National Events

NL Quarterfinals (December) – Boys Preview

The boys continue the National League Quarterfinals when more than 150 teams travel to Mesa, Ariz., to compete Dec. 6-9 at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. (View schedule)

The December quarterfinals feature teams primarily from the National League Conferences and Elite 64 Regional League. The 14U-19U age groups will be in action, with teams competing in a group play format. After three days of competition, the top two finishers from each four-team group will secure advancement to the National League Semifinals. In some age groups, one or more third-place finishers may also secure a spot in the semifinals.

Advancing teams move on to one of two National League Semifinal events. Teams advancing out of quarterfinal groups designated on the red pathway will move on to the first semifinal event in February 2025 in Round Rock, Texas. Teams advancing out of quarterfinal groups designated on the blue pathway will advance to the second semifinal event in May 2025 in Oceanside, Calif. At each semifinal, teams will compete against top teams from the Conferences, Elite 64 and Elite 64 Regional League, to determine which sides advance to the 2025 USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life.

Take a look at some of the boys teams to watch in each of the groups at the National League Quarterfinals in December.

14U Boys

Group A

Chattanooga FC 11B Navy (TN) is coming off a 7-1-1 season that saw it finish in second place in the Mid South Conference in 2023-24. The Tennessee side followed that up with a perfect 7-0-0 record in Mid South play earlier this fall.

Group B

Coming off a first-place campaign in the Mid Atlantic Conference, The Football Academy NJ 11B Black (NJ) will be a team to watch in Mesa. The New Jersey side scored nearly five goals per game during its 7-1-0 run in league play, and it capped its season by winning the USYS National Championship in July.

Group C

IFC 11B Premier (MS) posted an 8-1-0 record in the Mid South Conference last season, as it finished in first place. Saints 11B Blue Premier (OR) also won its league title in 2023-24, as it went 5-1-1 in the Northwest Conference.

Group D

Ponys F.C. 2011 (IL) used a 5-1-1 record to win the Midwest Conference last season, as it finished one point ahead of the runners-up. Another conference winner, Savannah United 11B Premier (GA), used a high-scoring attack to finish atop the Piedmont standings with a 9-1-1 record.

US YOUTH SOCCER ODP PLAYERS

The following players are on rosters for the 2024-25 US Youth Soccer ODP Interregionals.

2012 (Older) Midwest Region – Owen Britt (Team Challenger FC B11 Black (OH))
2011 (Older) Midwest Region – Christopher Scott (Team Challenger FC B11 Black (OH))
2011 (Younger) Midwest Region – Jayden Serrano (Ponys FC (IL))
2011 (Younger) Midwest Region – Moses Stanley (FWSC 2011B Augsburg (IN))

15U Boys

Group A

Coming off an unbeaten season in the Mid Atlantic Conference, The Football Academy 10B Black (NJ) will be a tough matchup for all opponents in Mesa. The New Jersey side went 8-0-1 last season and outscored its Mid Atlantic foes, 35-to-6.

Group B

The 2023-24 Great Lakes Conference winners, Sporting Columbus 10 I (OH), are coming off a 7-1-1 showing and will look to continue their winning ways in Arizona.

Group C

KBSC Elite 2010 (FL) showed it can produce sustained results, as it went 14-1-1 last year to finish atop the Sunshine Conference’s club-based standings. There’s less room for error in Mesa, but KBSC should be up to the task.

Group D

The strongest defense in a high-scoring New England Conference club-based division helped Ginga FC 10B Elite NL (CT) to a first-place finish in 2023-24. A stout showing from the back line could lead to more success at the quarterfinals.

Group E

Behind a stifling defense, Central Illinois United 10B (IL) finished first in the Midwest Conference during the Spring 2024 season. Its three goals conceded across seven games helped CIU to a 6-0-1 record.

