The very best of The National League are descending on Oceanside, Calif., this week, as 80 girls teams and 104 boys teams compete at the National League Semifinals.

The action in Oceanside features teams in the 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U and 19U age groups playing in a one-of-a-kind event format that matches club-based and team-based sides against each other to compete for advancement to this summer’s USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life. All teams earned their place in the semifinals through their performances at their respective quarterfinal events earlier this season. With so many proven sides, there will be plenty of talent featured in each game in California.

14U Girls

Champions Pool

As the lone unbeaten team from the December quarterfinals, Hex FC Dominion 11G (PA-E) will look to continue its run of success when it heads to Oceanside. The Eastern PA side received contributions from all positions on the field — scoring four goals in one win, while relying on shutouts to secure its other two results.

Three other teams picked up multiple wins in December, including Group B winners, The Football Academy 11G Silver (NJ), which rebounded from an opening loss by securing two one-goal wins. Meanwhile, Impact GFC G11 (OH) and St. Croix 11G Academy NL (MN) each displayed offensive prowess en route to second-place finishes in their groups in December.

If CDA Slammers Elite 64 11G (CA-S) can reignite its form from the November quarterfinals, when it won three straight games to claim the champions pool title, it will be a difficult matchup for any opponent in Oceanside. The Slammers scored three goals in each game, including a 3-2 win in the pool final against AYSO United Elite 64 11G (CA-S), whose potent offense could also cause issues for opposing defenses at the semifinals.

Wildcard Pool

An unbeaten showing in the wildcard pool at the November quarterfinals should give So Cal Blues Elite 64 11G (CA-S) confidence of producing a repeat showing this week in Oceanside. The Cal South side was challenged — including a one-goal win and a victory in penalties — and can draw from that experience in similar situations this weekend.

Taka Players to Watch

Amelia Nielsen (Forward – AYSO United)

A lively forward who is always a handful for defenders. Nielsen bagged four goals in three games at the NL Quarterfinals.
Video Highlight

Samantha Buitrago (Midfielder – CCV Stars)

Dolder is a dynamic attacking midfielder who played a key role in her team’s perfect quarterfinals run, netting a brace in one of their three convincing wins.

14U Boys

Champions Pool

Of the attending teams that qualified via the December quarterfinals, St. Louis Stars SC 11B Academy Red (MO) led the way with two wins and a draw. The Stars won their group while earning points in some close contests — an experience that should benefit them when they compete in Oceanside.

The Football Academy NJ 11B Black (NJ) also won its group in December and will be a tough matchup for any opponent in California. The Football Academy’s lone defeat came at the hands of Washington Rush B11 NL (WA), which finished second in the group with an unbeaten record of one win and two draws — indicating it will be a challenge to get past in the semifinals.

Having already successfully navigated a bracket format during the November quarterfinals, Nona FC Elite 64 11B (FL) will aim for more of the same this weekend. The Florida side capped its November run by defeating Tuzos Elite 64 11B (AZ) on penalties in a very close game.
Wildcard Pool

If Team Chicago 11 Boys Elite 64 RL (IL) comes close to replicating its November quarterfinals performance when it travels to Oceanside, that may be enough to qualify for the National Championships. The Illinois side won the wildcard pool in November, and it did so with three decisive wins that saw it outscore opponents, 12-to-0.

Taka Players to Watch

Jason Pillado (Forward – Team Chicago)

Pillado is a creative forward player who found the net five times in Mesa last November while also earning 60 Taka highlights.
Video Highlight

Kastleton Ahlmann (Midfielder – Utah Celtic)

Ahlmann produced good positional and passing displays during the NL Quarterfinals, and he will be a creative source for Utah Celtic in Oceanside.

15U Girls

Champions Pool

After compiling an unblemished record at the November quarterfinals, City SC Utah Elite 64 10G (UT) has the looks of a serious contender for the champions pool title this weekend in Oceanside. The Utah side scored nine goals at the November event and conceded none, as it exhibited a complete all-around game that makes it a difficult matchup.

Team Challenger FC G10 Black (OH) was just as impressive during its performance at the December quarterfinals, when it won its group while outscoring its opponents, 12-to-1. Team Challenger’s 3-0-0 mark was matched at that event by PPA 10G Green (MD), which navigated the challenges that come with national events by winning twice by a one-goal margin.

PSA Monmouth 10G (NJ) and Ambassadors FC 10G (OH) tied for the top spot in their group at the December quarterfinals, and they’ll each look to build off that performance when they compete at the semifinals.

Wildcard Pool

A few teams should enter the semifinals feeling confident about their chances to secure a berth to Nationals from the wildcard pool. Cook Inlet SC Elite 64 10G (AK) and Sporting California Elite 64 10G (CA-S) both exceled at the November quarterfinals, which ended with Cook Inlet defeating Sporting in penalties following a scoreless draw. Those two sides may need to get past Chattanooga FC 10G Navy (TN), which led all December teams with 16 goals scored.

