Sandy, UT (7/26/2017)
The National Championship Series is underway in Frisco Texas this week and Utah has four teams at the event. The girls 15, 16, and 17U all won the Far West Regionals in Seattle earlier this month, while the 17U boys are there courtesy of National League. The National Championships are the ultimate goal for club teams in each of the state associations as they progress from State Cups, to Regional Events and finally here.
Through the first two days Utah has a record of 1-4-3 with the final games of group stage to be played tomorrow.
Day 1: Player Luncheon
On the first day in Texas, all the teams gather together and do a player luncheon. It is a great opportunity for the players to get to mingle and interact with the other states and create friendships that can last a lifetime.
Day 2: First round of games
The boys 17U Sparta 00 JK team battled back to draw 2-2 in an eventful first half that saw all four goals occur. Down 2-0 after a FC Dallas strike in the 26th minute, Sparta responded right away through a Zackery Farnsworth goal 2 minutes later. 6 minutes later the game was level after Fabian Gonzalez Limones scored. Both teams battled hard but were unable to find the winner.
Girls 17U Celtic FC also had 2-2 game, although the scoring was more evenly spaced with Anna Pickering scoring to put Celtic ahead in the 20th minute. After falling behind 2-1 a 74th minute goal from Rebecca Olsen made sure that the points were shared.
Girls 16U Celtic FC also scored 2 goals but unfortunately in a losing effort. They lost 4-2 despite goals from Madison Henderson and Emma Conrad in the 5th and 80th minute.
Girls 15U La Roca had a dramatic 1-1 draw as a last gasp equalizer came in the form of a Abbie Kotter strike.
Day 3: Second round of games
Boys 17U opened up the winning for Utah as they beat Raiders FC from IL 2-1. Goals from Fabian Gonzalez Limones and Arturo Martin Pimentel secured the victory and put the Sparta team in a position to advance depending on tomorrow's game.
Girls 17U Celtic had a disappointing game as they lost despite a goal each from Hailee Atwater and Abbigail Graham as they lost 3-2.
Girls 16U Celtic played a team from Michigan and were undone by 3 goals. Amanda Bryan scored for Celtic.
Girls 15U La Roca had a game they will hope to forget as they were beaten by another team from Michigan 7-1. Caroline Stringfellow had the goal for La Roca.
Day 4: TBD
The final round of games of group play is tomorrow, check back to see how they did and if they will be moving on.
Be sure to check out the UYSA Facebook and Instagram accounts as we will be posting photos and video from all 4 teams at the event from the luncheon, games, and behind the scenes.
For the full schedule and results you can go HERE.