To win one national trophy is incredible, win two and ‘legendary’ becomes an appropriate moniker, win three consecutive titles and words stop short of doing justice. That is where the Utah Celtic FC 08 boys find themselves after winning a third straight USYS trophy, cementing their legacy as one of the best youth soccer teams in American history.

Such a dominant run defies the commonly accepted logic of youth soccer. 

For one, the players that dominate the younger ages aren’t necessarily the ones to excel later on as puberty takes a toll, forcing once physically superior players and teams into mediocrity. Yet, the Celtic have survived by maneuvering players into new positions as needed. For example, Blake Stuart, the fiery striker who caught national attention by scoring four in the U15 final, popped up in the latest U17 triumph as a foraging and impressive two-way left back.

Another factor that prevents repeated success is that, as non-professional academies win on a large scale, MLS Next clubs come calling for their best players, significantly dropping the depth and quality of the team. Yet, despite eight standouts joining MLS academies over the last few years, the Celtic continue winning at unprecedented levels. Some, like U15 USYS Golden Glove winner Zackary Jarvie, made permanent moves, while others, like Sebastian Huermann, found their way back to the club. Then you have a gem like Brooks Barker, who has remained and has carved out his piece of history by scoring in three consecutive USYS finals. 

And perhaps the most prominent obstacle is that soccer is a sport often dictated by luck, particularly at the highest level, where the margins are razor-thin. However, head coach Matthew Bradley and his staff have displayed an uncanny ability in navigating the close quarters of knockout competition. The latest run to the final saw the team win two matches by a single goal and draw another 0-0.

Surviving all those factors has created a generational, well-rounded team with elite mental resiliency and standouts in every position. Look no further than the 5-0 championship triumph in which a different player accounted for each of the goals. Kobe Lerma scored the first, then Corbin Gardner, Barker, Jace Thomsen, and an own goal forced by a Cameron Martin cross. All while selfless defensive midfielder Ben Bradley earned Man of the Match, and the center back duo of Axel Lopez and Lewis Peterson put on a masterclass.

In a bittersweet conclusion, that may be the last time that iteration of the team takes the field together. Beyond the multitude of players who will inevitably receive professional academy opportunities, the squad will become a 07/08 U19 group next season, competing in the newly created MLS Next 2.

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