Group F

If last season’s Elite 64 Regional League results are any indication, SLSG B10 Elite (MO) will be a massive challenge for its quarterfinal opponents. The Missouri side went 16-1-0 in the Midwest, and it boasted the division’s highest-scoring attack while it conceded just six goals. Ponys F.C. 2010 (IL) may be up to that challenge, as the Illinois side will be high on confidence after winning the USYS National Championship in July.

Group G

Aspire FC 10B Black (TX-S) should be a confident team after strong performances in recent Frontier Conference play. The South Texas side won the division last season, and it’s off to a 4-0-0 start in its 2024-25 campaign.

Group H

Indialantic Force B10 Black (FL) showcased its abilities in 2023-24, as it won the Sunshine Conference with an 11-1-0 record behind the division’s stingiest defense. Its 3-0-0 record last season at the quarterfinal level suggests Force will be a challenge for all opponents this year in Arizona.

US YOUTH SOCCER ODP PLAYERS

The following players are on rosters for the 2024-25 US Youth Soccer ODP Interregionals.

2010 Midwest Region – James McMeechan (Team Challenger FC North (OH))
2010 Midwest Region – Caleb Gonzalez (TKO Premier SC 2010B Blue (MI))
2010 South Region – Coleton Ecker (Indialantic Force Boys 2010 Black (FL))
2010 South Region – Cooper Ball (Indialantic Force Boys 2010 Black (FL))

16U Boys

Group A

Dominance from front to back helped ASA Juventus Elite 2009 (MD) to an 8-1-1 record and first-place finish in last season’s South Atlantic Conference. The same can be said of KC Legends 09B Academy Black (MO), which went 7-0-1 to win the Midwest Conference. Both sides will be challengers to finish top of the group in Mesa.

Group B

BVB IA Pittsburgh 09B Premier (PA-W) overwhelmed its opponents in the Great Lakes division of the Elite 64 Regional League last season — winning games by an average of four goals en route to a first-place finish. Elite SA 2009 Black (FL) produced a similar resume to win the Sunshine Conference, and it should be an exciting matchup when the two teams meet Dec. 8 in Mesa.

Group C

KC Legends 09B Academy Red (KS) won the Midwest division of the Elite 64 Regional League last season with a perfect 9-0-0 record. Five of those wins came by just one goal, so KC is familiar with close games. That may be what it encounters in Arizona against New Mexico SA 09B (NM), which won the Desert Conference by going 5-0-2 in 2023-24.

Group D

Aspire FC 09B Black (TX-S) finished two points back of first place in last season’s Frontier Conference, but it hit its stride over the summer. The South Texas side qualified for Nationals through the National League, and it won every game in July to capture the National Championship. Aspire can expect to get each opponent’s best shot when it takes the field in Arizona.

Group E

Each goal can make a difference at the quarterfinals, and NC Rush Triad 09B Blue (NC) is well aware of the importance of each moment. Rush finished on top of the Piedmont Conference standings last season, as its 7-1-2 record allowed it to take the division title by just one point.

Group F

An unbeaten 8-0-1 campaign helped SFC 09B Elite (MA) to win the New England Conference last season. It will look to replicate that success at the quarterfinals and bring its stifling defense to Arizona.

Group G

When it travels to Arizona, Stony Brook Samurai Blue B09 (NY-E) will aim to put itself in a familiar place: atop National League standings. The Eastern New York side finished in first place in last season’s North Atlantic Conference, and it won its group in the quarterfinal round a year ago. SRFC 09 Black (TN) will also be looking to replicate last season’s success, as it is coming off a first-place finish in the 2023-24 Mid South Conference.

Group H

A pair of division winners from the 2023-24 season will aim to finish atop this group in Arizona. Team Challenger FC B09 Black (OH) went 6-0-2 en route to winning the Great Lakes Conference, while Strikers Miami FC 2009 Black (FL) finished atop the Sunshine Conference’s club-based standings with a 13-2-3 record.

