Teams will compete for berths to Nationals at next stage of National League events
Schedules & Results
Photos

MESA, Ariz. (Nov. 13, 2023) — Four exciting days of action at the Elite 64 Playoffs in Mesa, Ariz., saw 45 boys teams qualify for National League P.R.O., while six sides claimed Playoff titles as the winners of the champions pool in their age group.

Elite 64 is the top club-based platform in the USYS National League. The Nov. 10-13 action took place at Legacy Sports Park and featured more than 110 boys teams across the 13U-19U age groups.

For the 14U-19U age groups, the Playoffs represent the first of two stages of National League events, which provide every competing team with an opportunity to ultimately advance to the USYS National Championships. The 45 teams that earned advancement to the next stage — National League P.R.O. — will play May 4-7 in Oceanside, Calif., for a chance to qualify for the USYS National Championships.

“It feels good because we had some pressure with everyone coming for us after we won last year,” Los Angeles Soccer Club 09B winger Jase Dunbar said. “It feels good to come here and win again and keep our title going.

“We’re looking forward to going to National League P.R.O. as a team, and we’re ready for the challenge to try to win again. We’re willing to put in all the work for when we meet some of the top teams there, and we’re ready to take it home again.”

Of note, CCV Stars advanced four teams to National League P.R.O., despite playing as a first-year club with no teams in the champions pool at the Playoffs.

In addition to earning a place in National League P.R.O., six teams also won tournament competition within the champions pool of their respective age groups to claim Elite 64 Playoff titles. The boys’ weekend was highlighted by an outstanding overall club performance by Laguna United, which came away with four team titles.

2023 Elite 64 Playoffs (Arizona) | Boys Champions
*13U: Laguna United 11 Elite 64
14U: Laguna United 10 Elite 64
15U: Los Angeles Soccer Club 09B Elite 64
16U: Strikers FC North B08 Elite 64
17U: Laguna United 07 Elite 64
19U: Laguna United 05/06 Elite 64

*The 13U age group does not advance teams to National League P.R.O.

“It was amazing,” Los Angeles Soccer Club 09B midfielder Jason Garcia said after his team’s Playoff championship win. “The chances that we’ve got and the environment that we were in. It was so much different than when we play in California. It was an amazing experience here and a great opportunity.”

TITLE GAME RECAPS…

13U Boys
A flurry of late goals helped Laguna United 11 Elite 64 pull away for a 4-1 win against CDA Slammers 11B Elite 64 to claim the 13U title. Armando Pacheco opened the scoring in the 17th minute to put Laguna in front, but Jason Anderson Jr. equalized for CDA shortly after halftime. Laguna retook the lead in the 55th minute through a Matthew Yang goal, and Karim Kurd doubled the lead with a goal six minutes later. Jack Richtman capped the victory with a free kick rocket that hit off the underside of the crossbar before crossing the goal line — giving Laguna the 4-1 win.

14U Boys
A third straight clean sheet for Laguna United 10 Elite 64 helped it capture the 14U title. Facing Strikers FC North B10 Elite 64 in the championship game, Laguna jumped in front in the 27th minute when Jackson Kaufman found the back of the net. Arul Kulkarni added an insurance goal in the 67th minute to help Laguna to a 2-0 victory to give in the Playoff title.

15U Boys
Los Angeles Soccer Club 09B Elite 64 defeated Utah Soccer Alliance 09B Elite 64, 2-0, to win the 15U title. The California side took a 20th-minute lead when Michael Fernandez jumped on a loose ball and fired in the opening goal. USA goalkeeper Zachary Pulsipher kept his team in striking distance by making several saves throughout the game, but Angel Jasso hit a right-footed blast from outside the box in the 69th minute that found the back of the net to give LASC a two-goal advantage. LASC held on for its second shutout of the Playoffs to secure the 2-0 victory.

16U Boys
Strikers FC North B08 Elite 64 overcame a second-half deficit to earn a 3-1 win against EP Locomotive FC 08B Elite 64 in the 16U title game. El Paso’s Angel Flores scored in the 42nd minute to put Locomotive in front. That lead lasted 20 minutes before Cade Lussier equalized for Strikers FC. Omar Sepulveda netted a go-ahead goal for Strikers FC in the 72nd minute, and Lussier added his second of the game to give the California side an insurance goal in the 3-1 victory.

