The 2025 US Youth Soccer National Championships have wrapped up, and what an incredible display of talent and dedication it was.
Orlando, Florida, buzzed with energy as teams from across the nation converged, culminating in a week where National League teams truly shined, clinching 11 of the 12 coveted titles.
You saw firsthand the culmination of immense hard work, with each newly crowned champion embodying a season of relentless effort and passion.
A Dream Years in the Making: Raiders FC’s Sweet Victory
Imagine dedicating over a decade to a dream, to a goal that feels just within reach but constantly eludes you.
That was the journey for Raiders FC (IL). For 14 years, their teams have made the pilgrimage to the National Championships, experiencing close calls and heartbreaking losses. But this year, the narrative shifted dramatically.
Lifting that trophy wasn’t just a win; it was the realization of a long-held aspiration, a moment of pure triumph for a club that has poured its heart and soul into the sport.
Salvador Valencia, the owner of Raiders FC, perfectly encapsulated this feeling. He shared the overwhelming joy and relief that comes with finally achieving something so hard-fought. It’s a proof to perseverance, to never giving up on that ultimate prize.
He extended his congratulations to every player and parent, recognizing the collective effort it takes to reach such heights.
Winning here, as he put it, feels monumental, especially after so many near misses. You can almost feel the weight lifting off their shoulders, replaced by pure elation.
Double Delight and Historic Feats: Columbus United and Utah Celtic
While individual triumphs are inspiring, some clubs really left their mark on the 2025 championships. Columbus United (OH) stood out as the sole club to achieve a remarkable double, with their teams securing two National Championships.
Their 14U Girls and 15U Girls age groups both demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, bringing home dual titles. This kind of widespread success within a single club speaks volumes about their development programs and the depth of talent they nurture.
Then there’s the truly historic achievement of Utah Celtic 08B E64 Bradley (UT).
They didn’t just win; they made history, becoming only the sixth team ever, and the first since 2017, to win three consecutive US Youth Soccer National Championships. Think about that for a moment: three years of sustained excellence at the highest youth level.
This is a monumental feat that solidifies their place in the record books and highlights an extraordinary level of consistency and dominance.
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National League’s Dominance: A Closer Look at the Champions’ Roots
The National League’s influence on these championships was undeniable. You saw 11 of the 12 champions emerge from its ranks, showcasing the league’s role as a breeding ground for top-tier talent.
These champions represented seven different USYS State Associations, demonstrating the widespread impact of the National League program. Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and South Texas each celebrated two championship teams, while Eastern Pennsylvania, Utah, and Wisconsin each contributed one.
This geographical diversity underscores the reach and effectiveness of the league in identifying and developing promising young players across the country.
Breaking down their National League pathways reveals some interesting trends. Five National titles were claimed by teams playing in National League club-based divisions, emphasizing the strength of established club structures.
Another five champions emerged from team-based Premier 1 Divisions, highlighting the success of strong individual teams. One team even came from a team-based Premier 2 division, proving that talent can rise through various tiers within the league.
It’s clear that strong regular season performances were a significant factor for many of these champions. Six of them finished in first place in their National League division, showcasing consistent excellence.
One champion came in second place, and two finished in third, indicating that even teams not at the very top of their divisions can build momentum and peak at the right time.
Furthermore, eight of the new National Champions participated in the National League Semifinal events in 2024-25, with four of those sides winning champions pool titles and one securing a wildcard spot.
This demonstrates the crucial role these semifinal events play in preparing teams for the intensity of the National Championships.
Unpacking Each Champion’s Journey
Let’s take a closer look at each of these incredible teams and their paths to becoming National Champions.
13U Girls: HTX Soccer 13G (TX-S)
Path to Nationals: HTX 13G (TX-S) showed immense promise by finishing in third place in their NL Club Premier 2 division, especially considering they were one of the youngest teams in that highly competitive group.
This experience clearly built their confidence, which they carried into the Southern Regional Championships.
There, they displayed incredible form, winning five straight games to claim the regional title and secure their spot at Nationals.
National Final Key Moments: In the championship game against City SC Utah 12G SA (UT), the defining moment arrived in the 15th minute.
Hayleigh Simon delivered a magnificent left-footed free kick from a distance that found the back of the net. This single strike proved to be the decisive goal, as HTX maintained their composure and held on for a hard-fought 1-0 victory, crowning themselves National Champions.
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14U Girls: Columbus United G11 Lions (OH)
Path to Nationals: For Columbus United G11 Lions (OH), this victory was a story of redemption. After falling short in the final last year and finishing as the national runner-up, they were driven by a singular purpose: to get back to Orlando and claim the title.
Their dedication was evident in their dominant performance in the regular season, where they won their NL Team Premier 1 Great Lakes division.
They then qualified for Nationals through the National League Semifinals, setting the stage for another shot at the National title.
National Final Key Moments: Their journey back to the final was worth the wait, even though they needed a little extra time to secure the trophy.
