The nearly 300 leading players that participated in the event were selected from US Youth Soccer State Association and regional level evaluations. Throughout the week, players trained at practices and competed in matches against other regions, in front of national staff and collegiate coaches to maximize their exposure for selection to the next level of play.

 

As the girls conclude, the boys commence with the 2013 US Youth Soccer ODP Boys Thanksgiving Interregional, taking place November 30-December 2 at the Grande Sports World Complex in Casa Grande, Ariz. For more information on the event, including scores, schedules, and rosters, visit the US Youth Soccer ODP Homepage.

 

US Youth Soccer ODP is the nation's original player identification program. With programs in all 55 US Youth Soccer State Associations, it is available to any player, regardless of hometown or club affiliation. US Youth Soccer ODP has continued its tradition of elite competition and player development for more than 30 years, and is the only development program that can claim members of Major League Soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League, and a majority of current and past national and youth national team members as alumni. To learn more, visit www.usyouthsoccer.org/programs/OlympicDevelopmentProgram.

Region II defeated Region I with a second half goal by Kristelle Yewah. Both teams fought to get the lead in the first half, but entered halftime scoreless. Yewah notched a goal in the 47^th minute of play, which ultimately gave Region II the 1-0 win. Region II ended the tournament with the best results in the 1996 age group, with a 2-0-1 record.

Region IV got a first and second half goal to defeat Region III 2-0. Elizabeth Hutchison got an early 9-minute goal, and Sarina Bolden got a tally in the 66^th minute. Region IV’s backline held strong for the remainder of the match to keep the shutout.

 

Region I defeated Region II in the 1997 match with a 2-0 result. Alexandra Pelletier found the back of the net in the 44^th minute of the first half, and Kristin Schnurr got a second half goal in the 65^thminute. Region I’s defense kept solid the rest of the game and forbade any goals from entering.

The Region IV 1997 team completed the tournament with a perfect 3-0-0 record. Their final match against Region III saw a 1-0 result. Grace Cutler got the game winner in the 25^th minute of the first half, and Region IV’s defense prohibited Region III to find the equalizer.