17U Boys
A thrilling 17U title game saw Laguna United 07 Elite 64 defeat Sparta United 07B Elite 64, 2-2 (5-3 PK), to win the Playoff championship. Laguna took the lead in the 28th minute when Takudzwa Kajese powered a header into the back of the net. Joshua Glazier used a tidy finish in the 50th minute to pull Sparta level, but Kajese completed a brace to help Laguna regain the lead in the 66th minute. After Laguna went down to 10 men, Sparta immediately equalized through a Holden Jones goal — leading the teams to a penalty kick shootout. Laguna converted all of its kicks to win the shootout and claim the title.

19U Boys
Laguna United 05/06 Elite 64 knocked off Sparta United 05/06B Elite 64, 3-1, to win the 19U title. The California side went in front in the third minute, but Sparta replied in the 20th minute to send the game to halftime tied at 1-1. Tyler Queen scored in the 58th minute with what proved to be the winning goal. Laguna added an insurance goal minutes later and held on for the 3-1 victory. The win marked a reversal of last season’s E64 National Finals title game, when Sparta beat Laguna, 3-1.  

The Elite 64 teams that did not compete in the Playoffs in Arizona will play Jan. 26-30 at the Elite 64 Playoffs in Florida. Teams that advance from that event will move on to a National League P.R.O. event in February.

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

The boys kick off their Elite 64 Playoffs when several teams travel to Mesa, Ariz., to compete Nov. 10-13. Each age group features a champions pool, where teams will play in a tournament style to determine the event champion. In the 14U-19U age groups, teams in every pool are also playing for qualifying spots into the May 2024 National League P.R.O. event, where teams will compete to advance to the 2024 USYS National Championships.

While teams in the 13U age group will see a Playoff winner crowned, the Playoffs primarily serve as an introduction to national events and do not include advancement in the 13U age group.

Take a look at some of the teams, games and players to watch in the 14U-19U Boys age groups during the Elite 64 Playoffs in Arizona.

After finishing first in the Elite 64 Pacific standings last year, Laguna United 10 Elite 64 will be a team to watch in the champions pool at the Elite 64 Playoffs. Laguna’s goal difference exemplified its strong play on both ends of the field, and it has enjoyed another promising start to the early portion of this season in preparation for the Playoffs.

Powered by a high-scoring attack, El Paso Locomotive Academy Elite 64 10B was the lone unbeaten team in the Elite 64 South standings while finishing in first place last season. It could make a run at the champions pool title if it brings similar offensive play to Arizona. Similar sentiments can be applied to Sparta United Elite 64 10B, which boasted the most goals and highest goal difference in last season’s Elite 64 Desert group while going 11-1-1.

Another team to watch will be Strikers FC North B10 Elite 64. The third-place team in the Pacific standings last season, Strikers advanced to the semifinals of the Elite 64 National Finals — showing it can do well in a tournament format.

Day 1 Game to Watch

The Nov. 11 game between Strikers FC North B10 Elite 64 and Sparta United 10B Elite 64 will be a fun matchup that decides a berth to National League P.R.O. Both teams enjoyed great success in the 2022-23 season, and that has carried over to the early portions of this season. Strikers and Sparta have each picked up points in bunches in league play this season to remain near the top of their respective standings. Each team should have plenty of confidence entering this game.

ProScore Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by ProScore.

Andrew Fowler (Defender – Utah Soccer Alliance)
Fowler’s ability to press with intensity keeps opponents on their toes, often leading to turnovers in crucial areas. He also possesses strong passing skills, often initiating attacks and switching play seamlessly.

Tyler Davis (Forward – East County Surf)
A dynamic presence on the field, Davis is capable of delivering quality crosses, while he also links up well with his teammates in the final third of the field.

When looking at the 2022-23 season as a whole, Los Angeles Soccer Club 09B Elite 64 may have had the best resume of any team in this age group. LASC went unbeaten in the regular season while posting a 12-0-1 record in the Elite 64 Pacific, and it followed that by recording four straight clean sheets at the Elite 64 National Finals to claim the 2009B title. The team is back at it this season, as it prepares to play in the champions pool at the Elite 64 Playoffs after starting 8-0-1 in league play.

Sparta United 09B Elite 64 came close to matching LASC’s resume, as it posted an identical league record last season while finishing first in the Elite 64 Desert standings. Sparta will be another team to contend for the champions pool title in Arizona. The same can be said for EP Locomotive FC 09B Elite 64, which knocked off Sparta in the semifinals at last season’s National Finals. A similar performance this November in Arizona will make Locomotive a challenger for the champions pool title.

