Connecticut soccer had a week to remember at the 2026 US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by New York Life. Held earlier this month in Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah, the USYS National Championships bring together the top boys and girls teams in the country. The competition includes State Cup champions and top finishers from the National League, with teams competing for a national title across the 13U through 18U/19U age brackets.
Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) saw a pair of teams make an unforgettable run to the final round of the national tournament. The Vale SC 2012 Boys captured the 14U USYS National Championship in a penalty kick thriller, while Hartford Athletic 2011 Red went the distance in the 15U Boys bracket to earn a spot in the National Final.
“We couldn’t be more proud of the incredible run by both Hartford Athletic and Vale SC at the US Youth Soccer National Championships,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director, Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “Hartford Athletic’s journey to the national final and Vale SC’s historic national championship are remarkable achievements. They represented Connecticut with tremendous pride, and the entire soccer community celebrates what they’ve accomplished on the national stage.”
Vale SC Crowned 14U Boys National Champions
Vale SC opened the tournament in Bracket C with a 2-0-1 group stage record, posting seven goals and conceding just two across three matches. Finishing second in their group, they carried their momentum directly into the knockout rounds and shifted into another gear entirely.
In the quarterfinals, Vale SC defeated Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (South Carolina) by a count of 5-0. Following a 1-0 clean slate over Utah Real FC (Utah) in the semifinals, Vale SC advanced to the 14U Boys National Championship Final.
The championship match against Upstate Elite Soccer Academy (New York West) was a thriller. The two evenly-matched teams battled to a 1-1 draw through regulation, with neither side able to find a winner. The title eventually came down to penalty kicks, where Vale SC converted at a 6-5 clip to claim the 14U Boys National Championship.
“The experience out in Utah was fantastic for our players and club,” said Zach Eddinger, Founder and Owner of Vale SC. “After last year and advancing at regionals, they had a single-minded purpose on what they wanted to achieve this year. Coach AJ Hodge had the boys ready, and they performed beautifully. We are really excited for the boys and as a club we are very proud that good majority of them have been with us since the start, showcasing development and staying the course. We are thankful to CJSA for the support and Josh for being present for the boys at the Final”
AJ Hodge, head coach Vale SC 2012 Boys, also reflected on their incredible journey to a national championship.
“From day one, this group set a high standard, but more than anything, they had an absolute blast being together,” he stated. “Their chemistry was unbreakable, and that togetherness carried them through every tough stretch of the season, from last summer into their trip to Utah. They worked tirelessly, played with total belief, and faced the pressure of Nationals with determination and huge smiles on their faces. We couldn’t be prouder of this group, and we’re excited for what comes next for them and the club.”
Hartford Athletic 2011 Red Finishes 15U Boys National Finalist
The Hartford Athletic 15U Boys finished group play with a 2-1-0 record, posting six goals across group play. After claiming the top spot from their bracket, Hartford Athletic advanced into the knockout rounds.
A 1-0 quarterfinal win over Upstate Elite Soccer Academy (New York West) set up a semifinal matchup against Mockingbird Valley Premier MVP B11 Gold (Kentucky). Hartford Athletic responded with one of its top performances of the tournament, winning 7-2 to advance to the National Final in dominant fashion.
In the championship match, Hartford Athletic fell to LA Krewe Rush (Louisiana) by a razor-thin decision of 2-1. Although it was a difficult result, Hartford Athletic left with their heads held high after finishing as 15U Boys Finalists on the national stage.
“The National Championships were an incredible experience and a testament to the commitment, resilience, and character of this group,” said Ross Peebles-Brown, Hartford Athletic Academy Director. “Competing against some of the best teams in the country challenged us in every moment and highlighted the progress we’ve made throughout the season. I couldn’t be prouder of the players for the way they represented our club—with ability, courage, togetherness, and an unwavering desire to compete. While every tournament provides lessons, this journey reinforced the standards we’ve built, created lifelong memories, and laid a strong foundation for the future.”
The Road to Utah
Qualifying for the US Youth Soccer National Championships is a significant accomplishment. The tournament caps a yearlong series of competitions, with State Cup champions and top finishers from the National League earning their way to the national competition.
To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!