 season, and click here to view a full list of Elite 64 national events for the 2022-23 season.

Top 13U-14U Boys Teams Compete at National League Tampa 2023

TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2023) — Many of the top 13U and 14U Boys teams and players in the US Youth Soccer National League competed Feb. 10-13 in Tampa, Fla. The event featured teams from both National League P.R.O. and Elite 64.

The Elite 64 matches allowed players from US Youth Soccer’s top club-based league to compete against each other in unique matchups. Meanwhile, National League P.R.O. — the top team-based league in US Youth Soccer — featured games that saw league standings near their final form and teams begin to secure berths to the 2023 US Youth Soccer National Championships.

The National League P.R.O. 14U Boys age group is extremely competitive this season, as just five teams secured their place in the National Championships during play in Tampa. The remaining seventh games will determine the age group’s unclaimed seven berths to Nationals via National League P.R.O.

Two teams that clinched spots at Nationals also won their National League P.R.O. groups. Group D winner 3RSC B09 Black (WA) will represent its club for the first time at Nationals, while Rangers FC B2009 White (CA-S) will look to bring the club its third USYS National Championship.

“Coming into this weekend, we were in fourth place,” Rangers FC coach Cristian Rus said. “Winning all three games, not giving up any goals, and finishing in first place to qualify for the National Championships is a good experience for the club and for the boys. The level of competition is very good for us, and we’re really excited to play in Florida again for the National Championships.”

2023 USYS National Championships | 14U Qualifiers via National League P.R.O. (Boys)
*National League P.R.O. Group Champion

14U Boys – Group A
Juventus Miami Salihamidzic (FL)
Strikers Miami FC 2009 Elite (FL)
Sporting Columbus Boys 2009 I (OH)

14U Boys – Group D
3RSC B09 Black (WA)*

14U Boys – Group E
Rangers FC B2009 White (CA-S)*

LOOK BACK: NATIONAL LEAGUE P.R.O.

14U Group A:

North Shore United 09B Blue (WI) won its third straight NL P.R.O. game — and second in Tampa — when it knocked off Group A co-leader DUSC B2009 Blue (NY-E), 3-1, on Saturday.

DUSC was one of four teams to enter Saturday’s matches with 9 points in the group, but North Shore came out as the aggressor and went in front in the 5th minute on Carsten Calvert’s goal. The Wisconsin side doubled its lead shortly after halftime when Lazar Angelovski found the back of the net.

North Shore added an insurance goal in the 55th minute when Colton Rabe fired his shot back across goal after dribbling into the box. Jude Grbesa pulled a goal back from DUSC, but North Shore saw out the last few minutes to earn the 3-1 victory.

North Shore completed a 9-point weekend with a win on Sunday but remains 3 points back of Juventus Miami Salihamidzic (FL), Strikers Miami FC 2009 Elite (FL) and Sporting Columbus Boys 2009 I (OH), who each have 15 points. Each team has one game left to play.

14U Group B:

A matchup of top-three teams saw NL P.R.O. 14U Group B leader Team Boca 09 Boys White (FL) come back to tie third-place BVB International Academy Pittsburgh 09B Premier (PA-W), 1-1, on Saturday in Tampa.

BVB went ahead in the 13th minute, as King Carver registered the game’s first goal. The PA West side worked to build on that lead, but Team Boca managed to level the score just before halftime. After working the ball to the end line, a cut back pass found Preston Jaffa, who placed his one-touch shot into the back of the net to send the teams into the second half tied at 1-1.

The game tightened up in the second half, and neither side managed to create a second goal, as the two sides split the points with the draw.

Second-place Club Ohio 09B National (OH) also tied on Saturday to remain two points back of Team Boca, and the Ohio side won the head-to-head matchup against Team Boca on Sunday to move to the top of the group following the action in Tampa. All teams in the group have one game left to play.

14U Group C:

Barca Academy Pro Miami 09 PRO (FL) won a matchup of the co-leaders in an ultra-competitive NL P.R.O. Group C with a 3-1 victory over Oregon Premier FC 09B Academy (OR). Entering play on Sunday, seven of the eight teams in the group were still in contention for a first-place finish.

