2012 US Youth Soccer Region III U-14 through U-18 champions crowned
U-13 and U-19 Championship games recaps

Relive the moments on http://championships.usyouthsoccer.org/regionIII
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GREENVILLE, S.C. (June 21, 2012) – The US Youth Soccer Region III (South) Championships presented by National Guard came to an inspiring conclusion Thursday with 10 teams lifting regional championship trophies and claiming a place at the 2012 US Youth Soccer National Championships in Rock Hill, S.C.
After a scoreless first half, TNFC 98 Azzurri (TN) won the U-14 Girls regional title with two second half goals to beat Liverpool 98 Elite (TX-N). Meredith Slessman struck in the 41st for her sixth of the tournament and Daniella Marcano added an insurance goal in the 61st to secure her team a berth in the national championships.
After a goalless first 70 minutes in the U-14 Boys final, FC Dallas 98 Premier (TX-N) and Sunrise Elite (FL) entered overtime knowing the first goal would be pivotal. Jack Skahan made sure momentum swung in favor of Sunrise Elite, as he ran onto a ball over the top and slotted home the decisive strike for a 1-0 victory.
Same name, different roster, same result. Sting 97 is once again Region III champs as they got the better of AHFC 97 (TX-S) in the U-15 Girls final. Vianei Sanchez finished a successful buildup from the Sting midfield to put her team in the lead. Sting defended well and goalkeeping played a huge part to ensure that one goal was enough to claim the championship.
The U-15 Boys final between GSA Phoenix 97 Red (GA) and SAA Real Madrid Miami (FL) was tied after regulation, tied after overtime, and decided by penalty kicks. Eight minutes into the first overtime period, Momodou Jallow gave GSA a 1-0 lead. Just five minutes from the regional championship, GSA then lost the lead as SAA’s Sebastian Herran scored from 35 yards out. In the shootout, SAA made all five shots and came up with the one needed save to advance to the national championships.
CESA (SC) went three for three in championship games today, with the first win by the U-16 girls over OFC 96 (OK). After both teams created but couldn’t convert scoring chances through regulation and overtime, the championship was decided by spot kicks. Going nine shooters deep, CESA netted the decisive penalty and won the title.
For the second year in a row, the U-16 Boys champion hails from CESA (SC). This year, CESA 95 claimed the regional title by beating GSA 96 Phoenix Red (GA). After GSA cleared a defensive corner, the ball came out to Glennon Donohue who served the ball back post and Jackson Karolcyk slotted it home. CESA may meet GSA again at the National Championships, as the Georgia team had previously qualified for the event via the US Youth Soccer National League.
The CESA U-17 Girls followed suit in similarly dramatic fashion. Brandon FC Flames (FL) took the lead as Caroline Evers slotted home a loose ball in the box in the 24th minute. Less than 10 minutes after halftime, CESA would level the game at one. Merely seconds from the final whistle and potential overtime, CESA’s Emily McCord sent a long ball to the back post where Meaghan Carrigan found enough space to nod the ball back across the keeper and into the net for the game and tournament winner.
Both teams in the U-17 Boys final advanced from the semis via late goals, and when Solar Chelsea 95 (TX-N) and Jacksonville United (FL) met on Thursday, the game was challenged until the final whistle. Kareem Itani gave Solar a lead just before halftime and Casey Eaton added another in the 62nd minute, his fourth on the week. Emir Hidic would bring Jacksonville back within one in the 83rd, but Solar held on for the win and the regional title.
For years Brentwood 94 Premier (TN) has come agonizingly close to a berth in the national championships. Last year they went home after making it to the final and worked all year to change the outcome this time around. Their U-18 finals day opponent, AHFC 94 (TX-S) made the road difficult, scoring immediately off the opening kickoff to claim a 1-0 lead. Brentwood’s Victoria Hawkins would equalize before half and Chesney White scored in the 65th on a quick counter attack to give Brentwood the lead. Just three minutes later, Jillian Lutz headed home a goal to bring the teams level again. Brentwood would not be denied and Lindsey Mayo made the most of her strike in overtime to finally claim the regional title.
The U-18 Boys final marked a rematch of the 2011 championship game as Florida Rush Nike (FL) faced TSCH 94 Earle (OK). For the first 45 minutes, both teams enjoyed periods of possession and quality chances without scoring a goal. In the 62nd minute, Florida’s Jean Rivaroli finished a cross off a half volley. Solid defending and goalkeeping kept a shutout for Rush and the team repeated as regional champs.
2012 US Youth Soccer Region III Champions
Under-13 Girls NASA 17 Elite (GA)
Under-13 Boys Dallas Texans (TX-N)
Under-14 Girls TNFC 98 Azzurri (TN)
Under-14 Boys Sunrise Elite 97/98 (FL)
Under-15 Girls Sting 97 (TX-N)
Under-15 Boys SAA Real Madrid Miami (FL)
Under-16 Girls CESA 95 Premier (SC)
Under-16 Boys CESA 95 Premier (SC)
Under-17 Girls CESA 94 Premier (SC)
Under-17 Boys Solar Chelsea 95 (TX-N)
Under-18 Girls Brentwood 94 Premier (TN)
Under-18 Boys Florida Rush Nike (FL)
Under-19 Girls CCSC SOL (FL)
Under-19 Boys GSA 93 Phoenix Red (GA)