Mid-Atlantic clubs prospering in USL Super-20 finals this week

By Charles Boehm

Teams representing Potomac Soccer, D.C. United Women and the Fredericksburg Area Soccer Association are holding their own in the United Soccer Leagues’ Super-20 playoffs taking place this week in Bradenton, Fla.

An outgrowth of USL’s Super Y-League intended to provide competitive opportunities for college-age players, the nationwide Super-20 League features a six-to-10-game regular season capped by this week’s tournament, which is hosted at the prestigious IMG Academies.

The men’s side includes 16 teams divided into four groups, the winners of which will meet in two semifinal matches on Saturday, while eight women’s teams are vying for top spot in one of two groups, with the group winners advancing directly to the championship final. Both finals will take place on Sunday.

On the men’s side, FASA sit in first place in Group A after a win and a draw in their first two games. Should they defeat Laredo Heat SC in their final group match, they stand a good chance of advancing to the semis, depending on how IMG, who also have four points but trail FASA on goal differential, fare in their group final against Ironbound SC (N.J.).

In Group D, Potomac lost their opening match 3-1 to Crew Juniors (Ohio), but kept their hopes alive with a 4-3 win over Alamo SC San Antonio (Tx.). The Maryland-based squad can still advance to the semifinals, but they’ll need to soundly defeat Orlando City Youth Soccer – Purple in their final group game and hope that Alamo SC blow out Crew Juniors in the other group game.

In women’s action, United Women defeated Ottawa Fury 3-2 in their opener on Thursday, then edged past local rivals FASA 2-1 thanks to goals from Jessica Van Dyke and Jenna Shaddock. Samantha Boney scored for Fredericksburg, who opened with a 0-0 draw against TSF Academy (N.J.).

With one group game remaining, FASA cannot catch DCUW, nor is anyone else in the group likely to. Barring multiple unusual results, United Women will probably meet either Colorado Rapids U20s or Triangle FC in the championship final, while FASA wrap up their tournament against Ottawa tomorrow morning.

[ +Visit the USL Super Y-League and Super-20s home page for more information ]