The Florida side grabbed a 20th-minute lead behind a Landon McKelvey strike, but Oregon replied through a 35th-minute Dominic Bolouri goal to level the score at 1-1.

McKelvey put Barca back in front in the 59th minute when he hit a slicing shot around the keeper and into the back of the net. He completed a hat trick later in the game with a key insurance goal that helped Barca pull away for the 3-1 win.

Barca is cemented on 12 points after playing all of its league games, but remaining 7th games will determine the eventual group winner. Seven of the teams remain within three points of top-two positions following the games in Tampa.

14U Group D:

In their final matchup of the weekend KC Legends 2009 Academy (KS) picked up its second win in Tampa, narrowly keeping Total Futbol Club 09 Gold (MD) at bay.

The Maryland side created several opportunities early on, including a 1-on-1 breakaway by Travis Meadows. Kansas City’s keeper, Ricardo Amescua-Negrete, came up big with a slide tackle just outside of the box to foil the attempt. A free kick into the Total Futbol Club box in the 44th minute bounced around until Jackson Raney was able to knock it in to give Legends the lead.

Total Futbol Club pushed to find an equalizer in the second half with multiple dangerous corners and free kicks coming up just short. The Raney goal proved to be the difference, as KC Legends defense prevailed to secure a clean sheet which allowed them to walk away with a 1-0 victory. This win provided Kansas City with a much needed 3-points to move them up to the second spot in Group D with only one game remaining.

Fueled by a defense that conceded just twice, 3RSC B09 Black (WA) won the group with a 7-0-0 record.

14U Group E:

Rangers FC B2009 White (CA-S) defeated Liverpool FCIA Ann Arbor 09B Academy (MI), 1-0, on Sunday to complete a strong weekend in Tampa that saw the Cal South side climb from fourth place to win the 14U Group E title.

An evenly played game saw each side generate some good chances in the first half. Liverpool keeper Sam Beach dropped down to save a header attempt in the 25th minute. The Michigan side nearly went up a few minutes later when Evan Alongi got on the end of a through ball, but Rangers keeper Justin Covarrubias quickly came off his line to make the save.

Dylan Rodel netted a 42nd-minute goal that put Rangers in front and proved to be the game-winner, as Rangers held on to secure the NL P.R.O. Group E title.

To view all of the standings and results from the National League P.R.O. season, click here.

LOOK BACK: ELITE 64

Saturday:

Two top-seeded Elite 64 teams met for the first time this season in Tampa, which produced a close, competitive match to kick off Saturday morning. Lobos Rush Elite 64 09B (9-0-0, South Conference) looked to continue its unbeaten streak as it took on Greater Libertyville Soccer Association Elite 64 09B (3-1-0, Midwest Conference).

Both teams had a high-pressure, possession-focused play style that kept the matchup action-packed. In an engaging first half, each side generated chances until the 19th minute when the ball found the back of the net in Libertyville’s favor. An Oscar Rubio goal gave the Illinois side the lead.

Lobos Rush was determined to even the score and continued creating close opportunities. However, Libertyville held firm defensively to clinch the 1-0 victory.

* * * *

Michigan Tigers FC Elite 64 10B came out guns a blazing, producing the game’s first goal through a Dame Behm strike within the 1st minute of the match. Looking to keep the momentum going, Behm capitalized on a bad defensive touch inside the box to snag his second goal 10 minutes later. Behm capped off a stunning hattrick after just 18 minutes of action when he found the back of the net once again.

With the Tigers keeper pushing high out of the box, Lobos Rush Elite 64 10B pushed with a quick counter resulting in a goal from Randy Butler in the 23rd minute to keep them in contention. The Tennessee side continued to put high pressure on the Michigan defense, forcing a clear back into Lobos’s possession just outside the 18-yard box. Brayden Cook took advantage of the Tigers’ goalkeeper being off his line and snagged a second goal for the Lobos just before the half.

