The very best of the USYS National League are descending on Round Rock, Texas, this week, as 80 girls teams and 104 boys teams compete at the National League Semifinals.

The action in Round Rock features teams in the 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U and 19U age groups playing in a one-of-a-kind event format that matches club-based and team-based sides against together to compete for advancement to this summer’s USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life. All teams earned their place in the semifinals through their performances at their respective quarterfinal events earlier this season. With so many proven sides, there will be plenty of talent featuring in each game in Round Rock.

Click on the buttons below to check out a few teams and players that have stood out in each age group, plus take a look at which states and clubs are most represented at the event.

GIRLS PREVIEWS:

BOYS PREVIEWS:

Champions Pool

An undefeated showing by Columbus United G11 Lions (OH) at the December Quarterfinals included a plus-nine goal differential by way of 10 goals scored and only one allowed. Stony Brook Force G11 (NY-E) and Maryland Rush Azzurri 11G (MD) also enjoyed successful weekends in December, and both sides proved they are cable of winning in different ways. The Eastern New York side gave up only one goal during its three games, while the Maryland side scored nine during its three-game slate.

A determined defensive effort from Madison 56ers Elite 64 11G (WI) led to three wins and the champions pool crown during the January Quarterfinals. The 56ers didn’t allow a single goal during its time in Mesa, proving it is a difficult side to break down.

Wildcard Pool

West-Mont United Elite 64 11G (PA-E) played three tight games at the January Quarterfinals to show it can hang with anyone, and consecutive shutout wins will give them confidence heading to the Semifinals. The Eastern Pennsylvania side will be a battle-tested team in Round Rock.

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Eloise Berger (Forward – Chicago Empire)
Berger is a playmaker with precision passing and an eye for goal. Her determination was on full display at the NL Quarterfinals with a couple of goals to her name.

Madison Dolder (Midfielder – Columbus United)
Dolder is a dynamic attacking midfielder who played a key role in her team’s perfect quarterfinals run, netting a brace in one of their three convincing wins.

Champions Pool

Three convincing wins for Saints 11B Blue Premier (OR) at the December Quarterfinals has the Oregon side positioned well with Round Rock in its sights. All three victories were shutouts, and the Saints added nine goals throughout the weekend in Mesa, too.

Ponys F.C. 2011 (IL) also won its group in December amid some tough competition. The Illinois side went 2-1-0 and saved its biggest win for last, so they are rounding into form at the right time. Rhode Island Surf B11 Elite Blue (RI) lost a close game to Ponys during their first group play match in Mesa and finished just behind them on goal differential. Surf picked up two shutout victories to close the event, so they will have something to prove this week.

Never count out Cedar Stars Academy Elite 64 11B (NJ). The New Jersey side completed an improbable four-goal comeback in the champions pool final at the January Quarterfinals and will still be riding that momentum in Round Rock. No lead is safe against them.

Wildcard Pool

Spire FC Elite 64 11B (OH) brought its shooting boots to Mesa during the January Quarterfinals. The Ohio side’s eight goals during its run in the wildcard pool helped it qualify for Round Rock, and Spire will aim to continue its high-scoring performances.

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Tristan Zimmermann (Midfielder – Toca FC)
With eight goals in three games, including two hattricks, Zimmermann was a standout player at the NL Quarterfinals. He’ll look to build on his scoring form to book his team a place at Nationals.

Pierre Boisseron-Kamp (Forward – Michigan Tigers)
Scoring five goals in two games, including a hat-trick, Boisseron-Kamps’ ability to attack multiple defenders, combined with his quality on set pieces, make him a serious threat to any defense.

Champions Pool

With its plus-16 goal differential, Columbus United G10 Lions (OH) led the three undefeated group winners at the December Quarterfinals. The Ohio side’s prolific attack averaged more than five goals per game, and the defense held its opponents scoreless in Mesa. Two South Texas sides — Georgetown SA Force FC 10G White (TX-S) and Legacy 10G Green (TX-S) — also won their groups in December, with both teams scoring seven goals during the weekend.

A decisive run at the January Quarterfinals led to the champions pool title for Elmbrook United 10G Elite 64 (WI). The Wisconsin side’s strong showing was headlined by a 6-0 result in its first game, and it will look to keep building off of that this week in Texas.

Wildcard Pool

With five goals in each of its final two games during the January Quarterfinals, Midwest United FC Score Elite 64 10G (MI) heads to Round Rock as a team that defenses will want to take seriously.

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Isabella Giannetti (Defender – Columbus United)
Giannetti had a great role in Columbus United’s perfect quarterfinals run, scoring twice and making a huge impact in both attack and defense.

Ryleigh Smith (Defender – Solar SC)
Smith had a great event at the quarterfinals, solid in defense and dangerous down the right side. Her two-way impact made her a key player in the Solar SC team.

