Sandy, UT (10/24/2017)
State Cup is the best. State Cup is the most prestigious tournament that UYSA holds with so much on the line. Not only the recognition that you are the best team in your age group in the entire state, but also a trip to regionals, and potentially nationals.
The tensions are high, the games are tremendous, and its knockout rounds are second to none. Last night was a perfect example of what makes State Cup so great. There were 8 games played, with 5 of them being settled by 1 goal. Two games went to overtime and one of those needed a shootout. The matchups were fantastic, the goals were amazing, and the emotions were everything. It was a great night that promises to only get better as we move into the Finals tonight.
Game Recaps
16U
The semi-final between Utah Storm and VKCOBRAS was everything you could want from a matchup. Utah Storm looked to keep winning after their spectacular victory over La Roca TJ in the quarterfinals, while VKCOBRAS tried to keep their amazing year going. In the end Utah Storm came out on top with a 1-0 victory.
In the other semi-final there were goals galore as Sparta and Copper Mountain player to a 4-2 result, Sparta won.
This sets up a final between Utah Storm and Sparta that could truly go either way as both teams have looked outstanding throughout the year and especially this tournament. That game will kickoff at 4:30 on field 2.
17U
In the 17U division one semi-final has all the drama while the other proved a great team's dominance once again. Sparta 01 Premier JK, the pre-tournament favorite and defending State Cup champion cruised to the final with a 4-0 victory.
The other one was something else. La Roca S AB took on Utah Rangers FC 01, and it was an insane game. Both teams were evenly matched and played through most of the game deadlocked and just missed on a couple of chances. Late in the second half, La Roca was given a red card for a high hard tackle minutes before overtime. In overtime La Roca came out looking like the better team despite being down a man. Second overtime came and still no goal, Rangers FC hit the post, and then with minutes left, a ball floated into the box that required a tremendous save but the rebound fell right to a Rangers player, 1-0. The game ended a few minutes later. It was incredible.
The 17U final will feature Utah Rangers FC 01 fresh off that victory vs the obstacle that is the 01 Sparta team. Look for this game to be played at 4:00pm on field 1.
18U
UDA 00B Blue upset defending State Cup Champion AFC Apex 00 College Prep and they will look to continue their tremendous season in the final.
In without a doubt the craziest game of the evening, Sparta 00 Premier JK won on penalties against La Roca S AB. The game ended 5-5 before Sparta won in penalties. The game started with Sparta out way in front 3-0. Then within a ten minute span La Roca scored 3 times making it 3-3. Regulation ended 3-3. Then La Roca scored in overtime, then Sparta did, then La Roca did, and finally with seconds left on the clock, Sparta scored making it 5-5 and on to penalties. It took one save from the Sparta keeper, and all 5 made penalties from Sparta, but eventually we had a winner.
The final consists of Sparta 00 Premier JK who will look to avenge last year's loss in the final, vs UDA 00B Blue who could become regular season and State Cup champions. They play at 6:30 on field 2.
19U
Both Semi-finals were tight hotly contested affairs that ended with one team having a 1 goal advantage. Utah Rangers FC beat Forza FC 3-2, while AFC Apex beat Sparta 1-0.
Both teams will play in the finals at 6:00pm on field 1 and Utah Rangers FC will look to repeat as State Cup Champions.
We will see you there!
For the full schedule and results click HERE