Utah Soccer Alliance Elite 64 09B was the other semifinalist in July’s National Finals, and it has continued its stellar play in the early portions of this season. USA’s 5-0-1 record has it currently in first place in the Elite 64 Northwest standings and ready to challenge at the Playoffs.

Day 1 Game to Watch

Utah Soccer Alliance 09B Elite 64 takes on Legends FC (CA) 09B Elite 64 on Nov. 11. While USA was among the semifinalist at last season’s National Finals, Legends FC sustained a narrow defeat in its Round of 16 game. It followed with two victories to wrap up a solid season that included a second-place showing in the Elite 64 Pacific standings. Like USA, Legends FC has also started strong in the current league season, and this game will decide which team secures a berth to National League P.R.O.

ProScore Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by ProScore.

Yaideen Rivera (Forward – CDA Slammers)
Rivera possesses impressive speed and a relentless work ethic, enabling him to regularly outmaneuver his adversaries and consistently penetrate defensive lines.

Jase Dunbar (Forward – Los Angeles SC)
Dunbar’s blistering runs into the box often catch defenders off guard. His ability to shoot with both finesse and force earned him great rewards in October, when he scored against Empire Surf (hat-trick), CDA Slammers, CCV Stars and Laguna United.

Several top performers in this age group from the 2022-23 regular season are set to compete in the Elite 64 Playoffs in Arizona. Among them is Sparta United 08B Elite 64, which won the Elite 64 Desert title during an unbeaten run last year —  going 11-0-3.

The top two finishers in last season’s Elite 64 South standings are also set to play in the champions pool. EP Locomotive FC 08B Elite 64 finished first a season ago and is top of its league standings in the early portions of the 2023-24 campaign. Legends FC (TX) 08B Elite 64 is off to an equally strong start to this league season after it recorded a runner-up finish in the Elite South last year.

Last season’s Elite 64 Pacific winner — Strikers FC North B08 Elite 64 — will be another team to watch when play begins in Arizona. Strikers FC displayed an ability to secure hard-earned results, as it finished 10 points clear of the rest of the teams in the standings.

Day 1 Game to Watch

In the silver pool, there is an intriguing Nov. 10 matchup between Utah Soccer Alliance 08B Elite 64 and CCV Stars 08B Elite 64 to stay alive in the pursuit of a National League P.R.O. berth. USA has started its current season with several close games in the Elite 64 Northwest, where five of its six games have been decided by a goal or fewer. Meanwhile, CCV Stars are near the top of the Elite 64 Pacific standings off the strength of an unbeaten 4-0-2 start to its league season.

ProScore Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by ProScore.

Kash Witherell (Forward – CCV Stars)
Witherell is an exciting player who thrives in space on the wing. His impressive pace and dribbling is a nightmare for opponents, and he enters the event in good form having bagged a brace in a recent win over LASC.

Nicholas Ware (Defender – Sparta United)
Ware is an impressive all-round defender. He’s physically strong and excels in the air, while he also possesses excellent composure on the ball and distributes well with a mixture of long and short passes.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see any of the teams in the champions pool walk away with the Elite 64 Playoffs title when play concludes in Arizona. EP Locomotive FC 07B Elite 64 can stake a claim to be a favorite to win it all after it finished in first place in the Elite 64 South standings last season.

Meanwhile, Laguna United 07 Elite 64 recorded the most points per game in the Elite 64 Pacific last season, while posting the group’s top goal differential. Strikers FC North B07 Elite 64 was right at the top of the Pacific with Laguna and showed its ability to string together strong performances.

Legends FC (TX) 07B Elite 64 and Sparta United 07B Elite 64 each finished second in their respective league standings last season, but both have posted strong records in the early going of Elite 64 action during the fall. If they can carry their good form into Arizona, they’ll be stiff challenges for any opponent.

Day 1 Game to Watch

On Nov. 10, Legends FC (CA) 07B Elite 64 and CCV Stars 07B Elite 64 face off in the silver pool. This will be the second time they face each other this fall, after CCV secured an exciting 5-3 win in their Oct. 1 Elite 64 Pacific matchup. That was a rare misstep for Legends, which used a busy early fall schedule to move near the top of the league standings with a 5-3-2 record. Meanwhile, CCV started 4-1-1 in league play — meaning both teams should be confident entering this key game.

