US Youth Soccer crowns its first champs of 2009

US Youth Soccer crowns its first champs of 2009
July 26, 2009
LANCASTER, MASSACHUSETTS – Finals in the two youngest age groups saw four national champions crowned here Saturday at the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships.

Read here for coverage of our feature matches, plus details of the other title games played Saturday and the schedule for Sunday.

Elite girls club soccer players.CASL Spartan Elite
Baltimore Bays, led by Coach Steve Nichols, completed the 'double' today here, winning the US Youth Soccer U15 Boys National Championship, months after winning the US Youth Soccer National League title.  The final score was 2-0, with goals coming from striker Michael Gamble and midfielder Malcolm Harris.

On a hot day in Lancaster, Baltimore took control of the match from the start, creating a number of early chances.  Goalscorer Harris and midfielder Ryan Kennedy both tested Sereno goalkeeper Kyle Jackson from distance in the first few minutes.  Jackson, a very busy man today, was up to the challenge on both strikes.   

Despite the sensational goalkeeping from Jackson all game long, he could do nothing about the first goal.  Fourteen minutes into the half, Gamble broke in alone and made no mistake with his finish to make it 1-0.  Gamble continued to threaten Sereno with his skill, pace and running ability all day long.   

Just 5 minutes later, Baltimore, and Gamble, almost got its second.  A free kick from the sideline was whipped in and Gamble met the ball with a great header.  Jackson saved brilliantly and the rebound was headed over by Baltimore forward Ishmaiah Calwrie.   

A short time later, Baltimore was awarded a free kick around midfield.  It was played short to center midfielder Seth Moses.  Moses took a couple dribbles and unleashed a fierce shot from fully 30 yards out that whizzed by the top left corner to the relief of Sereno and goalkeeper Jackson.  Moses was just outstanding today.  He ran the show in midfield, dictating play throughout with his confidence, skill, passing ability, and tackling.

The remainder of the half featured some good play from both teams, with Douglass Jamison in particular for Sereno especially effective.  The forward's speed and dribbling ability was always dangerous and he came close to creating a number of chances for the Arizona side.  But there were no more goals in the half as it ended 1-0.

The second half began with Sereno applying some early pressure.  However, the first chance came to Baltimore 10 minutes in.  Midfielder Kennedy played a great ball wide to Calwrie and continued his run into the box.  Calwrie crossed the ball in and it was met by an onrushing Kennedy who blazed his first-time strike just wide.  

The second goal finally did come in the 56th minute.  Michael Gamble ran through the Sereno backline and was taken down from behind just outside the box.  A red card was given and the resulting free kick was smashed into the bottom corner by Malcolm Harris.   

Jackson continued his phenomenal play in the second half, making a couple of fantastic saves, including one from point blank on Calwrie.   

With about 10 minutes left, Sereno created its two best chances of the game.  A free kick was served into the box and met with a Riggs Lennon header.  However, it was well saved by Baltimore goalkeeper Andrew Harris.  A short while later, Douglass Jamison of Sereno did well down the right wing and crossed to the back post.  It was met out of the air on the volley by Lennon but he dragged his shot just wide.  It would have been a spectacular goal.

The rest of the game had little action from either team.  As the final whistle blew, Baltimore stormed the field and celebrated its well-deserved national championship.

Click here for more USYS Nationals coverage.


Saturday match details and Sunday schedule (courtesy U.S. Youth Soccer):


Under-14 Boys  
William J. "Billy" Goaziou Cup
West Coast FC (CA-S) 2, St. Louis Scott Gallagher (MO) 0
Scorers: WCO - Cristian Canales - (43:00), Justin Dhillon - (63:00)  
 
Under-14 Girls  
Elmer Ehlers Cup  
Mustang Blast (CA-N) 1, CASL Spartan Elite Black 94 (NC) 0
Scorers: MUB - Stephanie Amack - (26:00)  
 
Under-15 Boys
adidas Cup
Baltimore Casa Mia Bays 94 2, Sereno 94 White (AZ) 0
Scorers: BAY - Michael Gamble - (14:00), Malcolm Harris - (56:00)  
 
Under-15 Girls
Kristine Lilly Cup
San Diego Surf 93-94 White (CA-S) 0, Dallas Texans 94 Red (N-TX) 0, PKs 6-5
 
adidas Golden Glove and Golden Boot

Under-14 Boys

Golden Glove: Ricky Brown – West Coast FC (CA-S)  
Golden Boot: Donovan Frazier – Dix Hills Thunder (E-NY)
 
Under-14 Girls
Golden Glove: Beth Ritter – Mustang Blast (CA-N)  
Golden Boot: Joanna Boyles – CASL Spartan Elite Black 94 (NC)
 
Under-15 Boys
Golden Glove: Kyle Jackson – Sereno 94 White (AZ)
Golden Boot: Malcolm Harris – Baltimore Casa Mia Bays 94 (MD)
 
Under-15 Girls
Golden Glove: Ariana Zargarian – San Diego Surf 93-94 White (CA-S)
Golden Boot: Sarah Adams – San Diego Surf 93-94 White (CA-S)
 
US Youth Soccer Fair Play Award Winners  
Under-14 Girls: Scorpions SC (MA)
Under-14 Boys: Dix Hills Thunder (E-NY)
Under-15 Girls: Chantilly Burn (VA)
Under-15 Boys: Grand Rapids Crew Juniors (MI)
 
Sunday, July 26 | US Youth Soccer National Championships Finals Schedule
7:30 a.m., Field 1 | Under-18 Girls
Ohio Elite (OH-S) v. FC Bucks Vipers (E-PA)
 
7:45 a.m. Field 2 | Under-18 Boys
DSC 90 Green (SC) v. Javanon 91 (KY)
 
8 a.m. Field 3 |Under-17 Boys
CZ Elite (CA-S) v. Triangle United (NC)  
 
8:15 a.m. Field 6 | Under-17 Girls
Eclipse Select (IL) v. PDA Fire (NJ)
 
8:30 a.m. Field 8 | Under-16 Boys
Dallas Texans Red (N-TX) v. Hicksville Strikers (E-NY)
 
10:15 a.m. Field 1 | Under-19 Boys
NASA 08 Elite (GA) v. Baltimore Casa Mia Bays (MD)
 
10:30 a.m. Field 2 | Under-16 Girls  
Ponta Vedra Storm (FL) v. De Anza Force (CA-N)
 
10:45 a.m. Field 6 | Under-19 Girls
Eclipse Select 89-90 (IL) v. Colorado Rush Nike (CO)

Click here for more USYS Nationals coverage.
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