US YOUTH SOCCER ODP PLAYERS

The following players are on rosters for the 2024-25 US Youth Soccer ODP Interregionals.

2009 Midwest Region – Alexander Moni (MFA Revolution GR 09B Elite (MI))

17U Boys

Group A

Ginga FC B08 Elite NL (CT) is coming off a first-place finish last season in the club-based division of the New England Conference. Ginga showed it can rise to the moment during that campaign, as it won the group by just one point, recording a 6-4 win over the runner-up as the key victory.

Group B

A first-place finish in last year’s tight Elite 64 Regional League standings should have Indy Eleven Academy 08B (IN) feeling confident as it heads to Arizona. Indy needed a tiebreaker to secure that top spot in the Great Lakes (South) division, so it knows the importance of every goal.

Group C

Spire FC 08B SB (OH) posted a 7-0-1 record last year in the Great Lakes (North) division of the Elite 64 Regional League, as it won the group. The Ohio side will look to carry that strong play into the quarterfinals.

Group D

An unbeaten 2023-24 campaign, which featured seven wins and four draws, proved just enough to power Athens United 08B Gold (GA) to a first-place finish in the Piedmont Conference. If Athens can find ways to come away with points from each game in Arizona, it should find itself in position to move on the semifinals.

Group E

Few teams had a stronger regular season performance in 2023-24 than Players 08B Elite (NV). The Nevada side went 7-0-0 in the Desert Conference, and it outscored opponents 43-to-0. Opponents in Arizona will need to be on top of their game against Players.

Group F

A perfect 8-0-0 record in South Atlantic Conference play last year has positioned SMS 08B Premier (MD) as a team to watch in Arizona. SMS won its group in the quarterfinals stage last season, so it has had success at this level. Triumph is nothing new to Utah Celtic 08B E64 Bradley (UT), as the club has claimed back-to-back USYS National Championships in the 2008 age group. Celtic will look to take a step closer to a three-peat with a strong performance in Mesa.

Group G

Stony Brook Wildlings Blue B08 (NY-E) and Pateadores SC Nashville 08B Blue (TN) each won their respective divisions last season with unbeaten records. Stony Brook went 7-0-1 in the North Atlantic Conference, while Pateadores posted a 7-0-0 record in the Mid South Conference. The teams are both hoping to earn return trips to the National Championships, where the Wildlings made a run to the semifinals after they edged out Pateadores by goal differential in their group.

Group H

Kansas Rush Academy B08 (KS) won a tight division in the Midwest Conference, as it went 5-2-1. The Kansas side will also lean on its experience in the quarterfinals stage, as it won its group a year ago while conceding no goals in its three wins.

Group I

Behind the top attack and defense it the Midwest division, TKO Premier SC 08B Blue (MI) went 7-0-1 last season to win its Elite 64 Regional League group. A similar showing in Mesa will put it in a great position to secure a spot in the February Semifinals.

Group J

Legends FC 08B Elite 64 (TX-S) finished on top of the Frontier Conference standings in 2023-24, as it secured six wins and three draws in an undefeated campaign. Among the teams it will face in Mesa is Columbus United B08 Lions (OH), which also claimed a title last season when it won the Great Lakes Conference with a 5-1-1 record.

US YOUTH SOCCER ODP PLAYERS

The following players are on rosters for the 2024-25 US Youth Soccer ODP Interregionals.

2008 East Region – Austin Sheehan (NY Hota Bavarian Soccer Club 2008 Blue (NY-E))
2008 East Region – Sean Mahoney (NY Hota Bavarian Soccer Club 2008 Blue (NY-E))
2008 East Region – Otoniel Umana Alvarez (NY Hota Bavarian Soccer Club 2008 Blue (NY-E))
2008 Midwest Region – Niekos Whitney (Alliance Eleven 2008B (IN))
2008 South Region – Pablo Medellin (Athens United 08 Boys Gold (GA))

19U Boys

Group A

PYSC 07B Orange (NY-E) kept things interesting during its 7-1-1 run to the North Atlantic Conference title in the 2023-24 season. Five of its seven wins came by a one-goal margin, and its draw was a 5-5 result. PYSC still earned the points, and it will look to do the same in Mesa.