ProScore Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by ProScore.

Diego Ramos (Goalkeeper – LASC)
An impressively agile shot-stopper, Ramos made the NL Orlando Best XI last season and has played an integral part in LASC’s strong start to this regular season campaign.

Alexsay Nazaroff (Forward – Strikers FC North)
Nazaroff is a dynamic player whose strengths include exceptional link-up play and accurate shooting. His ability to read the game and create opportunities for his teammates, combined with close control and dribbling skills makes him a key player for Strikers FC North.

There may be no other team across youth soccer that has been as successful as Sparta United 05/06B Elite 64 over the last 14 months, and the Utah side will look to continue its strong play at the Elite 64 Playoffs. Sparta finished first in the Elite 64 Desert standings last season before winning the Elite 64 National Finals. It didn’t stop there, as it claimed the USYS National Championship for the 17U Boys age group. Sparta can take a step toward defending that title if it can advance to National League P.R.O.

The team that Sparta met in the title game at last season’s Elite 64 National Finals — Laguna United 05/06 Elite 64 — will be another top contender this November in Arizona. Laguna went 13-1-0 to take first place in the Elite 64 Pacific standings in 2022-23, and it is off to an unbeaten start through six games this season.

Another pair of Pacific sides could challenge for the top spot in the Playoffs. Legends FC (CA) Elite 64 05/06B and Strikers FC North Elite 64 05/06B had nearly identical campaigns last season, as they finished tied for second place in the Elite 64 Pacific with the same goal differential. Strikers FC has shown the better recent form, as it has started 7-1-1 in league play this season.

Day 1 Game to Watch

A spot in National League P.R.O. will be on the line when Strikers FC North B06 Elite 64 takes on Legends FC (TX) 05/06B Elite 64 on Nov. 10. Both teams finished near the top of their respective groups during the Elite 64 regular season in 2022-23, and Strikers FC is off to a hot start this season. Legends FC has featured in several close games to begin its 2023-24 campaign — with three of its four games decided by one goal — and the Texas side will aim to turn that experience into wins when it heads to Arizona.

ProScore Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by ProScore.

Miller Hall (Midfielder – Utah Soccer Alliance)
A creative spark in an advanced role, Hall impressed at NL Mesa last season and will be looking for more direct goal contributions on his return to this venue. Look out for late runs into the box and shots from distance.

Devin Dillon (Defender – Sparta United)
Dillon is an athletic LD who made both the Elite 64 Best XI and National Championships Best XI last season. Look out for his quality on set pieces and long-range passes. He bagged a regular season hat-trick against Northwest United in September.

Teams will compete for berths to Nationals at next stage of National League events
Schedules & Results
Photos

MESA, Ariz. (Nov. 6, 2023) — Four exciting days of action at the Elite 64 Playoffs in Mesa, Ariz., saw 45 girls teams qualify for National League P.R.O., while six sides claimed Playoff titles as the winners of the champions pool in their age group.

Elite 64 is the top club-based platform in the USYS National League. The Nov. 3-6 action took place at Legacy Sports Park and featured more than 100 girls teams across the 13U-19U age groups.

For the 14U-19U age groups, the Playoffs represent the first of two stages of National League events, which provide every competing team with an opportunity to ultimately advance to the USYS National Championships. The 45 teams that earned advancement to the next stage — National League P.R.O. — will play May 3-6 in Oceanside, Calif., for a chance to qualify to the National Championships.

“There’s a lot to play for, and the teams coming out here have goals that they’re striving for,” said 16U Las Vegas Surf coach Pedram Mahinpey following his team’s 3-2 win to open the weekend. “It’s exciting to know that we’ve already advanced to National League P.R.O. in May, and now we want to continue to play well and build on this.”

In addition to earning a place in National League P.R.O., six teams also won tournament competition within the champions pool of their respective age groups to claim Elite 64 Playoff titles.

2023 Elite 64 Playoffs (Arizona) | Girls Champions
*13U: East County Surf 11G Elite 64
14U: South Valley Surf SC 10G Elite 64
15U: Las Vegas Surf Soccer Club 09G Elite 64
16U: South Valley Surf SC 08G Elite 64
17U: South Valley Surf SC 07G Elite 64
19U: Strikers FC North 06G Elite 64

*The 13U age group does not advance teams to National League P.R.O.

