BOISE, Idaho (June 24, 2025) - Three teams from Northern California came into Tuesday with the hopes of playing in a Regional Final at the 2025 US Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championships, however; Elite Academy from Stockton, California in the U13 Boys age group is the only team left standing from Northern California.
Semifinals at the 2025 US Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championships in Boise, Idaho had great matchups among some of the best teams in the region. Cal North had representatives in the U13 Boys, U15 Boys and U18/19 Boys age groups. San Jose's Silicon Valley Eagles were stopped by local club Idaho Rush, while Tahuichi FC from Santa Rosa lost 3-2 in the final minutes.
Stockton's Elite Academy led by Coach Angel Lopez took care of business in their U13 Boys semifinal matchup against Players SC from Las Vegas, Nevada.
The boys came out to the 9:15 am kickoff semis slower than usual, ending the half 1-0 with a goal scored by Brayden Brunson. At halftime. Coach Lopez made his adjustments, provided a solution for better play, and lit a fire in the boys to come out stronger in the second half.
Whatever Coach Lopez said to the boys at half, worked. Brayden Brunson continued to showcase his skills and goal-hungry mentality to lift Elite Academy to a victory. Brunson led the attack, scoring another three goals to round up a solid performance in the semifinals.
Entrevista con el Profe Angel Lopez de Elite Academy tras la victoria semis de la regional
The team clicked in the second half, flying left and right on tackles and making supportive runs on the attacking end. While Brunson stood out, it was a whole team effort and has been throughtout the 2025 US Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championships. Every line is strong, players knows their role and Coach Lopez is providing the motivation and technical direction needed from the sidelines to have a well-oiled team.
Tomorrow's Regional Final promises fireworks at Simplot Sports Complex as the Elite Academy boys will meet SCA Portland from Oregon. SCA Portland from Oregon beat Chivas Academy LA from Cal South in today's semifinal by a staggering 6-0 scoreline. If there is something both of these teams can do is just that, score goals.
The U13 Boys Far West Regional Championship match will be played at 8:00 AM MDT, Simplot Sports Complex Field 4.
Elite Academy's Isaiah Garcia and Julian Martinez talk after semifinal win over Players SC
The US Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championships is the next step for all of the teams in the region following their State Cup. Here, some of the best teams from all fourteen state associations in the Far West region will meet and compete for a Regional title.
The US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life, is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament, providing approximately 185,000 players on over 10,000 teams from US Youth Soccer State Associations the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.
The US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life, cap a yearlong series of competitions for boys and girls teams in multiple age brackets as teams earn their way from the top teams in their state to the regional championship tournaments. US Youth Soccer state champions and selected wildcard teams through US Youth Soccer regional leagues in most age groups are eligible to compete in one of four US Youth Soccer Regional Championships. The champions in the 13U through 19U age brackets from each regional event will converge in July for the US Youth Soccer National Championships presented by New York Life.
Annually the US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life, provides the nation’s top collegiate coaches with the premier stage to identify and scout the most coveted players in the country.
Follow us on social media for content and updates throughout the tournament @calnorthsoccer on all platforms.
Comments