Group B

Alliance Fire 06/07B (IN) and FC Portland 06/07B Navy (OR) compiled identical 6-0-1 records in their respective divisions last season. The Great Lakes Conference and Northwest Conference winners will each bring their own styles of play to the group in Arizona.

Group C

Century 06/07B Gold (PA-W) knows the importance of a fast start and will be ready from the first whistle in Mesa. The PA West side is coming off a title-winning campaign last season in the Elite 64 Regional League, when a 2-1 result in its opening game proved to be the deciding factor at the top of the Great Lakes (North) standings.

Group D

Behind the division’s top defense, Galaxy SC 07B Elite 64 (IL) went 8-1-0 last season to win the Midwest Conference. The Illinois side also scored the most goals in the group — showing it can use varying styles to defeat opponents.

Group E

Strikers Miami FC 07B Elite (FL) earned plenty of success in the 2023-24 season, and it will be looking to do more of the same in Arizona. Strikers went 13-0-3 to win the club-based division of the Sunshine Conference, and it claimed the USYS Southern Regional Championship in June.

Group F

A high-powered attack helped Sporting CT 06/07B (CT) win its club-based division of the New England Conference last season. Sporting averaged more than three goals per game en route to a 9-1-0 record.

Group G

Hoosier FC 07/06B Elite Wolves I (IN) will be a team on a mission when it heads to Arizona. The Indiana side won the Great Lakes (South) division of the Elite 64 Regional League last season. It enjoyed even more success at national events before coming up just short in July in the title game at the USYS National Championships. Opponents will need to be ready for the returning National finalists.

Group H

Opponents will need to find a way to break down the back line of TKO Premier SC 06/7B Blue (MI), which was a tall task in 2023-24. TKO conceded just two goals, as it went 7-1-0 to win the Midwest division of the Elite 64 Regional League. Wasatch SC 07B WR (UT) has proven it may have the attack necessary to break through against TKO, as the Utah side averaged four goals per game en route to winning the Desert Conference a year ago.

Group I

Finding ways to win tight games can be crucial at national events, and Legends FC 06/07B Elite 64 (TX-S) has shown it can do just that. The South Texas side won the Frontier Conference in 2023-24 — going 7-1-0, with five of its wins coming by one goal.

Group J

NUSA 07B Maroon (TN) is looking to make some noise in Mesa after it won the Mid South Conference last year with a 5-0-1 record. The Tennessee side barely missed a berth to the USYS National Championships when it finished as a finalist at Regionals, so it should be focused and ready to go when play kicks off in Arizona.

US YOUTH SOCCER ODP PLAYERS

The following players are on rosters for the 2024-25 US Youth Soccer ODP Interregionals.

2007 Midwest Region – Owen Price (Hoosier FC 2007/06B Elite Wolves I (IN))
2007 West Region – John McAllister (Wasatch SC 06/07B-WR (UT))

Schedule set for January 2025 NL Quarterfinals

FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 19, 2024) — The game schedule is now available for the USYS National League Quarterfinals that will take place this coming January in Mesa, Ariz.

GIRLS Schedule

BOYS Schedule

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

The January Quarterfinals will feature girls and boys teams, primarily from Elite 64, in the 13U through 19U age groups. The girls will take the fields first, with games scheduled for Jan. 10-13, and the boys will compete the following weekend, Jan. 17-21. All games in Mesa will be played at the Arizona Athletic Grounds.

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

“This event will conclude a series of amazing National League Quarterfinal events that each create memorable experiences for all the participating players, coaches, referees and families,” said Marc Frankland, USYS National League General Manager. “We saw some standout performances at the first quarterfinal event in November, and we know the competition in January will be at an equally high level as the teams look to advance to the National League Semifinals.”