“This is our second year in the league. We won it last year, and we were also Elite 64 national champions,” 16U South Valley Surf forward Michelle Antongiovianni said after her team won the Playoffs championship. “It’s a great opportunity to play against high-level players. If we want to go to college for soccer, it’s giving us a lot of opportunities.”

TITLE GAME RECAPS…

13U Girls
A quick start helped power East County Surf 11G Elite 64 to a 4-1 win against Legends FC 11G Elite 64 in the 13U title game. East County jumped in front with a goal just three minutes into the game, and it went up 2-0 in the 25th minute thanks to an Elaina Donahue goal. Ava Irwin pulled a goal back for Legends to cut the East County lead to 2-1 just before halftime. Kiley Ann Hue scored in the 56th minute to push the East County lead back to two goals, and Olive Murillo capped the 4-1 victory with a strike in the 65th minute.

14U Girls
South Valley Surf SC 10G Elite 64 defeated Utah Soccer Alliance 10G Elite 64, 3-1, in the championship game to win the 14U title. Olivia Howlett fired in a 19th-minute goal to put South Valley in front, and Giuliana Martinez used a first-touch finish to double Surf’s lead late in the opening half. Howlett added a 53rd-minute insurance goal before Maddison Rider pulled a goal back for Utah. A late save by the Surf keeper prevented USA from getting any closer, as Surf claimed the victory and the age group title.

15U Girls
A strong all-around performance helped Las Vegas Surf SC 09G Elite 64 win the 15U title with a 3-0 victory against East County Surf 09G Elite 64. Sanai Battles opened the scoring when she finished off a nice passing move following a short corner in the 13th minute. Madalynn Smith doubled the lead a few minutes later, as Las Vegas controlled play in much of the first half. Vegas extended the lead to 3-0 early in the second half when Claire Taft found the back of the net, and that score line held as Las Vegas won the Playoff championship.

16U Girls
An early second-half goal proved to be the difference, as South Valley Surf SC 08G Elite 64 earned a 1-0 win against AYSO UNITED 08G Elite 64 in the 16U title game. South Valley generated several periods of sustained attacking threats, but AYSO did well to keep the game scoreless early into the second half. Surf broke through on a recycled ball following a free kick that Sophia Contreras helped into the back of the net. Surf’s defense held on for its third clean sheet of the weekend, as South Valley claimed its third consecutive 1-0 victory to win the Playoffs Championship.

17U Girls
South Valley Surf SC 07G Elite 64 held off a late push from Idaho Rush SC 07G Elite 64 to secure a 2-1 win in the 17U title game. Kara Campoy and Emily Cove each scored in the opening 15 minutes to give South Valley an early two-goal advantage, which it maintained for much of the game. An 85th-minute Rush goal by Maggie Poole added drama to the final minutes, but South Valley protected its lead to secure the win. En route to the title, South Valley did well in close games, as it won by scores of 2-1, 2-0 and 2-1 during the Playoffs in Arizona.

19U Girls
A third shutout of the weekend helped Strikers FC North 06G Elite 64 defeat CDA Slammers 05/06G Elite 64 to win the 19U title at the Elite 64 Playoffs. Gabrielle Flores opened the scoring for Strikers FC with a goal in the 9th minute, and Lorena Gonzalez doubled the advantage when she found the back of the net in the 38th minute. Those tallies were more than enough for the Strikers FC defense, as the side secured a 2-0 win to obtain the title.

The Elite 64 teams that did not compete in the Playoffs in Arizona will play Jan. 19-23 at Elite 64 Playoffs in Florida. Teams that advance from that event will move on to a National League P.R.O. event in February.

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

The girls kick off the Elite 64 Playoffs when several teams travel to Mesa, Ariz., to compete Nov. 3-6. Each age group features a champions pool, where teams will play in a tournament style to determine the event champion. In the 14U-19U age groups, teams in every pool are also playing for qualifying spots into the May 2024 National League P.R.O. event, where teams will compete to advance to the 2024 USYS National Championships.

While teams in the 13U age group will see a Playoff winner crowned, the Playoffs primarily serve as an introduction to national events and do not include advancement in the 13U age group.

Take a look at some of the teams, games and players to watch in the 14U-19U Girls age groups during the Elite 64 Playoffs in Arizona.

Of the teams contending for the Champion Pool title, Legends FC (CA) 10G Elite 64 has some of the most impressive results over the past 12 months. Legends FC claimed the Elite 64 National Finals title in the 2010 age group back in May, and it has continued its fine form to begin the 2023-24 season. Legends FC is currently near the top of the Elite 64 Pacific standings, as it has captured 17 points from seven games. 

