SPIRE FC’s Group 07 and Group 04 teams performed remarkably at the 2023 US Youth Soccer National Championships held in Orlando, FL. The prestigious tournament took place from July 17th to July 23rd, 2023, and showcased promising young talent from across the nation.

Under the expert guidance of Technical Director & Head Coach, Sean Lane, the SPIRE FC’s players displayed impressive skills and fortitude. Group 07 secured a 2-1 victory in their first match. Despite a setback with a 3-0 loss in their second game, they bounced back with a fantastic 4-2 win in their last match, garnering six points total in their group. Though they narrowly missed making it to the semi-finals, this championship provided these young players with an invaluable, growth-filled experience which will serve them well in future matches.

In a historic achievement for SPIRE FC, Group 04 advanced to the semi-finals. During their initial two games, with tied scores of 1-1 and 3-3, they faced a thrilling final match that would ultimately determine their fate. The team delivered an incredible 4-1 victory, clinching a spot in the semifinals and marking the first time in SPIRE FC’s history that a team has reached this stage in the US Youth Soccer Championships. They came up just short, losing 3-2 in their final match.

Reflecting on the athlete’s outstanding performance, Sean Lane commended the players for their exceptional teamwork and commitment, saying, “The group put in some really gritty performances. This has been a real squad effort to date with every player doing their part…we’ll be back again next season looking to go one step further.”

Everyone involved with SPIRE FC is excited to see how far Group 04 can go in the future championships.