AUBURNDALE, FL — Every year the United States Youth Soccer Association, the largest youth sports organization in the country and the largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States, hosts a very competitive National Championship Series. The Overland Soccer Complex in Overland, Kansas will host this year’s tournament from July 22 – 28, 2013.
The U-15 Boys Sunrise Elite 97/98 team began this season with a goal of going back to the National Championship Series to compete. The 2012 United States Youth Soccer National Championship Series was close, and did not end in the Sunrise’s favor, losing in the finals due to a penalty kick attempt. Their opportunity to seal their spot for this year’s Nationals came during the National League Tournament in Orlando, Florida. The Sunrise finished the National League tournament with a perfect 7-0-0 record, scored 21 goals, and only allowed 3 goals. They faced a tough Concorde Fire Elite team out of Georgia, and beat them 1-0 to punch their ticket to Nationals.
The U-15 Girls Tampa Bay United Premier team had the same goal in mind. They would compete well during the National League tournament, losing only to defending national champion the MSC Coyotes Green from Maryland. Currently their forward Samantha Betters is one of top scorers in their league. The Tampa Bay United Premier team would finish the National League Tournament with a 5-1-1 record, scoring 16 points.
This year’s National Championship Series is shaping up to be another great tournament of the best youth soccer competition. Good luck to all of the teams who will compete.