CDA Slammers 10G Elite 64, which fell to Legends FC in penalties in the National Finals title game, is looking to build off an impressive all-around performance in 2022-23, when it preceded its National Finals run by riding a potent attack to a second-place finish in the Elite 64 Pacific standings.

The team that finished in first place last season in the Pacific —South Valley Surf SC 10G Elite 64 — will also be a side to watch in Arizona. Meanwhile, Utah Soccer Alliance 10G Elite 64, is out to knock off the California sides after it followed a perfect 2022-23 regular season record with a run to the semifinals at the National Finals.

Day 1 Game to Watch

East County Surf 10G Elite 64 and South Valley Surf SC 10G Elite 64 meet on Nov. 4 with a spot in National League P.R.O. on the line. They are currently each in the top three of the Elite 64 Pacific standings. South Valley secured a 3-2 victory in the teams’ season-opening matchup in September, and a similar showing will have added excitement in Mesa.

ProScore Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by ProScore.

Selah Graney (Forward – CCV Stars)
Graney is a strong player with a very high work rate. Using her remarkable pace, she effortlessly bypasses opponents and regularly gets in behind defenses.

Camilla Rodriguez (Defender – Legends FC (CA))
A relentless and imposing player who excels in physical challenges, Rodriguez also poses a threat in attack. She scored an excellent solo goal against East County Surf in September and regularly creates opportunities for her teammates.

Two teams stand out in the 2009 Girls age group — South Valley Surf SC 09G Elite 64 and Las Vegas Surf 09G Elite 64. South Valley won the Elite 64 National Finals last season, and it needed penalties in a thrilling semifinal to hold off Las Vegas on its way to the title. Through eight games in the Elite 64 Pacific this season, South Valley is undefeated and looks poised for another strong campaign.

Meanwhile, Las Vegas has also secured four straight wins to begin this season, as the Nevada side has compiled an overall record of 19 wins, one draw and no losses in Elite 64 league play when combined with last year’s first-place showing.

Utah Soccer Alliance Elite 64 09G is another team to watch in Arizona, as it used a first-place finish last season in the Elite 64 Desert standings to secure its place in the champions pool. CDA Slammers 09G Elite 64 defeated USA at last season’s National Finals en route to a trip to the title game, and it could make another run this year in the Playoffs.

Day 1 Game to Watch

The Nov. 4 matchup between East County Surf 09G Elite 64 and Utah Soccer Alliance 09G Elite 64 features two teams that have shown an ability to string together results in league play. East County Surf has compiled a 7-2-1 record in the early portion of this season, while Utah went 8-1-1 to win last season’s Elite 64 Desert group. The winner of this one will secure its place in National League P.R.O.

ProScore Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by ProScore.

Evelyn Contreras (Forward – Las Vegas Surf)
Contreras is a versatile attacker with superb technical ability, and she was a standout player at showcase events last season. She bagged a regular season hat-trick against CCV Stars in September and will be a big threat for defenses in Mesa.

Elle Weathersby (Midfielder – Lobos Rush)
A talented midfielder who is strong and composed on the ball, Weathersby produced a number of spectacular long-range strikes last season. Goalkeepers beware.

After capturing the title this past summer at the Elite 64 National Finals, South Valley Surf SC 08G Elite 64 looks to be among the favorites to have success at the Playoffs in Arizona. The California side finished first in the Elite 64 Pacific standings last season, and it’s back near the top of the table in the early stages of the 2023-24 season.

The team that finished behind South Valley in last season’s league standings — CDA Slammers 08G Elite 64 — could also make some noise in Arizona. A semifinal berth at the 2023 National Finals showed that Slammers can do well in tournament play. CDA has also shown good recent form in the Elite 64 regular season, as it is tied atop the Pacific standings.

Meanwhile, Idaho Rush Soccer Club Elite 64 08G could be a team to watch in the Silver Pool after it compiled a 7-1-0 record en route to a first-place finish in last season’s Elite 64 Northwest standings. The Idaho side will aim to string together some wins in Arizona to earn qualification to National League P.R.O.

Day 1 Game to Watch

The Nov. 3 game between Valor Soccer 08G Elite 64 and Las Vegas Surf 08G Elite 64 will determine a National League P.R.O. qualifier. Valor finished second in last season’s Elite 64 Northwest standings and will look to build off that performance. Las Vegas has shown improvement after a mid-table finish last year, as the Nevada side is off to a 3-0-1 start this season in the Elite 64 Pacific, with the group’s best goal differential.