In the championship game against Elmbrook United 11G Elite 64 (WI), regulation ended in a 1-1 draw, pushing the game into extra time. Just two minutes into the added periods, Cara Crawford displayed incredible composure, heading in a free kick at the back post to give Columbus the crucial lead.
This go-ahead goal fueled their momentum, and they ultimately secured a convincing 4-1 win, claiming the National Championship.
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14U Boys: LT Elite SGA 11B Premier (TX-S)
Path to Nationals: LT Elite SGA 11B Premier (TX-S) established their championship credentials early on with a first-place finish in their NL Team Premier 1 Frontier division. This strong start set the tone for the rest of their season.
They showcased a formidable combination of defensive solidity, securing clean sheets, and explosive offensive power. This balance allowed them to win all five games in Texas, securing the Southern Regional Championship and advancing to Nationals.
National Final Key Moments: The championship game started with a bang for SGA. Just three minutes in, Alexis Rodriguez perfectly timed his run onto a flicked-on header and hammered a shot past the keeper, putting SGA in front of Minneapolis United 11B Academy (MN).
Walter Lazo Padilla later added an insurance goal, sealing a comfortable 2-0 victory for SGA in the championship final.
15U Girls: Columbus United G10 Lions (OH)
Path to Nationals: This National Championship marked a two-year journey for Columbus United G10 Lions (OH). As the 2023 National Champions, they narrowly missed repeating their feat last year.
After their finalist showing in 2024, they earned their third consecutive trip to Nationals in truly emphatic fashion at the National League Semifinals.
Their dominant performance there, scoring 20 goals while conceding just one, showcased their readiness to reclaim the title.
National Final Key Moments: Taylor Whetzel was the catalyst in the championship game against Elmbrook United 10G Elite 64 (WI). In the 17th minute, she held off her defender with strength and skill before unleashing a shot from distance that dipped perfectly under the bar for the opening goal. Whetzel wasn’t done there, adding a second goal in the 32nd minute.
These crucial strikes set Columbus on their way to a commanding 3-0 victory, giving the team its second National Championship in three seasons.
15U Boys: MI Stars 10B Academy (MI)
Path to Nationals: MI Stars 10B Academy (MI) finished in a strong second place in their NL Club Premier 2 division, which provided them with valuable exposure to highly competitive nationwide competition.
They further honed their skills at the National League Semifinals in Texas, where they qualified for Nationals. Their experience in those semifinals, with three games decided by a goal or less, prepared them perfectly for the intensity of the championship stage.
National Final Key Moments: A pivotal moment in the championship game against Tuzos Tucson Academy 10B E64 (AZ) demonstrated MI Stars’ ability to turn defense into offense.
A quick counter-attack transformed a dangerous free kick for Tuzos into a scoring opportunity for MI Stars. Their Michigan keeper expertly collected the ball from the set piece and launched a quick long ball down the field.
Some excellent link-up play in the midfield led to a perfectly weighted through ball that found Liam Trimble, who fired the Stars in front for the breakthrough goal in an eventual 3-0 title game victory.
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16U Girls: Elmbrook United 09G Elite 64 (WI)
Path to Nationals: Elmbrook United 09G Elite 64 (WI) announced their presence as a serious contender by securing a first-place finish in their NL Club Premier 1 division.
This strong regular-season performance indicated their potential to make a significant impact on the national stage.
They earned the opportunity to prove themselves further by qualifying for Nationals through the National League Semifinals, building valuable momentum heading into the tournament.
National Final Key Moments: Elmbrook quickly took control of the final match against Rebel Elite 09 Black (UT) with two goals in quick succession, establishing a two-goal lead midway through the first half.
Alivia Becker opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a powerful right-footed shot to the near post that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Just five minutes later, Kathryn Craddock capitalized on a loose ball in front of goal to extend the lead, ultimately fueling Elmbrook’s dominant 5-1 title game victory.
16U Boys: Raiders FC 2009 (IL)
Path to Nationals: Raiders FC 2009 (IL) navigated a challenging path to qualify for Nationals through the National League Semifinals in California.
After an initial loss in penalties, they showed incredible resilience by rattling off three straight wins to claim the wildcard pool’s ticket to Orlando.
This triumph was followed by a title in their NL Team Premier 1 Midwest division, ensuring Raiders entered the summer in peak form and ready to compete for the championship.
National Final Key Moments: The championship game against KC Legends 09B Academy Red (KS) was a tight affair, with both teams exchanging goals in the first half.
As the game approached regulation, no clear winner had emerged. However, in the 67th minute, Kristopher Caravantes made the decisive play.
He received a well-placed through ball in the left side of the box and bent his shot perfectly inside the far post for the game-winner in Raiders’ thrilling 2-1 triumph.
17U Girls: Michigan Tigers Elite 64 08G (MI)
Path to Nationals: All signs pointed to Michigan Tigers Elite 64 08G (MI) being a serious National title contender as they prepared for Orlando.