Champions Pool

Sixteen goals across its three wins in the December Quarterfinals showed that TKO Premier SC 10B Blue (MI) is firing on all cylinders. Winning its group in dominant fashion should keep opposing defenses on their toes in Round Rock.

Reigning National Champions Ponys F.C. 2011 (IL) also went undefeated en route to winning their group in December and should get everyone’s best shot this time around. They carry over much of the form that led them to the national title after registering a plus-11 goal differential in Mesa.

Michigan Stars 10B Academy (MI) was one more team in good form at the December Quarterfinals. It set the stage with a 5-0 win during its first game and never looked back. Look for the Stars to try and make a point early again in Round Rock.

Silver Pool

Whatever it takes to win. That’s what Indy Premier Elite 64 10B (IN) did during the January Quarterfinals to book its spot in Round Rock. With three narrow wins that included two shutouts and a penalty shootout, Indy Premier won’t be an easy team to beat.

Wildcard Pool

Club Ohio National 10B (OH) made a statement at the January Quarterfinals. In its four-game run through the wildcard pool, the Ohio side scored 18 goals – including three straight games with more than five. They’ll hope to stay that clinical at the Semifinals.

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Vincent Madeo (Midfielder – Toca FC)
Madeo is intelligent on and off the ball, which was seen at the quarterfinals. His sharp passes and link-ups created multiple opportunities for his team.

Griffin Morrow (Forward – City SC Utah)
Morrow showed great skills at the quarterfinals, scoring three times, including a crucial brace in a tight draw. A creative and dangerous player.

Champions Pool

Two high-scoring group winners from the December Quarterfinals will aim to have the same success in Round Rock. Both St. Croix 09G Academy NL (MN) and Solar South 09G Naizer FDL (TX-N) each scored eight goals in one of their games in Mesa, showing an ability to be clinical. Kononia SC Lady Fire (TN) also heads to the Semifinals in good form after coming out on top of its Quarterfinal group with two wins.

Charlotte SA Elite 64 09G (NC) showed it can win in every type of fashion at the January Quarterfinals. En route to winning the champions pool, the North Carolina side won its games by 3-2, 0-0 (4-3 PKs), and 2-0 margins.

Wildcard Pool

Two consecutive shutout wins propelled Impact United Elite 64 09G (UT) to claim the wildcard spot at the January Quarterfinals. Defense travels, so the Utah side could make some noise in Round Rock.

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Emelia Schulte (Forward – Missouri Rush)
Schulte’s excellent movement and composure in front of goal made her a key player for Missouri Rush at the quarterfinals, as she scored in every game.

Harper McClendon (Midfielder – Solar SC)
McClendon is a powerful player who regularly bursts forward from midfield to provide goals and assists. She bagged a hat-trick against Alliance in Mesa!

Champions Pool

The consistent attack of Galaxy SC 09B Elite 64 (IL) proved impossible to stop for its opponents at the December Quarterfinals. The Illinois side went undefeated in its three games to claim the group title and scored at least three goals in all of its matches. FC Fredrick 09B (MD) and Chicago Magic PSG 2009 (IL) also won their groups — each recording two wins and a draw. Both teams scored five goals during one of their games, showing their offensive ability when they’re clicking.

Silver Pool

Elmbrook United 09B Elite 64 (WI) came into the December Quarterfinals red hot. The Wisconsin side scored nine goals in its first two games and left Mesa undefeated. They’ll look to start their time in Round Rock the same way.

Wildcard Pool

For all four of its games at the January Quarterfinals, PSC Academy Elite 64 09B (NJ) looked in control. The New Jersey side scored at will during its first two and kept shutouts during its first three. It will look to display that form once again at the Semifinals.

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Sebastian Guerra (Midfielder – Imperial SC)
A reigning USYS National Champion with Aspire FC, Guerra again showed his quality at the quarterfinals, this time for Imperial SC, with a match-winning hat-trick against Stony Brook.

Lucas Vazquez (Defender – PDA Vistula)
Vazquez earned an impressive 57 Taka highlights during the quarterfinals, where he scored an excellent goal and helped his team record two shutouts.

Champions Pool

All three group winners from the December Quarterfinals — FC 814 Energy (PA-W), Nationals Union 08G Black (MI), and FC Europa 08G G1 (PA-E) — went 3-0-0 with plus-four goal differentials or better in Mesa. Each team had two of its games decided by one goal, so they will be ready for close games at the Semifinals.

Team Chicago 08G Performance (IL) overcame two penalty shootouts to claim the wildcard pool title at the November Quarterfinals. If any of its games get to that point in Round Rock, experience may be the deciding factor.

Wildcard Pool

A consistent attack helped Midwest United FC Scor Elite 64 08G (MI) pick up three wins and the January Quarterfinals wildcard pool title. The Michigan side scored at least two goals in all of its games and will hope to produce more of that in Round Rock.

