GREENVILLE, S.C. (June 19, 2012) –On Tuesday at the US Youth Soccer Region III Championships presented by National Guard, after enjoying a day of rest yesterday, the Under-17 and Under-18 age groups were back in action to round out the semifinal field. Another set of teams have inched closer raising a regional trophy and vying for the coveted US Youth Soccer National Championship.

In U-18 boys’ quarterfinal play, defending Region III Champs Florida Rush (FL) needed overtime beat SSA Central Elite 94 (GA) to advance to the semifinals. Florida Rush took the lead just before half, but SSA’s Coleman Parks leveled the game at one in the 78^th. Andrew Bruce scored the game winner in the second overtime period for Rush.

A sound tactical game lifted AYSES Gold (TX-N) to a 1-0 victory over BRSC 94 Black (LA). For the first time all week, AYSES kept a shutout, led by a strong defensive effort. Ramon Gallegos scored the game winner in the 28^th.

After 72 minutes of scoreless soccer between 93 CUFC Charlotte United Gold (NC) and Dallas Texans Red (TX-N), Jacob Kennedy played the hero as he struck for CUFC in the 72^nd minute. His goal proved the difference on the day as CUFC advanced to the semis on the 1-0 score line.

It’s been an impressive individual year for Cristian Mata of TSCH 94 Earle (OK) who was recently named Gatorade player of the year, and today his performance was equal to the accolades. After a scoreless first half with FC Alliance 94 Black (TN), Mata struck twice in the second frame to lift TSCH to a 2-0 victory.

In the U-17 girls group, CESA 94 Premier (SC) triumphed over AHFC 95 (TX-S), 2-0. Meaghan Carrigan began the scoring with a goal in the 30^th minute, and Chelsea Drennan added an insurance goal in the 71^st. This team now joins the U-16 CESA girl’s team representing the club in the semifinals.

Sting 95 (TX-N) inched out a win over CFK 95 Black (FL) by a score of 1-0. After heading into halftime locked at zeroes, Vanessa Mendoza scored the game winner in the 47^th minute. Prior to today’s quarterfinal match, CFK had given up only one goal all tournament. One was enough for Sting who now move on to the semis.

Brandon FC Flames (FL) were first on the scoreboard when they took on 94 CASL Elite (NC). Caroline Evers scored twice for Brandon FC, once in the 40^th and again in the 58^th minute. CASL would get one back in the 70^th on a Melanie Priestley goal, but Florida held on for the 201 victory.

94 NC Fusion Elite (NC) continued its shutout streak on the week as they battled 95 Louisiana Fire Red (LA) to a nil-nil draw through regulation and overtime. With confidence, Kelsi Peters stepped up and was the fifth of five shooters to net the spot kick and launched her team to the semifinals.

Tuesday Quarterfinal Scores:

The top 200 US Youth Soccer boys and girls teams from the 12 State Associations that make up US Youth Soccer Region III will compete for the 2012 regional title. Quarterfinals, semifinals and finals will be played June 18-21 at MeSA Soccer Complex. 

The US Youth Soccer National Championships will consist of US Youth Soccer Regional Champions in the Under-14 through Under-19 Boys and Girls age groups as well as the US Youth Soccer National League qualifiers in the Under-15 through Under-17 Boys and Girls age groups to complete the field of 60 teams. 

Daily reports and complete results from the tournament are available on http://championships.usyouthsoccer.org. Follow the moments from the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series on Twitter and share the moments with us on Facebook.

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About the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series – The US Youth Soccer National Championship Series provides more than 10,000 teams from US Youth Soccer's 55 State Associations the opportunity to showcase their abilities against the best in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play. The yearlong competition begins with over 185,000 players in the US Youth Soccer State Championships.  These champions and selected wildcard teams, through US Youth Soccer Regional Leagues, advance to compete in one of four the US Youth Soccer Regional Championships. Champions (U-14 through U-19) from each regional event advance to the US Youth Soccer National Championships.  The Under-15 through 17 Boys and Girls age groups have two teams representative of the US Youth Soccer National League, in which the top two teams in each gender age group earn a direct path to the national championships. Overall the National Championship Series provides top collegiate coaches with the premier stage to identify and scout the most coveted players in the country. For more information, visit http://championships.usyouthsoccer.org.

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) – US Youth Soccer - "The Game for ALL Kids!^?" is the largest youth sports organization in the country and largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, and over 900,000 administrators, coaches and volunteers in 55 member State Associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game. For more information, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.

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