Taka Players to Watch

Hannah Meese (Midfielder – Ambassadors FC)

Meese, a standout attacking midfielder, delivered an electric NL Quarterfinals showing with 80 highlights in three games, including two goals. A dynamic, game-changing presence on the wing.
Video Highlight

Ayanna Hamler (Forward – Chattanooga FC)

Hamler, a prolific striker from Chattanooga FC, lit up the NL Quarterfinals with an incredible seven-goal performance in a single game. A clinical finisher and constant threat up top.

15U Boys

Champions Pool

At the December quarterfinals, both Barca Academy Pro Miami 10B (FL) and KBSC Elite 2010 (FL) went 3-0-0 to win their groups. Barca produced the age group’s most potent attack, as it averaged four goals per game, while KBSC wasn’t far behind — scoring 10 times in its three games.

The Football Academy 10B Black (NJ) also won its group in December. The New Jersey side split two close games before a dominant win in its final quarterfinal matchup — sending warning signs to potential semifinal opponents to avoid letting The Football Academy hit its stride in Oceanside.

Meanwhile, Sparta Elite 64 10B (UT) passed several challenging tests en route to winning the champions pool at the November quarterfinals. The Utah side had to play through high-pressure situations, including a penalty shootout win in the pool final, so it shouldn’t be phased by adversity in Oceanside.

Silver Pool

Despite finishing second in its group at the December quarterfinals, Tuzos Tucson Academy 10B E64 (AZ) tied for the largest goal differential in the age group by scoring nine goals and conceding just one. That type of performance in Oceanside could help the Arizona side secure a berth to the National Championships.

J.A.E Academy 10B (NJ) knows the level of play needed in Oceanside to clinch a spot in the National Championships, and it doesn’t need to look further than its performance in November. The New Jersey side won the wildcard pool at the quarterfinals, where it won each game by multiple goals.

Wildcard Pool

After picking up two wins from three very close games at the November quarterfinals, Oceanside Breakers Elite 64 10B (CA-S) is familiar with the tight margins that can determine a berth to Nationals.

Taka Players to Watch

Santiago Delgado (Defender – Nona SA)

Delgado, a dynamic right back, is lightning quick, excels at pushing forward and distributes with precision. He capped a great overall performance at the NL Quarterfinals with a stunning goal.
Video Highlight

Derek Rincon-Amaro (Midfielder – SoCal Blues)

Rincon-Amaro, a commanding attacking midfielder, dictates play from the center of the pitch. A vital team leader, he scored in all three games at the NL Quarterfinals.

16U Girls

Champions Pool

After winning their quarterfinal groups, both Club Ohio Dayton 09G Elite (OH) and Utah Surf 09G Cheshire (UT) have their eyes set on a run at the champions pool title in Oceanside. Both teams won all three games at their quarterfinal event in shutout fashion. They’ll aim to compile similar results this week, but plenty of challengers await.

FIERCE 09G (TX-S) knows the value of every goal, as it narrowly held off HEX FC Dominion 09G (PA-E) to win its group at the December quarterfinals. Both sides showed they could make a deep run in Oceanside.

Having already shown its ability to succeed in a bracket format, East County Surf Elite 64 09G (CA-S) will look to do the same in the semifinals champions pool. The Cal South side won the champions pool at the November quarterfinals, and it outscored its opponents 10-to-1 in the process.

Wildcard Pool

Three shutouts in as many games at the November quarterfinals powered Cook Inlet SC Elite 64 09G (AK) to the wildcard pool title. If it can come close to replicating that performance when it competes in Oceanside, the Alaska side will put itself in position to capture a berth to the National Championships.

Taka Players to Watch

April Luna (Forward – Los Angeles SC)

Luna showed her prowess in front of goal at the NL Quarterfinals with a hat-trick against Valor. She can also drop deep to receive the ball and create opportunities for teammates.
Video Highlight

Grace Cox (Midfielder – Cook Inlet SC)

Cox is a talented attacker with an amazing 70 significant positive highlights on Taka. She’s dangerous in and around the box and is in good form following an Elite 64 regular season brace against Utah Celtic.

16U Boys

Champions Pool

In a group with several teams who could stake a claim to be the favorite in the champions pool, Aspire FC 09B Black (TX-S) managed to stick out. The defending National Champions went 3-0-0 at the December quarterfinals, led by a high-powered offense that netted 15 goals. Aspire has proven it can score in bunches on the national stage, and it will attempt to do so again in Oceanside.

Several worthy challengers await Aspire, including KC Legends 09B Academy Red (KS) and Raiders FC 2009 (IL). Both sides won their groups at the December quarterfinals with 3-0-0 records, as they outscored opponents by nine goals and seven goals, respectively. ASA Juventus Elite 2009 (MD) also recorded an unbeaten record in December and should not be overlooked.

