ORLANDO, FLORIDA (JULY 22, 2022) – The 2022 US Youth Soccer National Championships have concluded group play, with New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) represented by three teams in the semifinal round. The Garden State was previously represented by fifteen teams in the preliminary rounds earlier this week.

In their battle for a semifinal spot, teams competed in a three-day group play format against opponents from across the United States. The National Championships are the final stage of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series which also provides collegiate, pro, and international coaches with the ability to identify and scout players. The event is a culmination of a year-long series of competitions at the state and regional levels known as the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series.

After the second day of play concluded on Wednesday, 16U Girls FC Copa Black became the first New Jersey team to secure advancement after two back-to-back wins. The FC Copa team went on to send a strong message with a win on the final day of group play.

The 16UG Real Jersey FC squad came out on top of their group on the final day of group play after the division’s three-way tie was broken in goal differential. Real JFC worked hard in the preliminary rounds, with two early wins and a nail-biting 4-3 defeat in their last group play match.  

While competing in different groups, the 16UG semifinal match up will feature FC Copa Black and Real Jersey FC in a live streamed head-to-head match-up on Saturday at 8am. To watch this match live, click here.

Cedar Stars Academy Newark 18UB learned of their destiny on Thursday evening, after a resilient 6-0 win that saw their group play record improve to 2-1. After the three-way tie was broken in goal differential, the Cedar Stars Academy team were crowned Group D winners and advance to play Smithtown Kickers of Eastern New York on Saturday at 8am.

It is certainly of mention that New Jersey Youth Soccer teams excelled on the national stage. While it may be the end of this year’s competition for twelve NJYS teams, nine of which remained in contention on the final day of group play.

Congratulations to the New Jersey Youth Soccer teams on their performance at the 2022 US Youth Soccer National Championships!

13UB: Cedar Stars Academy Bergen [Eastern Regional Champion]
16UB: NJ Premier [Eastern Regional Champion]
14UB: Ironbound SC United [National League P.R.O.]
14UG: NJ Premier [National League P.R.O.]
15UB: Vistula SC Lewandowski [National League P.R.O.]
15UG: Cedar Stars Academy Wayne Dynamite [National League P.R.O.]
16UG: NJ Premier [National League P.R.O.]
16UG: RUSA FC Gold [National League P.R.O.]
17UG: NJ Nationals FC [National League P.R.O.]
17UG: Real Jersey FC [National League P.R.O.]
18UB: Players Development Academy Hibernian Modric [National League P.R.O.]
19UB: Morris United Soccer Club – STA [National League P.R.O.]