However, the Lobos’ comeback attempt came up just short, as the Tigers held on for the 3-2 win to open their weekend in Tampa.

Sunday:

Sunday morning started with a West Coast showdown as Desert Conference, Sparta United Elite 64 09B, faced off with Pacific Conference foes Legends FC (CA) Elite 64 09B, in a high-scoring match.

Sparta United grabbed an early lead with a finish off a corner by Anders Theurer in the 2nd minute. Legends FC’s Jesse Gonzalez promptly fired back with a goal 7 minutes later off a cross by Daniel Diaz. Looking to pull ahead Sparta United’s Bassil Kurdi crashed the goal finding the back of the net off a rebounded shot in the 22nd minute. Just before the half, Logan Willis curved a corner kick just out of the keeper’s reach to give Sparta United a 3-1 advantage.

An Alan Nunez goal in the 43rd minute put Legends FC back in the game. Kien Cid replied with two goals in the 45th and 58th minute to maintain Sparta United’s lead. The California side rallied back one more time with Nunez securing a second goal in the 70th minute, but Sparta United held on to finish with a 5-3 victory.

* * * *

After dropping a close game in its first game in Tampa, Ohio Galaxies FC Elite 64 10B earned a 2-1 victory on Sunday against United Futbol Academy Elite 64 10B.

Jonah Lentz gave Ohio an early lead when he found the back of the net in the 9th minute. The game flowed from end to end, with United FA creating several chances for an equalizer. However, the combination of Ohio keepers Jackson Lewis and Reece Nesbitt helped keep the Georgia side of the scoreboard for more than an hour.

United FA, coming off a high-scoring win on Saturday, finally equalized on Julian Rodriguez-Martinez’s 61st-minute penalty kick. The Galaxies regrouped and netted a late game-winner, as Jason Addo got on the end of a cross and fired it under the bar to give Ohio the 2-1 victory.

Monday:

Michigan Tigers FC Elite 64 09B and Toca FC Elite 64 09B each entered Monday’s matchup looking to complete a 3-0-0 weekend in Tampa. The two sides played a very tight game, but an early goal helped Michigan Tigers come away with a 1-0 victory.

The Tigers started off on the attack in the opening moments and broke through just five minutes into the game. After an initial shot was deflected by the keeper, Michigan’s Benjamin Booth finished into an open net to put his side in front.

The sides battled for the next goal, with each team’s best opportunity coming in the final 10 minutes. Toca nearly equalized in the 60th minute when a corner kick was headed just over the bar, and the Tigers forced Toca keeper Joshua Favreau into a nice save at the near post minutes later. Michigan held on to its narrow lead through the final minutes to earn the 1-0 victory.

* * * *

The final round of Elite 64 matches for the weekend brought two top-of-the-table teams, Liverpool FC-IA Michigan Elite 64 09B (5-0-1, Great Lakes) and United Futbol Academy Elite 64 09B (4-1-1, Southeast), together with both looking to keep their unbeaten streak in Tampa alive.

United Futbol Academy struck first courtesy of Yovany Villagomez Seratto, whose 17th-minute goal pulled UFA into a 1-0 lead. Eager to find an equalizer, Atabong Agbor-Baiyee replied with a Liverpool goal 12 minutes later.

Liverpool generated several opportunities as it looked to grab its first lead of the game. Despite sustained pressure in the attacking third, the Michigan side couldn’t find a second goal. With one of its few second-half chances, UFA regained the lead when Damian Barcenas sent in a rocket shot in the 67^th minute that proved to be the difference.

To view all of the results from the Elite 64 action in Tampa, click here.

* * * *

Click here to view a full list of National League P.R.O. events for the 2022-23 season, and click here to view a full list of Elite 64 national events for the 2022-23 season.

Top 13U-14U Girls Teams Compete at National League Tampa 2023

VIDEO: Feb.3 | Feb. 4 | Feb. 5 (E64) | Feb 5 (P.R.O.) | Feb. 6
EVENT PHOTOS

TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2023) — Many of the top 13U and 14U Girls teams and players in the US Youth Soccer National League competed Feb. 3-6 in Tampa, Fla. The event featured teams from both National League P.R.O. and Elite 64.