Another team that could challenge for the champions pool title is Los Angeles Soccer Elite 64 09B (CA-S). The Cal South side accomplished that very feat at the November quarterfinals, when it sandwiched a pair of three-goal victories around a penalty shootout win — showing it can come out on top in various game scripts.
Silver Pool

Strikers Miami FC Elite 64 09B (FL) and XL Atletico E64 B09 (WA) each won all three of their silver pool games at the November quarterfinals. Strikers was especially sharp, as it outscored its opponents 10-to-1 over the course of that event. It will aim to do more of the same in Oceanside, where every goal could play a huge part in determining the group winner.

Wildcard Pool

Coming off a resounding performance at the November quarterfinals, Sporting California Elite 64 09B (CA-S) may be a contender to win the wildcard pool in Oceanside. The Cal South side was dominant in its three games in Mesa, where it shut out each of its opponents while registering 15 goals scored. It will need to continue to play at that high level to secure a berth to the National Championships in a challenging group in Oceanside.

Taka Players to Watch

Cristian Tamargo (Midfielder – Strikers Miami FC)

Tamargo is an all-action midfielder who is a key player for Strikers Miami. His incredible solo goal at the NL Quarterfinals speaks for itself.
Video Highlight

Elijah Lopez (Midfielder – Sporting California)

A talented midfield playmaker, Lopez was a key cog in Sporting California’s dominant performance at the NL Quarterfinals. His stunning strike against PSL Hurricanes was one of the top plays of the event.

17U Girls

Champions Pool

Four teams in the champions pool are heading to Oceanside with pristine records in the quarterfinals, and that group is led by Ambassadors FC 08G (OH). The Ohio side won its group at the December quarterfinals by winning all three games by identical 3-0 score lines, as it controlled all areas of the field.

Impact United Elite 64 08G (UT) compiled a similar showing in December, as it scored five goals and conceded none en route to winning its group. Impact also won the wildcard pool at the November quarterfinals, so it’s known nothing but success at events this season. PCU 08G Red 1 (OR) is another quarterfinal group winner to watch in Oceanside after its potent attack powered it to a 3-0-0 record at the December event.

Not to be overlooked, Los Angeles Soccer Elite 64 08G (CA-S) has already maneuvered through a challenging tournament format, as it won the champions pool at the November quarterfinals. LASC secured two wins by 2-1 scorelines, so it will be familiar with the pressure of close contests in win-and-advance scenarios.

Wildcard Pool

After an impressive showing in the wildcard pool at the November quarterfinals, Cook Inlet SC Elite 64 08G (AK) will aim to take the next step this weekend in Oceanside. The Alaska side secured clean sheet victories in its first two quarterfinal matches and showed it can hang with any team when it plays up to its potential.

Taka Players to Watch

Joanna Rodriguez (Midfielder – FC Premier)

Rodriguez dominated the NL Quarterfinals, generating a massive 80 Taka highlights and three goals in three games. She has great vision, and her dribbling skills make her a constant threat.
Video Highlight

Hailey Stevanus (Defender – AYSO United)

Stevanus stood out at the NL Quarterfinals with a commanding presence in defense, playing a crucial role in her team’s unbeaten run. Her strength and awareness make her a key figure at the back.

17U Boys

Champions Pool

The field of teams set to compete in the champions pool in Oceanside includes four sides that won all of their games at their respective quarterfinal events. MFA Revolution GR 08B Elite (MI) leads the way, as it won its group in December by shining on both ends of the field — scoring 10 times while conceding just once.

Players 08B Elite (NV) nearly matched MFA, as the Nevada side’s attack grew stronger in each December matchup to complement a stifling defense that conceded just two goals. Meanwhile, Croatian Eagles E64 RL 08B (WI) showed fight in its journey to a perfect record in December, as it earned two victories by one-goal margins. Familiarity with high-pressure situations is something Nona FC Elite 64 08B (FL) possesses, as the Florida side won multiple close matchups en route to the champions pool title at the November quarterfinals. Nona started that event by winning 1-0 and finished it with a victory in penalties. Given the talent in the champions pool in Oceanside, the eventual pool winner may need to go through a similar path to the title.

Silver Pool

Based strictly on performances at the quarterfinals, Excel Soccer Academy Elite 64 08B (AZ) may be the team to keep an eye on in the silver pool. The Arizona side put together three dominant showings at the November quarterfinals, when it recorded clean sheets in each of its games and registered 12 total goals.

