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March Madness of a different kind kicked off today in Las Vegas as America’s elite youth soccer talent participated in the 5th annual US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) National Championships. Opening semifinal matches between North Texas – Washington as well as North Carolina-Wisconsin set the tone for the semifinal rounds played at the Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex with teams from state level US Youth Soccer ODP programs competing for a chance to be named National Champions.

Girls and boys 16 and under teams were the first to compete, followed by the 18 and under teams playing beneath the lights of the desert skyline. All sixteen teams in this weekend’s competition played their way in by winning their respective region’s events.

On the boys’ field, it was Cody Arnoux’s quick goal in the 4th minute of play that established an early lead for North Carolina. Soon after that was Devan Carroll’s goal in the 12th minute with a burst of speed past Wisconsin’s defense to give the 2:0 advantage. Wisconsin’s Andrew Adlard added a goal just before the half to put Wisconsin on the board. The second half was all Wisconsin as Andrew Adlard scored again in the 47th minute and was later followed up by Mehdi Eslami in the 68th to put Wisconsin on top for good.

The girls’ field was a different battle as North Texas and Washington played in a defensive grudge match. Although both teams made advances, neither team was able to net a goal before the half. The second looked very similar to the first until Washington’s Lauren Wilmoth made some space and scored what would be the game winning goal in the 70th minute of play.

The second boys’ match of the day pitted two states that won 2003 US Youth Soccer ODP National Championship crowns, Eastern Pennsylvania and California South. California South struck first in the 2nd minute of play off the foot of Estuardo Sanches, both teams went back and forth until the break. Then Eric Cava evened the match at one a piece in the 51st minute of play and it was the defense that took center stage. Paul McHenry from Eastern Pennsylvania kept the California South attack at bay through the end of regulation and the first overtime period. With both teams exchanging scoring opportunities California South’s William Molina scored the “Golden Goal” in the 110th minute of play to advance California South to the championship match.

The final ‘88 girls match-up was between Connecticut and Illinois in a game that totaled four goals in the second half of play. Just before the half, Illinois’ Rebecca Zirlin scored in the 39th minute to jump-start the eventual scoring frenzy following the break. Katie Schoepfer scored in the 65th minute to tie the match, but soon after Nicole Moran quickly followed in the 73rd minute to regain Connecticut’s lead. But it took only 120 seconds for Schoepfer to net her second goal of the match to tie things up. Just before the end of regulation Connecticut’s Lindsey Shean placed the game-winning goal in the back of the net to advance to Sunday’s Championship final.

The action continued under the lights as the 18 and under boys teams took the field and defense was key in the first match between New Jersey and Michigan. After a scoreless half it was New Jersey’s Kevin O’Connor who made room down the right side to score the game’s only goal in the 66th minute of play.

The other 18 and under semifinal match featured Colorado and Florida. Colorado’s Nicholas Blanco made the first goal in the 5th minute of play, what followed was back and forth until the 50th minute when Chris Johnson sent the lead to 2:0. Florida made a late charge with a goal in the 62nd minute by Graham Zusi but the push was too late as Colorado advances with the 2:1 victory.

In the girls’ 18 and under matches, North Texas played their way to a shot at the title with goals from Kristen Moran in the 16th minute and Lauren Thomas in the 34th to finish 2:0 against New Jersey. It was North Texas’ defense that kept New Jersey’s advances at bay and gave the Lone Star State a chance gold.

Determined to play in Sunday’s championship, California South scored on chances to out score Missouri 5:0. The scoring began in the 12th minute with Ashley Nick and continued in the 35th with Alexa Orand’s attack from the left side. The second half added three to California South’s total beginning with Maryhelen Tomer’s goal in the 67th minute and followed up by back-to-back goals in the 72nd and 78th minute by Joanna Idom and Caroline Drew respectively.

Theses elite athletes competed in one of four US Youth Soccer Regional ODP tournaments to earn the trip to Vegas and the US Youth Soccer ODP National Championships. After a day of rest, play will resume Sunday for the championship matches and the crowning of the 2004 US Youth Soccer ODP National Champions.

Collegiate and U.S. National Team coaching staff were on hand to observe the US Youth Soccer ODP players to better prepare their future teams with the country’s top youth talent. For more on US Youth Soccer ODP and the 2004 US Youth Soccer ODP National Championships visit USYouthSoccer.org.

Connecticut vs. Illinois 3:2
Goal Scorers:
18 – Rebecca Zirlin, Skokie, IL (39:00), 12 – Katie Schoepfer, Waterford, CT (65:00), 9 – Nicole Moran, Lake Forest, IL (73:00), 12 – Katie Schoepfer, Waterford, CT (75:00), 13 – Lindsey Shean, Madison, CT (79:00)

1988 Boys
Game 1
North Carolina vs. Wisconsin 2:3
Goal Scorers:
9 – Cody Arnoux, Wilmington, NC (4:00), 4 – Devan Carroll, Jacksonville, NC (12:00), 3 – Andrew Adlard, New Berlin, WI (40:00+1), (47:00), 9 – Mehdi Eslami, Foxpoint, WI (68:00)

Game 2
Eastern Pennsylvania vs. Cal South 1:2
Goal Scorers:
14 – Estuardo Sanches, Los Angeles, CA (2:00), 4 – Eric Cava, Clarks Summit, PA (51:00), 18 – Anthony Soares, Solana Beach, CA (110:00)

1986 Girls
Game 1
North Texas vs. New Jersey 2:0
Goal Scorers: 10 – Kirsten Moran, Southlake, TX (15:00), 15 – Lauren Thomas, Plano, TX (34:00)

Game 2
California South vs. Missouri 5:0
Goal Scorers: 14 – Ashley Nick, Monrovia, CA (12:00), 15 – Alexa Orand, Orange, CA (35:00), 17 – Maryhelen Tomer, Diamond Bar, CA (67:00), 8 – Joanna Idom, Yorba Linda, CA (72:00), 3 – Caroline Drew, Encinitas, CA (78:00)

Game 2
Colorado vs. Florida 2:1
Goal Scorers: 2 - Nicholas Blanco, Littleton, CO (5:00), 5 – Chris Johnson, Colorado Springs, CO (50:00), 17 – Graham Zusi, Longwood, FL (62:00)