Following an outstanding all-around performance at the 2023 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup, eight players from Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) teams have been selected to the Tournament Best XI for their respective age groups. Additionally, Burke Gamache was awarded 18U Boys Most Valuable Player accolades after helping Tennessee Premier Lanus win the 18U National Presidents Cup Championship.
TSSA Players Named to USYS National Presidents Cup Best XI
13U Girls – Jane Collins (FC Alliance 2010G RL)
13U Girls – Sara Lopez (FC Alliance 2010G RL)
14U Girls – Mia Cates (TSC Williamson 2009G Showcase)
16U Girls – Hilary Shikuku (2007 Lady Lobos Elite)
18U Boys – Burke Gamache (Tennessee Premier Lanus) *
18U Boys – Lyndon Tucker (Tennessee Premier Lanus)
19U Boys – Edvin Covic (Wilson United 04/05 Black)
19U Boys – Jack Franklin (Wilson United 04/05 Black)
* Named 18U Boys Most Valuable Player
“It is so exciting for these players to receive such a big honor!” said Jeannie Louk, TSSA Director of Leagues and Programs. “Congratulations to all who participated and especially to the award winners. Well deserved. We look forward to seeing how many we can get named to the Best XI next season!”
Burke Gamache and the Tennessee Premier Lanus 18U Boys opened up National Presidents Cup play with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Bethesda Green 2005 (MD), but they rebounded strongly with a 3-2 win over 7 Elite Academy 05B South (UT) and a 2-0 clean sheet against Chicago Blues FC 2005 (IL). The two wins gave Tennessee Premier Lanus a 2-1-0 record and six overall points in group play, which earned them the top spot in their bracket. After defeating JFC 2005B Elite Blue (FL) in the tournament semifinals, they lifted the National Presidents Cup by recording a 1-0 shutout against Evolution 05 Boys Mercurial in the 18U Final.
Also advancing past group play at National Presidents Cup were FC Alliance 2010G RL (13U Girls) and 2007 Lady Lobos Elite (16U Girls), which saw their tournament runs come up just short in the semifinals. Two additional TSSA teams that competed at National Presidents Cup after winning Southern Presidents Cup championships in their respective age groups were TSC Williamson 2009G Showcase (14U Girls) and Wilson United 04/05 Black (19U Boys).
The Division 2 Tournament of the TSSA State Cup presented teams with the opportunity to qualify for the Southern Presidents Cup, where teams then competed for advancement to the national tournament. The Presidents Cup provides a progressive environment for teams seeking a series of unique challenges highlighting competition, camaraderie and community.
