Wilson, N.C. (Dec. 3, 2010) – Day two of play at the US Youth Soccer National League continued, showcasing the top Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 Girls teams in the nation as they compete in the first weekend of League play.

The National League teams are elite club soccer teams with an individual proven track record of success in US Youth Soccer programs and are among the nation's best, which creates another significant opportunity for the nation's collegiate, professional and national team staffs to see players in an environment of meaningful play.   

Over 175 college coaches have attended the first two days of the National League Girls season. With a collection of the top teams from across the country, the chance to see how young athletes compete with a League title and a spot in the National Championships on the line is the main draw for college coaches.

"The National League brings a lot of great players all to one venue and you also get a chance to see an East Coast team or a Midwest team against a West Coast or Southern team, so the mix and the flavor of teams is great to see," said University of Michigan Associate Head Coach, Dean Duerst. "You're seeing tighter games, they're being smart, there's a lot more strategy involved versus just playing a showcase game.  That's something we notice as coaches. You want to see games that have something on the line."

Of the 40 teams playing in the 2011 National League Girls season, just 8 have been able to keep a perfect record after only two games.

The first place team from each division (blue and red) age group will earn a ticket to the 2011 US Youth Soccer National Championships making each match valuable to the team's fate as it could make or break their chance at competing for a National Championship.

Some highlights from today's matches…

Under-15 Girls
Internationals (OH-N) got off to a good start against BRYC 95 Elite (VA) as Kathryn Waters scored in the 7^th minute for a 1-0 lead, but BRYC scored three unanswered goals to take the win 3-1. Adrienne Maday tied things up in the 27^th and then added another in the 76^th after Katie Pieper scored the winner in the 50^th.

So Cal Blues (CA-S) also started hot versus Grand Rapids Crew Jrs. (MI) before Crew took over en route to a 3-1 win.  Stephanie Malherbe put the Blues ahead in the 19^th, but Isabella Fiorenzo scored in the 33^rd and 76^th to put Crew Jrs. ahead and Mariah Otolski finished the scoring just before the final whistle.

As was the theme in the U-15 Girls today, Arsenal Elite (FL) took the early lead only to have AFC Elite (GA) come back for a 2-1 victory. Danielle Gottwik scored for Arsenal in the 11^th minute, but Kylie Ruffule and Ashley Keller scored in the 56^th and 60^th to give AFC the win.

The Under-16 Brandon FC Flames (FL) put in a solid performance to defeat Patriots FC 95 (NY-E) 5-0. Taylor Decaire started the scoring in the 9^th minute and Taylor Meek added another before the break in the 23^rd. Taylor Decaire scored twice more in two minutes midway through the second and Meek added her second just before the end.

Albion SC (CA-S) and Chantilly Firecats (VA) met up with both teams looking to get in the win column this weekend. A goal from Courtnie Marshall just three minutes into the second half was enough for Albion as they held on for the 1-0 win.

Two former Regional Champions clashed today as So Cal Blues (CA-S) stayed perfect after two games with a 3-0 victory over Eclipse Select (IL). Amber Munerlyn put So Cal ahead in the 30^th minute and Ana Cruz added another six minutes later to take a two goal lead into the break. Munerlyn added the third with just over 15 minutes to play to finish the game.

Under-17 Girls
Two clubs with a history of playing the National League met up in the Under-17 Red group looking to stay undefeated. It was the Dallas Texans' day as they took down San Diego Surf 3-0 to take the early lead in the group as the only 2-0 team. Mary Alissa Lonsberry scored the go-ahead goal in the 20^th to lead the Texans into the break, and Kelsey Shimmick and Kelsey Bass scored in the second half to lock up the victory.

2010 Region I Champion McLean MPS Strikers (VA) are trying to earn their way back into this year's National Championships, but they fell just a step behind the Texans as they drew 0-0 with Empire United SA (NY-W). Both teams fought throughout the match but neither defense was willing to give in as Empire stayed undefeated as well with two draws.

Last year's National League runner-up and Region II Champion, NSA Premier Fury (IL), joined McLean for the second best record at 1-0-1 as they defeated Internationals (OH-N) 3-1. Internationals struck early in the 4^th minute from Kaitlin George to take the lead at the half, but NSA responded in the second half with Jessica Bronke leveling in the 52^nd and Amy Tadla netting in the 60^th and 79^th to seal the win.

National League action continues Saturday at Wilson Gillette Soccer Complete at 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. For complete standings, scores and schedules, click here or go to /National_League.  

 
Upcoming Matches
Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010

Keep up with the National League all season:
National League Home: USYouthSoccer.org/National_League
Schedule and standings: Tournaments.USYouthSoccer.org/events/2011-US-Youth-Soccer-National-League/
Twitter: @nationalleague
Facebook: Facebook.com/usyouthsoccer
You Tube: YouTube.com/usyouth

### 

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) – US Youth Soccer - "The Game for ALL Kids!^®" is the largest youth sports organization in the country and largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, and over 900,000 administrators, coaches and volunteers in 55 member State Associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game. For more information, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.

 

Media Request: When referring to the United States Youth Soccer Association, the largest youth sports organization in the United States, please refer to the association only as US Youth Soccer, and never as USYS or USYSA. We appreciate your cooperation.

About US Youth Soccer National League - Formed in 2007, the US Youth Soccer National League was developed as a path of advancement for the top teams from the US Youth Soccer Regional Leagues. In addition to meaningful matches, development and identification, the league created a direct path to the annual US Youth Soccer National Championships.  League play features the Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 age groups for boys and girls who are seeking to advance their college, professional and U.S. National Team aspirations.  Learn more at /National_League/.