ProScore Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by ProScore.

Leilani Phillips (Forward – AYSO United)
After showing promise last season, Phillips has stepped up her game significantly already this campaign, recently scoring consecutive regular season hat-tricks against Strikers FC North and Legends FC (CA). Look out for her pace and power.

Amanda Bear (Midfielder – East County Surf)
Bear consistently thwarts opposition attacks with a combination of precision and grit. Her excellent vision and passing range often allow her to initiate counterattacks and create goal scoring opportunities.

One of three teams to average more than two points per game in last season’s tight Elite 64 Pacific standings, South Valley Surf SC 07G Elite 64 finished its 2022-23 league campaign in first place. That sustained performance earned it a spot in the Champions Pool in the Elite 64 Playoffs, and South Valley will head to Arizona with even more momentum following a 7-1-0 start to the current league season.

South Valley will need to get through Legends FC (CA) Elite 64 07G to earn the Champions Pool title. Legends FC finished third in the Elite 64 Pacific last season and elevated its game in the summer to win the Elite 64 National Finals. That proven success in tournament play, coupled with its own hot start to the 2023-24 season — including a recent win against South Valley — makes Legends FC a difficult matchup for any opponent.

The team that Legends FC defeated to win the National Finals — FC Premier (CA) 07G Elite 64 — will be another side to watch in Arizona. Its finalist showing in June followed a second-place finish in the Elite 64 Pacific standings, as FC Premier recording an impressive all-around season.

Day 1 Game to Watch

A pair of second-place league finishers match up on Nov. 3 when FC Premier (CA) 07G Elite 64 takes on Idaho Rush SC 07G Elite 64. FC Premier’s recent resume is noted above, while Idaho Rush narrowly missed out on finishing on top of last season’s Elite 64 Northwest standings due to a goal differential tiebreaker. Idaho went unbeaten in showcase action last year in Arizona, and a similar performance in this game could help it to punch a ticket to National League P.R.O.

ProScore Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by ProScore.

Natalia Ramirez (Goalkeeper – AYSO United)
Ramirez possesses impressive shot-stopping ability, leading to a consistently high save count in her games. Her fast reflexes and composure under pressure have helped her record two regular season shutouts prior to this event.

Mia Rodriguez (Forward – Legends FC)  
Eye-catching center forward play by Rodriguez has helped Legends FC (CA) to an outstanding start to the Elite 64 regular season. Excellent close control combined with a powerful right foot has led to prolific recent goal scoring form.

The 19U Girls age group features numerous teams with results over the past year that should give them confidence heading into the Elite 64 Playoffs in Arizona.

Last year’s Elite 64 Pacific winner, South Valley Surf SC 05/06G Elite 64, will look to add another first-place showing to its accomplishments. A 2-1 league win against second-place Strikers FC North Elite 64 06G was the difference between the two sides in the Pacific standings, as just two points separated them in the final table. If strikers can carry over its high-scoring attack to the Playoffs, it will be a challenge for all opponents. More recently, CCV Stars 05G Elite 64 opened its first Elite 64 campaign with four wins from four games against Elite 64 Pacific competition. If that good form can continue into the Playoffs, the Arizona side will be a team to watch in the Wildcard Pool, as it looks to advance to National League P.R.O.

Day 1 Game to Watch

East County Surf 05/06G Elite 64 and Strikers FC North 06G Elite 64 meet on Nov. 3 with a spot in National League P.R.O. on the line. East County made a run to the semifinal round of last season’s Elite 64 National Finals and used a busy early fall schedule to move to the top of the current Elite 64 Pacific standings. Strikers have played at a consistently high level in Elite 64 over the last 14 months, and the two sides drew, 2-2, in their meeting earlier this fall.

ProScore Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by ProScore.

Mia Martinez (Defender – LASC)
An excellent reader of the game at the back, Martinez consistently wins duels and is particularly strong in the air. In addition to playing a key part in a solid LASC defense, she also poses a threat with powerful shots from distance.

Ella Barron (Midfielder – CCV Stars)        
Barron is a well-rounded midfielder who loves to make big plays. Excellent technique on free kicks and with long-range strikes have helped her net multiple goals already this season and make her a constant threat from outside the box.