The Elite 64 matches allowed players from US Youth Soccer’s top club-based league to compete against each other in unique matchups. Meanwhile, National League P.R.O. — the top team-based league in US Youth Soccer — featured games that saw league standings near their final form and teams begin to secure berths to the 2023 US Youth Soccer National Championships.

During the action in Tampa, 10 teams in the 14U Girls age group secured their place in the National Championships via National League P.R.O., including defending National Champion KCL Academy Red 2009 NL (KS).

KCL was one of two teams to win their National League P.R.O. 14U Girls group title, along with Wasatch SC 09G PO (UT), while in Tampa. The Utah side went 5-0-2 over the course of the season en route to the Group A title, with five of its seven matches decided by one goal or less.

“We knew coming in that this was going to be very tough competition,” Wasatch coach Patrick Otte said. “Every team we’ve played against has been amazing. It was our goal [to win National League P.R.O.], but to actually do it is a phenomenal feeling. The girls were so excited, and I’m immensely proud of all of them.”

2023 USYS National Championships | 14U Qualifiers via National League P.R.O. (Girls)
*National League P.R.O. Group Champion

14U Girls – Group A
Wasatch SC 09G PO (UT)*
Lonestar 09G FDL (TX-S)
Solar 09G FDL Grado/Colvin (TX-N)

14U Girls – Group B
BC United 09G (NY-W)
Legends IE G09 (CA-S)
PA Dominion 09 Girls (PA-E)

14U Girls – Group C
KCL Academy Red 2009 NL (KS)*
Brandon FC RSC 09G Premier (MS)

14U Girls – Group D
Keystone FC Premier 09G (PA-E)
Club Ohio Dayton 09G Elite (OH)

LOOK BACK: NATIONAL LEAGUE P.R.O.

14U Group A:

Solar 09G FDL Grado/Colvin (TX-N) and Coppermine SC Girls 2009 Elite 64 (MD) faced off on Sunday in a NL P.R.O. 14U Group A clash with a potential spot in the National Championships on the line.

Knowing a win would secure a trip to Nationals, the teams wasted little time in ramping up the action. Coppermine went in front in the 3rd minute behind a Catherine Ruopp strike, but Solar quickly replied to level the score at 1-1.

Coppermine had periods of sustained time in the attacking third during the second half as it looked for a go-ahead goal. Christina Mitchell nearly provided the vital goal in the 48th minute, but Solar keeper Cinnamon Hurst lunged to push the ball wide.

Solar managed to hold on to force the 1-1 tie. With other results in the group, the point was enough to help the North Texas side lock up third place and a spot in Nationals. Wasatch SC 09G PO (UT) won the group with a 5-0-2 record on the season, while Lonestar 09G FDL (TX-S) finished second.

14U Group B:

A back-and-forth game saw Legends IE G09 (CA-S) hold 14U Group B leader BC United 09G (NY-W) to a 2-2 draw on Sunday. Both sides — along with third-place PA Dominion 09 Girls (PA-E) — clinched spots to Nationals during play in Tampa, but Sunday’s draw means the group title is still undecided.

Legends took a lead into the second half on Sunday, as Aliyah Casillas provided the lone goal in the first 35 minutes. However, a great individual effort by BC United’s Shannon Kingsbury in the 41st minute saw her hold off a defender and finesse her shot into the far corner. Kingsbury netted her second goal five minutes later to put BC United in front, 2-1.

After BC United went down a player, Legends equalized in the 62nd minute on a Sophia Garcia goal that forced the 2-2 tie. Both sides have a game to play, with BC United ahead by two points in the standings.

14U Group C:

Brandon FC RSC 09G Premier (MS) secured its fourth consecutive win with a 2-1 victory against NLSA 2009 Girls Elite (NJ) on Friday. This win kept Brandon in the running for the top spot in Group C.

