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In a hotly contested final where both teams assured the other earned every inch of space, LAFC So Cal pulled away late to win the U16 ECNL Boys national championship. The final scoreline may have read 3-0, but NVA was much more competitive than that would suggest.

The game began as a defensive battle. Boasting arguably the best center-back duo in the ECNL, NVA stood firm as Franco Luevanos and Luke Stavrou put forth several impressive tackles and clearances to keep a potent attack at bay. And not to be bested, LAFC So Cal center-back Liam Guedalia looked just as dominant, displaying his composure and technique in and out of possession.

Those impressive defensive performances meant both teams resorted to long-range shots and hopeful crosses in the first half, neither looking likely to break the deadlock. That all changed in the second half, with LAFC So Cal significantly increasing their speed of play and slicing through an ill-prepared NVA midfield.

That led to the opening goal just five minutes into the second half as Jesus Lopez served a corner that resulted in a doubleheader from Guedalia at the back post to Marco Hernandez and into the back of the net.

With NVA needing a response, they increased their tempo but were served a dagger before finding an equalizer. As star NVA center-back Stavrou stood on the sideline in recovery from a bloody nose, SO Cal struck again from a Cristian Rojas cross to a Ryan Ghajar cushion header and half-volley finish from Brandon Segovia.

Ghajar would get one of his own late in the match, reacting quickest to a loose ball and rounding the goalkeeper for an easy finish into the net.

Player of the Match: Liam Guedalia, LAFC So Cal

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