Don’t overlook Liverpool FCIA Central MD 08B (MD), whose 13 goals scored in December led all teams advancing to Oceanside from that event.
Wildcard Pool

With three dominant wins at the November quarterfinals, Strikers Miami FC 08 Elite (FL) has positioned itself as a serious contender in the wildcard pool when it heads to Oceanside. Miami shut out each of its opponents in Mesa, and its attack provided plenty of firepower, as it scored 14 total goals. That same form may be needed this weekend, as several challengers await in the semifinals.

Taka Players to Watch

Elijah Natekin (Defender – Northwest United)

Natekin showed great strength at the back, as well as an ability to get forward, at the NL Quarterfinals. His busy event earned him an impressive 62 Taka highlights.

Samuel Reyes-Valiente (Forward – Strikers Miami FC)

Reyes-Valiante bagged an amazing five goals in two games at the NL Quarterfinals in November. The Miami baller showed great strength and awareness to open up goal-scoring opportunities.

19U Girls

There are different routes to success, as evidenced by the contrasting styles used by IMG Premier Girls (FL) and Solar South 06/07G Adames FDL (TX-N) en route to unbeaten showings at the December quarterfinals. IMG won its group using a high-scoring attack the helped it to the best goal differential in the age group, while Solar conceded just one goal in its three games. Those strengths will make each team a challenge for any opponent in Oceanside.

Global Sports Academy 07G (ID) also exhibited an ability to play under pressure, as it secured a 3-0 win on the last day of the December event to clinch first in a very competitive group. At the November quarterfinals, City SC Utah Elite 64 06/07G (UT) showed its own resilient capabilities, as it won its opener on penalties and earned a close 2-1 win in its final game to win the champions pool. These teams have already passed tough tests but more await in Oceanside.
Wildcard Pool

A repeat of its November quarterfinals showing would be just what Cook Inlet SC Elite 64 06G (AK) needs to clinch a berth to the National Championships. The Alaska side secured shutouts in its first two quarterfinal matches before a six-goal outburst helped it win the wildcard pool. Similar performances in Oceanside would put Cook Inlet in a good position to string together some victories.

Taka Players to Watch

Parker Sullivan (Midfielder – Cook Inlet SC)

Sullivan is a dynamic attacking midfielder who enjoys nothing more than time on the ball and beating defenders for fun. She will be a key player in Cook Inlet’s road to Nationals qualification.

Ava Penny (Defender – Solar SC)

Penny had a great showing at the NL Quarterfinals, earning 46 Taka clips that demonstrated her strong positioning and defensive qualities. Paired with the ability to push upfield, she will play an important role for Solar at the NL Semifinals.

19U Boys

Champions Pool

In an age group full of teams with impressive resumes, a handful stick out above the rest — including a pair of 3-0-0 group winners from the December quarterfinals. Strikers Miami FC 07B Elite (FL) and Alliance Fire 06/07B (IN) utilized opposing methods to winning all three of their games in Mesa. Strikers relied on stifling defense, as it conceded just one goal, while Alliance overpowered opponents by scoring 12 times.

In terms of goal-scoring, Alliance was bettered by just one team in December, as Raiders FC 2007 (IL) scored 13 goals to go 2-0-1 and win its quarterfinal group. KC Legends Academy 2006 (KS) also secured two wins and a draw to finish first in its group — indicating how deep the talent will be in this pool in Oceanside.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Soccer Elite 64 06/07B (CA-S) brings something different to the field in Oceanside — the experience of winning its bracket at the November quarterfinals. The Cal South compiled a plus-10 goal differential in its three games in Mesa, and its success in the knockout format could prove beneficial when it looks to navigate the champions pool in Oceanside.

Silver Pool

A pair of teams that used high-powered offenses to win all three games at the November quarterfinals will be looking to do more of the same in Oceanside. XL Atletico E64 B07/06 (WA) scored 15 goals in Mesa, as it proved impossible for opposing defenses to contain. Strikers Miami FC Elite 64 06B (FL) were nearly as potent, as the Florida side scored four goals in each of its three quarterfinal victories. Both sides will need to regain its prior form to make it through a strong silver pool in Oceanside.
Wildcard Pool

One of the strongest all-around showings at the November quarterfinals came from Oceanside Breakers Elite 64 06/07B (CA-S), which outscored its opponents, 22-to-1, while going 3-0-0 during the action in Mesa. Now playing on its home turf, the Breakers will be a difficult matchup for any opponent they face in the wildcard pool this weekend.

Taka Players to Watch

Gian Luca Fajardo Benitez (Midfielder – Sporting California)

Fajardo Benitez is a seriously talented baller, generating an impressive 70 Taka highlights over three games at the NL Quarterfinals. He notched seven goals, including two hat-tricks.

Joe Luther (Forward – Alliance Eleven)

Earning an impressive 49 Taka highlights at the NL Quarterfinals, Luther was crucial to an unbeaten event for Alliance Fire. He scored six goals in three games, including a hat-trick.