Brandon FC grabbed a goal in the 30th minute of action by Destinee Bridges. NLSA quickly responded with an equalizer by Amelia Berent from a free kick just before the half. Brandon FC came back strong in the second half, with a Kinsley Yearick goal in the 38th minute to put them in lead. With the wind at their back Brandon FC’s defensive line held strong to clinch the 2-1 win.

KCL Academy Red 2009 NL (KS) later edged Brandon, 2-1, in a Sunday matchup that helped the Kansas side clinch the group title. Meanwhile, Brandon won its game on Monday to secure a berth to Nationals.

14U Group D:

Keystone FC Premier 09G (PA-E) maintained its lead atop NL P.R.O. 14U Group D and clinched its spot at the National Championships with a hard fought 3-1 win against Alliance FC 09 Academy Girls (MO) on Sunday.

The Eastern PA side went in front in the 9th minute when Madison Walker made a run into the box and directed a squared ball with a first-touch finish. However, Alliance — which is also in position to advance to Nationals — responded well and equalized through a Delani Edling goal.

Keystone regained its lead with a 48th-minute goal from Alyssa Valentine, and it worked hard to fend off some late sustained pressure from Alliance. The group leaders sealed their win when Cecilia Battisti slipped a pass to Mackenzie Seiber for the final goal in Keystone’s 3-1 win.

Club Ohio Dayton 09G Elite (OH) won its game to remain in contention for the group title with 7th games remaining for all Group D sides.

To view all of the standings and results from the National League P.R.O. season, click here.

LOOK BACK: ELITE 64

Saturday:

Legends FC Elite 64 10G (CA) walked away with a 2-0 victory after their coastal clash with United Futbol Academy Elite 64 10G (GA).

United FA, currently sitting second in the Southeast group, looked to continue its undefeated streak in its first Tampa matchup against third-ranked Pacific foe Legends FC. Despite each side creating scoring opportunities, both teams were locked in a defensive stalemate keeping the score to 0-0 at the half.

The second half began with the California side bringing the heat with a goal off a header from Kelly Wieckowski from a cross by Alexandra De la Vega. Legends FC’s unwavering defensive line kept Georgia’s advances at bay, while Georgina Herrera grabbed a second goal in the 70^th minute, securing Legends FC’s 2-0 win.

Sunday:

Rockford Raptors FC Elite 64 09G and Utah Avalanche Elite 64 09G were ready to rumble for Day 2 of Elite 64 action in Tampa, as both teams looked to get their second win of the weekend.

The opening half traded chances with both groups coming close to pulling ahead, but neither side was able to convert. Part way through the second half, Utah Avalanche struck first with a goal from Savannah Bates.

Rockford generated multiple opportunities during play but Utah’s keeper and the defensive line held firm, disrupting all incoming chances. The Raptors continued to apply high pressure, accumulating much of the possession late in the second half. With just seconds left in stoppage time, Aubrianna Magana launched a cross deep into the box, which snuck into the net to force the 1-1 tie.

Monday:

Two Elite 64 group leaders squared off Monday in Tampa, as Las Vegas Surf SC Elite 64 09G defeated Chicago Inter Elite 64 09G, 3-1.

LV Surf (6-0-0, Pacific) used quick transitions from defense to attack to open up the Chicago Inter defense and create several first-half opportunities. Evelyn Contreras’ speed helped her track down a ball at the end line in the 14th minute, and her cut back pass found Madalynn Smith for the opening goal.

Chicago Inter (10-0-0, Midwest) replied immediately off the restart and leveled the game through Meara Moehlenkamp’s strike. However, Contreras fired a 28th-minute shot off the inside of the far post to regain the lead for Vegas.

Chicago limited the Surf counter opportunities in the second half, but Alexa Sandoval added a late insurance goal to help Las Vegas to the 3-1 win.

To view all of the results from the Elite 64 action in Tampa, click here.

* * * *

Click here to view a full list of National League P.R.O. events for the 2022-23 season, and click here to view a full list of Elite 64 national events for the 2022-23 season.

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