ORLANDO, Fla. (July 23, 2024) — The 2024 US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life, kicked off Tuesday in Orlando, Fla., as 174 of the best teams in the country began their pursuit of history.
The field of teams includes 91 sides that qualified for Nationals by winning their respective pool at one of two National League P.R.O. events during the 2023-24 season. Those teams were all in action on Tuesday, as they looked to build off the momentum of their earlier triumphs against some of the top teams from the National League.
For Las Vegas Surf 09G Elite 64 (NV), the champions pool winner at National League P.R.O. in Oceanside, the first group play game in Orlando resulted in a decisive victory. With nearly two years of success in National League competitions — including a runners-up finish in last year’s Elite 64 National Finals — the Nevada side feels prepared to make a run at the USYS National Championship.
“The competition we’ve faced has helped us see how other teams play and helped us prepare for this event,” Las Vegas Surf attacking midfielder Gloria Vancura said. “At Nationals, we play against teams from all across the country, so it was really good preparation for us.”
The champions pool winners from National League P.R.O. did especially well on Tuesday, as they recorded 13 wins, two losses and two draws. Overall, pool winners from all three levels of National League P.R.O. events earned 26 wins, 20 losses and nine draws, with 18 of the 20 defeats coming to other National League sides.
Coast to coast showdown
The action in 15U Group B featured two of the top teams from this season’s National League P.R.O. event in Oceanside, Calif.
Los Angeles SC 09B Elite 64 (CA-S), the champions pool winner, began group play against wildcard pool winner Strikers Miami FC 2009 Elite (FL). LASC continued the fine form that has helped it to multiple titles at National League events in the last two seasons, as it opened its week at Nationals with a 2-0 win.
LASC attacking midfielder Matthew Manrique opened the scoring in the 22nd minute to put the Cal South side in control. Later, Ashton Durr scored a header from a set piece to double the LASC advantage. The defense did the rest to hold on for a clean sheet and secure the 2-0 victory.
Manrique said the team’s success at National League P.R.O. and against challenging teams has prepared it well for the competition in Orlando.
“We have good confidence coming in here,” Manrique said. “We’re here to try to win it all and take the trophy back home, especially for our parents. We do everything for them and our team. We love this game, and we want to take it all and show everyone what we have.”
Wild game between wildcard pool winners
Battle-tested wildcard pool winners from both the Tampa and Oceanside National League P.R.O. events squared off Tuesday, as City SC Utah 10G Elite 64 (UT) came back to defeat Elmbrook United 10G Elite 64 (WI), 3-2, behind a late Grace Thompson game winner.
“We’ve been playing some really tough teams [in National League], Thompson said. “The competition has helped us get here and has pushed us to work harder and to help us win here.”
Elmbrook came out on the front foot and scored twice within the first four minutes, with Kyla Rondorf and Josephine Yttre providing the opening goals.
City SC Utah replied later in the first half with a Maliyah McGill tally to cut the Elmbrook lead in half. The Utah side’s Josephine Cannon leveled the game in the 51st minute to set up a dramatic conclusion.
As the game entered stoppage time, City SC Utah won a free kick in a dangerous position in the attacking third. Thompson curled her free kick off the inside of the near post for what proved to be the winner in the Utah side’s 3-2 victory.
“It feels so good to score the winner,” Thompson said. “Everyone was so excited. I’m just so happy and excited to try to move on and have a chance to win Nationals.” The 2024 National Championships will continue on Wednesday when teams play their second of three group stage games. Games are being played the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.