The field of teams competing this January in Arizona features three sides that won titles at the 2024 USYS National Championships — Utah Celtic Elite 64 08B (UT), Toca FC 07B Elite 64 (KS), and Michigan Rangers Elite 64 06/07G (MI).

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

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

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

Click here for more details on the January 2025 National League Quarterfinals.

NL Quarterfinals (November) – Girls Preview

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

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

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

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

14U Girls

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

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

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

Day 1 Game to Watch

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

US Youth SOccer ODP Players

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

15U Girls

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

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

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

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

Day 1 Game to Watch

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

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

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

Video Highlight

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

Video Highlight

16U Girls

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

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

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

Day 1 Game to Watch

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

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

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

Video Highlight

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

Video Highlight

17U Girls

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

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

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

Day 1 Game to Watch

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

US Youth SOccer ODP Players

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

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

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

Video Highlight

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

Video Highlight

19U Girls

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

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

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

Day 1 Game to Watch

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

US Youth SOccer ODP Players

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

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

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

Video Highlight

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

Video Highlight

NL Quarterfinals (November) – Boys Preview

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

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

14U Boys

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

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

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

Day 1 Game to Watch

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

US Youth SOccer ODP Players

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

15U Boys

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

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

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

Day 1 Game to Watch

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

US Youth SOccer ODP Players

2011 West Region – James Kennedy (Sparta B10 E64)

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

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

Video Highlight

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

Video Highlight

16U Boys

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

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

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

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

Day 1 Game to Watch

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

US Youth SOccer ODP Players

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

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

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

Video Highlight

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

Video Highlight

17U Boys

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

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

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

Day 1 Game to Watch

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

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

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

Video Highlight

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

Video Highlight

19U Boys

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

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

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

Day 1 Game to Watch

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

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

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

Video Highlight

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

Video Highlight

Schedule set for December 2024 NL Quarterfinals

FRISCO, Texas (Oct. 21, 2024) — The game schedule is now available for the USYS National League Quarterfinals that will take place this December in Mesa, Ariz.

VIEW Schedule

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

The December Quarterfinals will feature boys and girls teams, primarily from the National League Conferences and Elite 64 Regional League, in the 14U through 19U age groups. The boys will take the fields first, with games scheduled for Dec. 6-9, and the girls will compete the following weekend, Dec. 13-16. All games in Mesa will be played at the Arizona Athletic Grounds.

The teams playing in December in Arizona all earned their place in the event based on their performance in National League competition during the 2023-24 season. Each team will be competing for an opportunity to advance to the National League Semifinals, where they’ll ultimately have a chance to qualify for the 2025 USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life.

“For nearly two decades, the USYS National League has brought the top teams in the country together for a chance to play meaningful games in a highly competitive environment that promotes personal and collective development,” said Marc Frankland, USYS National League General Manager. “This event epitomizes that vision, as the quarterfinals are full of teams who seized one qualification chance and are now playing for their next opportunity to advance on the pathway toward Nationals.”

The field of teams competing in December in Arizona is very strong and features seven teams that won titles at the 2024 USYS National Championships — HTX 11G N (TX-S), The Football Academy NK 11B Black (NJ), Galaxy SC 10G NL (IL), Ponys FC 2010B (IL), Aspire FC 09B Black (TX-S), Utah Celtic 08B Bradley (UT), and Nationals Union 06G Black (MI).

The December Quarterfinals feature a group play format. Within each age group, teams are divided into several groups of four, and all teams will play one game against each of the three opponents in their group.

After three days of competition, the top two finishers in each group will secure advancement to the National League Semifinals. In some age groups, one or more third-place finishers may also secure a spot in the semifinals.

Note: The number of 4-team groups in the December Quarterfinals varies by age group and gender.

