Today we unveil our latest update to TeamRank, the comprehensive ranking system for elite club soccer teams nationwide. Let’s see what has changed for U13, U14, and U15 Girls. On August 1, we will publish the final standings for all age groups for the 2012-13 season.

(scroll down for system details)

Michigan Hawks new #1 at U13

With So Cal Blues’ loss in penalties to Arsenal Colorado in the semifinals of the USYS Far West Regionals, Michigan Hawks 00 takes over the top spot in the TeamRank Top 25. The Hawks won the USYS Region II Championships in June to make it to Nationals and have continued the streak this week, beating Region IV champion and #4 Legends FC 1-0 in the first match of group play.

New England FC Elite has luck on its side going into nationals. NEFC lost 4-0 to #5 World Class 99/00 Patino in the finals of the Region I Premier League, and lost to #7 FC Stars in the semifinals of the Massachusetts State Cup, but the team from Massachusetts earned a spot in the Region I Championships through its RIPL runner-up finish, and has made the most of it. NEFC redeemed itself against both squads, took the Region I crown, qualified for USYS Nationals, and leaps all the way from #15 to #5 in our standings.

De Anza champions at U14

After beating PDA in the finals of the ECNL Champions League, De Anza Force ECNL ends the season at the top spot in our rankings. The Force was never lower than #2 all season, and only dropped from the top spot in February because of a draw with conference foe Mustang SC.

Rounding out the top five at the conclusion of this group’s first season in the ECNL are PDA at #2, San Diego Surf at #3, West Coast FC at #4, and Michigan Hawks at #5.

In the midst of the US Youth Soccer National Championships, look for #21 Yardley Makefield to finish the season strong, and break into the top 20. YMS qualified for nationals via a USYS Region I championship run, and had a come-from-behind victory against #15 Tophat 17 Gold in its first game of group play at nationals, thanks to goals from Meredith Webber and Brynn Skelly.

Eclipse Select finishes strong at U15

Eclipse Select may have qualified for the Champions League finals via goal differential over PDA, but Rory Dame’s side took the bid and made every moment count at Finals, sweeping the competition, including a 2-0 win over #2 Real Colorado in the final match.

Colorado Storm ECNL had a great run to finish the season, taking Group H at the ECNL playoffs over TSC Hurricane, San Juan SC, and Vardar. The side led by IMG Academy 150 standouts Kristin Barbour and Amanda Lopez qualified for a spot at finals week from the 31^st seed, and climbs from #16 to #8.

Next Thursday: Final standings for the 2012-13 season

TeamRank is the comprehensive team-ranking system devised by TopDrawerSoccer.com to provide an objective and common-sense approach to determining which elite youth soccer teams are the best in the nation.

The rankings, updated monthly, are primarily results-based, with a nod toward the league and championship competitions that emulate how excellence is determined in leading soccer nations around the world.

Tournaments are also included but at a reduced value due to the many mitigating factors involving such events, including attrition and guest players.

A final layer of executive evaluation is provided to account for variables that often impact results, thus ensuring that the monthly lists are not subjective, but are not purely mechanical.