14 Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) teams traveled to Loudoun County, Virginia, for the US Youth Soccer Mid Atlantic Presidents Cup, with four battling their way into the final round of the competition. JSC 2012 Boys Gold lifted the 14U Boys Championship Trophy in Virginia, while Kings Hammer Elite Murfreesboro G07/08-R secured a berth in the USYS National Presidents Cup next month in Wichita, Kansas.
The USYS Mid Atlantic Presidents Cup, held from June 11-14th at Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park, brought together Presidents Cup champions from across the region in the 13U-19U age groups, all of whom earned their spots after advancing from state competition. For Tennessee’s representatives, that journey began back in the Tennessee State League and culminated with a State Cup title at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro.
Three Days of Group Play
14 Tennessee teams opened the tournament with three days of group play, battling through deep and competitive brackets to determine which teams would advance to the Finals.
Day 1 saw Tennessee teams go a combined 6-6-2, an encouraging start against the regional field. That momentum carried into Day 2, where Tennessee posted a 7-6-1 record, continuing to push for position as they headed into the final day of group play. Day 3 brought a tougher slate at 5-8, with four TSSA sides advancing once the final whistle had been blown on the opening round.
At the end of group play, JSC 2012 Boys Gold (14U Boys), KH Elite Murfreesboro G07/08-R (19U Girls), NUSA G09 Maroon (17U Girls), and PSA Tornadoes (16U Boys) all secured their places in the championship round.
Finals Day in Loudoun County
The championship round brought a 1-3 record for Tennessee’s four representatives, but the storylines that emerged were nothing short of memorable.
JSC 2012 Boys Gold defeated Arlington SA 2012B White, 3-2, to claim the 14U Boys Mid Atlantic Presidents Cup title. Following the win, the team elected not to travel to the USYS National Presidents Cup in July.
NUSA G09 Maroon endured the toughest heartbreak of the day in the 17U Girls Final against CVYSA Blast Blue G, battling to a scoreless draw through regulation before falling in penalty kicks, 3-1.
KH Elite Murfreesboro G07/08-R fell just short in the 19U Girls final against NCFCY Gold North. However, the 19U Girls champion declined its bid to Nationals, opening the door for Kings Hammer Murfreesboro to advance to USYS National Presidents Cup competition this July in their place.
PSA Tornadoes rounded out Tennessee’s finalists in the 16U Boys bracket, falling to NCFCY Gold DCH in their championship match.
A Strong Showing for Tennessee Soccer
With four finalists, a hard-fought run through group play, and a national berth secured for the Kings Hammer Murfreesboro 19U Girls, Tennessee’s trip to the Mid Atlantic Presidents Cup showcased the depth and quality continuing to build within the state. Congratulations to every Tennessee team that competed in Loudoun County, and best of luck to KH Elite Murfreesboro G07/08-R as they prepare for the national stage this summer in Wichita, Kansas.