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

Schedule set for November 2024 NL Quarterfinals

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

Boys Schedule

GIRLS Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Field of teams announced for December 2024 NL Quarterfinals

FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 3, 2024) — The USYS National League has announced the full field of teams that will compete in the December 2024 National League Quarterfinals. The event will feature teams primarily from the National League Conferences and Elite 64 Regional League, and all games will be played at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz.

View the List of Teams

The December Quarterfinals include boys and girls teams in the 14U (2011), 15U (2010), 16U (2009), 17U (2008) and 19U (2006/2007) age groups.

The December competition will feature more than 260 top-performing teams from the past year of competition in the 13 National League Conferences, as well as the Elite 64 Regional League. Each side earned its place in the quarterfinals, either via automatic qualification or by securing an open slot selection, through its recent on-field accomplishments.

“Each team playing in these National League Quarterfinals has proven it belongs through excellent performances over the last year, which will make for a high-level event full of special teams and talented players on the top of their game,” said Marc Frankland, USYS National League General Manager. “Every team goes to Arizona with an opportunity to get a step closer to advancing to the USYS National Championships, and that emphasis on team achievements creates a very exciting atmosphere all around the event.”

THE TEAMS

The December 2024 Quarterfinals will feature 57 teams that qualified for the 2024 USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life, in the 13U through 18U age groups, including 15 semifinalists, six finalists and seven champions.

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

THE PATHWAY

Teams in the December Quarterfinals will compete in three days of group play for a chance to advance to the second stage of national events — the National League Semifinals.

At the National League Semifinals, teams that advance out of the December Quarterfinals will meet the teams that advance from the other two quarterfinal events, which primarily feature Elite 64 sides. With the best of the National League’s team-based and club-based divisions coming together, the semifinals will see teams compete for berths to the 2025 USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life.

The game schedule for December 2024 National League Quarterfinals will be posted around late October.

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

National League teams claim 13 of 14 titles at 2024 Nationals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The road to the title

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

13U Girls

HTX 12 (TX-S)

Path to Nationals

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

National final key moments

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

13U BOYS

The Football Academy NJ 11B Black (NJ)

Path to Nationals

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

National final key moments

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

14U Girls

Galaxy SC 10G NL (IL)

Path to Nationals

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

National final key moments

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

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

14U BOYS

Ponys FC 2010 (IL)

Path to Nationals

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

National final key moments

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

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

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

15U Girls

Las Vegas Surf SC 09G Elite 64 (NV)

Path to Nationals

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

National final key moments

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

15U BOYS

Aspire FC 09B Black (TX-S)

Path to Nationals

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

National final key moments

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

16U Girls

Team Boca 08G Elite 64 (FL)

Path to Nationals

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

National final key moments

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

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

16U BOYS

Utah Celtic FC 08B (UT)

Path to Nationals

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

National final key moments

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

17U Girls

Nationals Union 07 Girls Black (MI)

Path to Nationals

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

National final key moments

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

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

17U BOYS

Toca FC 07B Elite 64 (KS)

Path to Nationals

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

National final key moments

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

18U BOYS

Strikers Miami FC 06B Elite (FL)

Path to Nationals

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

National final key moments

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

19U Girls

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

Path to Nationals

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

National final key moments

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

19U BOYS

Cedar Stars 05/06B Elite 64 (NJ)

Path to Nationals

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

National final key moments

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

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

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

USYS National Championships – Semifinals & 18U Finals

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 27, 2024) — The 2024 US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life, continued Saturday in Orlando, Fla., as the teams that will vie for remaining National titles were determined during intense semifinal action.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ponys overcomes early deficit to earn return to final

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

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

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

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

Fort Wayne United advances to the 16U Girls final

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

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

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

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

USYS National Championships – Matchday 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

Galaxy 08B comes through in must-win game

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

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

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

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

DASC wins battle of former champions

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

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

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

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

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

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