They excelled in the regular season, winning their NL Club Premier 1 division with impressive consistency.
Their success continued at the National League Semifinals, where they went undefeated to claim the champions pool title, carrying a wealth of confidence into the National Championships.
National Final Key Moments: After an early goal from Maya Bjedov put Michigan in front, the Tigers seized complete control of the title matchup against Ambassadors FC 2008 Girls (OH) with two quick goals late in the second half.
River Pham doubled the Tigers’ lead when she ran onto a ball at the top of the box and slotted her shot inside the right post. Tatum Borton then scored from distance shortly after the restart, sealing a dominant 3-0 National Championship win.
17U Boys: Utah Celtic 08B E64 Bradley (UT)
Path to Nationals: With two straight National Championships already under their belt, Utah Celtic 08B E64 Bradley (UT) showed no signs of slowing down in their pursuit of a three-peat.
They earned the opportunity to go for an unprecedented third consecutive title by winning the champions pool at the National League Semifinals.
They also added a first-place finish in their NL Club Premier 1 division, showcasing their continued dominance.
National Final Key Moments: After three straight games decided by a single goal, Celtic left no doubt in earning their third consecutive National Championship.
In the final, Kobe Lerma headed the Utah side in front for the only goal in a close first half. However, Celtic’s Corbin Gardner delivered a crucial blow in the 50th minute, hitting a shot through traffic and into the far side-netting to open up the game.
This goal ignited a dominant second half that saw Utah pull away for an emphatic 5-0 victory.
Defensive midfielder Ben Bradley perfectly articulated the significance of this historic achievement. He expressed his disbelief and gratitude to be part of such a special team, highlighting the strong bonds within the “great family” of players and coaches.
He emphasized the immense effort involved, acknowledging the “lot of work, a lot of grinding, a lot of late nights and early mornings.”
For Bradley and his teammates, every ounce of that effort was worth it, leading to these unforgettable moments of triumph.
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19U Girls: Penn FC 07G Black (PA-E)
Path to Nationals: Penn FC 07G Black (PA-E) showed resilience and consistent improvement throughout their season.
They turned in a solid performance in their NL Team Premier 1 Mid Atlantic division, finishing third. From there, they continued to round into championship form.
The Eastern Pennsylvania side showcased impressive offensive firepower, winning five straight games at the Eastern Regional Championships in Virginia, which secured them the regional title and a spot at the National Championships.
National Final Key Moments: The journey for Penn FC wasn’t just about the final match; it was about overcoming adversity at every turn.
In the semifinals, they faced the brink of elimination in a penalty kick shootout. However, goalkeeper Chelsea Coburn emerged as the hero, saving an attempt that would have ended Penn FC’s run. Her second consecutive save then set up Kali O’Connell’s winning attempt, sending Penn FC to the title game.
Facing the defending National Champion MI Rangers FC Elite 64 06/07G (MI) in the final, Penn FC encountered another massive challenge when they fell behind by two goals.
But they refused to give up. Haley Bull injected life into her team with a 68th-minute goal. Then, in an incredible display of determination, Viktorya Luckenbach scored two goals in quick succession, fueling her side to a sensational 3-2 comeback victory.
Chelsea Coburn, the hero of the semifinal shootout, perfectly summarized the emotional rollercoaster of their journey.
She expressed how amazing it felt to end their youth careers on such a high note, emphasizing the collective effort and teamwork that carried them through. She reflected on the intense challenge of the semifinals and the final, highlighting how pushing through those difficult moments made the victory feel even sweeter.
19U Boys: JaHbat B06 Premier 1 (IL)
Path to Nationals: JaHbat B06 Premier 1 (IL) truly exemplified the spirit of the National League, where teams earn their place through their performance on the field.
As a NL Team Premier 2 division side, JaHbat seized every opportunity presented to them. They showcased their quality by winning the champions pool at the National League Semifinals, securing their well-deserved spot in Orlando.
National Final Key Moments: In the final against Ohio Galaxies FC Elite 64 06/07B (OH), JaHbat ensured their place in the history books.
A scoreless first half gave way to a second 45 minutes filled with fireworks. Makhi Francis curled a magnificent free kick inside the near post to put JaHbat in front in the 52nd minute.
The Illinois side struck again from another free kick in the 63rd minute when Joseph Sargent hammered a knocked-down ball into an open net.
Just moments later, Francis perfectly shaped a left-footed strike that found the far side-netting, giving JaHbat a commanding 3-0 lead.
That goal proved vital, as Ohio Galaxies fought back valiantly to within 3-2. However, JaHbat held on with incredible resolve to claim the James P. McGuire Cup as 19U Boys champions, a fitting end to a remarkable journey.
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The 2025 US Youth Soccer National Championships provided a thrilling conclusion to a season of hard work, dedication, and incredible talent.
You witnessed the culmination of years of training, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the sheer joy of achieving a dream. Each team’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when passion meets perseverance on the soccer field.
