The knockout stages have officially commenced at the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships, with a pair of Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) teams advancing to the finals of the tournament. Connecticut teams that are in pursuit of an Eastern Regional Championship include Ole FC Yankee Academy (15U Girls) and AC Connecticut (17U Girls).
Ole FC Yankee Academy (15U Girls) booked their reservation in the 15U Girls Final after blanking PPA 2009 Green Girls (MD) today in the semifinals, 1-0. Ole FC opened the Eastern Regional Championships by finishing on top of their table in group play, going undefeated with nine points (3-0 record) and outscoring their opposition by a tally of 8-1. Next up is a Tuesday meeting in the championship game against South Shore Futbol Club Legacy G2009 (NYE).
AC Connecticut (17U Girls) also remained unbeaten at the Eastern Regional Championships, earning a 1-0 clean sheet over Aztec North Girls 2007 NAL (NH) in the semifinals today. Prior to arriving in the elimination rounds, AC Connecticut claimed their spot in the semifinals by winning their group, recording seven points (2-0-1 record) on an 8-1 goal differential. They now face Aztec Girls 2007 NAL (MA) on Tuesday in the final, with the winner of that match lifting the 17U Girls Trophy.
USYS Eastern Regional Championships – Tuesday
15U Girls: Ole FC Yankee Academy vs. South Shore Futbol Club Legacy G2009 (NYE) at 9:00 AM
17U Girls: AC Connecticut vs. Aztec Girls 2007 NAL (MA) at 12:00 PM
CJSA teams that advanced to the elimination rounds of the USYS Eastern Regional Championships but unfortunately saw their run come to a close are AC Connecticut (13U Girls), Connecticut Rush Select (13U Boys) and Chelsea Piers Juventus (16U Boys).
Winners at the USYS Eastern Regional Championships will move onto the USYS National Championships later this month at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The competition provides winners from each state with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.