U-12 & U-13 Boys – Pro Academy
The U-12 and U-13 Orlando City boys Pro Academy teams had a remarkable weekend of Super Y matches, as both teams advanced to the finals for the first time. Additionally, the U-12s claimed the Lions’ first Super Y National Championship.
Both sides advanced to their respective championship matches after a highly difficult group stage, which included both teams needing a result in their final game. In particular, the U-13s needed to score at least six goals to advance. The young Lions managed to accomplish that feat late in the game, advancing in dramatic fashion.
In the finals, the U-13s narrowly lost 5-3 – conceding in the waning moments of the game after pushing forward to equalize. The result capped off an outstanding tournament run for the U-13s, who have seen four players advance to City’s U.S. Soccer Development Academy program since the summer.
The U-12s produced a rousing 3-1 win over BW Gottschee in a well-played game. Leading the way for the young Lions was Besufikad Cushen, who scored two fantastic goals and added an assist to help his side win a Super Y title.
Commenting on the performances of both teams, U-12s Head Coach Greg Brick said, “We’ve come so close to advancing to the finals in the past three years but have only made it to the semi-finals. To have both teams move on to the finals was terrific and a testament to the Club’s progression.”
U-12 & U-13 Girls – Purple
The U-12 and U-13 girls teams continued City’s excellent Super Y showing by also advancing to the semi-finals after winning their respective groups. Both teams faced difficult opponents in the semis and were unable to move on, despite battling well in two hard-fought matches.
The standout players for the U-12s were Amanda Hartmann and Lindsey LaRoche. For the U-13s, Haylie Beavers and Megan Magee led the way.