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Sierra Owens (Defender – Nationals)
Owens will be a key player for Nationals in the NL Semifinals. Her strong positioning in defense and excellent vision for distribution make her a vital asset in maintaining control and momentum.

Sadie Walsh (Midfielder – Michigan Tigers)
Walsh is instrumental for the Michigan Tigers. A hardworking midfielder, she pulls the strings, creates chances, and drops back to defend when needed, showcasing her versatility and leadership.

Champions Pool

December Quarterfinal group winners Washington Rush B08 NL (WA) and Kansas Rush Academy B08 (KS) both left Mesa unblemished and with plus-12 goal differentials. Expect to see plenty of goals scored when they’re on the field in Round Rock.

Utah Celtic 08B E64 Bradley (UT) also won its group in Mesa. The Utah side has won two straight National Championships, so this team is no stranger to rising up to the big moments. This is another team that can score goals in a hurry and does so often.

Silver Pool

A threat in the silver pool, Stony Brook Wildlings Blue B08 (NY-E) is no stranger to this stage. The Eastern New York side has been to the National Championships and will make defenses pay for their mistakes. The Wildlings will look to rise to the stakes that the Semifinals bring.

Wildcard Pool

One of the best offensive performances of the January Quarterfinals came from Spire FC Elite 64 08B (OH). The Ohio side averaged six goals per game during its four wins en route to claiming the wildcard pool spot. This is yet another team in the age group that can consistently threaten the opposing goal.

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Zachary Barker (Forward – Spire FC)
Barker will be vital for Spire FC in Round Rock, having netted two hat-tricks in the quarterfinals. His clinical finishing and big-game mentality make him a key player to watch.

Lincoln Bauer (Midfielder – St. Mary’s Soccer)
Bauer is essential for St. Mary’s Soccer. A consistent central midfielder, his composure and creativity on the ball make him a game-changer in crucial moments.

Champions Pool

Midwest United FC SCOR 06/07 Black (MI) was one of the most convincing group winners at the December Quarterfinals. With a plus-14 goal differential and two games of six goals or more, the Michigan side proved they can score early and often.

Toca FC 06/07G Elite (KS) and TKO Premier SC 06/07G Blue (MI) also came out on top of their respective groups, and close results for the two Midwest teams may mean exciting games in Round Rock.

Total team efforts were the key for Madison 56ers Elite 64 06/07G (WI) winning the champions pool at the January Quarterfinals. Led by a stifling defense and offense that took its chances, the Wisconsin side should head to Mesa with confidence if it can play its style again.

Wildcard Pool

It took one game during the January Quarterfinals, but MI Rangers FC Elite 64 06/07G (MI) figured out the formula for success. A tough penalty shootout loss in its first game was a distant memory after the Michigan side racked up 7-0 and 4-0 wins to close out the weekend in Mesa. They’ll be trouble for opponents if that form carries over to Round Rock.

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Jacey Lane (Midfielder – W&H America)
Lane’s impressive skill and composure on the ball makes her a vital player for W&H America, scoring five goals in one match at the NL Quarterfinals.

Ella Kinney (Midfielder – Midwest United SCOR)
A whopping six goals at the NL Quarterfinals by Kinney allowed Midwest United SCOR to go unbeaten.

Champions Pool

Three of the group winners from the December Quarterfinals did so with an unbeaten record. Wasatch SC 07B WR (UT), Impact United JV E64 RL 06/07B (UT), and JaHbat B06 Premier (IL) head to the Semifinals with opponents knowing they’ll be tough to beat. Wasatch scored an impressive 18 goals during its three games, but all three proved they can find the back of the net when needed.

One of the most thrilling games at the January Quarterfinals came when Cedar Stars Academy Elite 64 06/07B came back from a two-goal deficit to beat Toca FC 07B Elite 64 (KS) in the champions pool final. The two sides — who are both reigning National Champions — will take the next stop in reclaiming their crown at the Semifinals. 

Silver Pool

BRAUSA 06/07 Blue (MD) finished second in its group at the December Quarterfinals, but the Maryland side gave group winners JaHbat everything it could handle. It tallied 11 goals during its first two games in Mesa and even scored twice in its lone loss.

Wildcard Pool

Holding its opponents scoreless through four games at the January Quarterfinals is one thing. But to do so while also adding 16 goals takes what Spire FC Elite 64 06/07B (OH) did to another level. The Ohio side will hope that kind of form can resurface in Round Rock.

Taka Players to Watch

Video clips and descriptions provided by Taka.

Joao Oliveira (Forward – Brausa United)
Oliveria possesses serious pace and on-ball skill, which would terrify any defender close to the box. He bagged six goals, including a hat-trick, at the NL Quarterfinals.

Ryan Cvitkovic (Defender – Spire FC)
Earning an impressive 55 Taka highlights from the NL Quarterfinals, Cvitkovic was pivotal to an unbeaten event with four clean sheets for Spire FC, in addition to scoring two goals.