FRISCO, Texas (Jan. 1, 2011) – The US Youth Soccer National League Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 Girls celebrated the new year by showcasing their talents in meaningful and competitive matches today at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Soccer Complex in Orlando, Fla., in conjunction with the Disney Soccer Showcase.

In the Under-17 Girls Red division, after six hard fought, competitive games, NSA Premier Fury (IL) has earned a ticket to the 2011 National Championships.

The National League provides a unique opportunity of progression for the top teams in the US Youth Soccer Regional Leagues (US Youth Soccer Region I Premier League, Midwest Regional League, Region III Premier League and Far West Regional League). Teams chosen to compete in the league compete against other top teams in the nation with the hopes of earning a ticket to the prestigious US Youth Soccer National Championships. In the Under-17 Girls Red division, after six hard fought, competitive games, NSA Premier Fury (IL) has earned a ticket to the 2011 National Championships.

Some highlights from today’s matches…

Under-15 Girls
Games in the Under-15 Girls age group saw 1-1 draws across the board. SAC United Premier (MD) remains at the top of the standings after the tie with Arsenal Elite (FL). Gracyn Bryant opened for SAC’s 12th minute goal, and Arsenal countered with a Danielle Gottwik 75th minute goal. Grand Rapids Crew Juniors Gold (MI) and BRYC 95 Elite (VA) also ended with a 1-1 knot.

Under-16 Girls
In the Under-16 Girls Blue division, the Dallas Texans Red (N-TX) held onto their number one spot in the standings with a 1-0 victory over Eclipse Select 94/95 (IL). Jasmine Hart hit the game winner for the Texans in the 73rd minute. A win for the Texans in the final day of games in Orlando, Fla., would earn the Texans a seat in the 2011 National Championships.  
 
Also in the Under-16 Girls Blue division, the CYA Firecats (VA) slated a 3-0 win over Brandon FC Flames-Blue (FL). Cassie Smith netted 52nd and 73rd minute goals with teammate Danielle Fitzgerald striking in a 63rd minute goal.
 
Under-17 Girls
NSA Premier Fury (IL) and the Dallas Texans Red (N-TX) were tied at the top of the Under-17 Girls Red division standings, sharing a 4-0-1 record, as they went into today’s match. Jennifer Korn netted NSA’s first goal in the 37th minute, and the Texans’ Shelby Soldat hit a 58th minute equalizer. With the game looking to end in a draw, Corinne Harris finished in the 79th minute for the eventual 2-1 NSA victory. The victory secures NSA’s place at the 2011 National Championships.

In the Under-17 Girls Blue division, St. Louis Scott Gallagher could follow NSA’s lead and advance to the National Championships if they are able to find victory over Toro Bravo (NE) in their final match up in Orlando, Fla., tomorrow. Both Toro Bravo and St. Louis Scott Gallagher will enter the match coming off of today’s 1-0 victories.

National League action continues Sunday, Jan. 2, at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Soccer Complex with games at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. ET.

US Youth Soccer National League Results | Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011

Under-15 Girls                        
 Arsenal Elite    FL    1    SAC United Premier    MD    1
WFP  - Danielle Gottwik (75:00) | SAC - Gracyn Bryant (12:00)         
                         
Grand Rapids Crew Juniors Gold    MI    1    BRYC 95 Elite    VA    1
BRYC - Annaugh Madsen (60:00)                        
                         
Under-16 Girls Blue                        
CYA Firecats    VA    3    Brandon FC Flames - Blue    FL    0
CYAF - Cassie Smith (52:00) (73:00), Danielle Fitzgerald (63:00)         
                         
Eclipse Select 94/95    IL    0    Dallas Texans 95 Red    TX-N    1
DTR - Jasmine Hart (73:00)                        
                         
Under-16 Girls Red                        
JB Marine Wipke    MO    0    VSA Heat Blue    VA    1
HEAT - ASHLEY HERNDON (56:00)                        
                         
Sockers FC Chicago    IL    0    Hurricane FC 95 Shubert    OK    4
HFCS - Madison Saliba (4:00), Kristen Killion (8:00), Anna Beffer (37:00), Shiloh Price (51:00)
                         
Under-17 Girls Blue                        
St. Louis Scott Gallagher     MO    1    FC Pennsylvania Strikers    PA-E    0
SLSG - Erin McGauley (64:00)                        
                         
Toro Bravo    NE    1    Brentwood 94 Girl Premier    TN    0
BRAV - Caroline Flynn (15:00)                        

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