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The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) concluded a successful series of events with the soccer community this past weekend, highlighted by the 2025 CJSA President’s Awards Dinner, Club Leadership Symposium and Annual General Meeting. Events throughout the weekend were hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Bristol.

The weekend kicked off on Friday night as CJSA celebrated its annual award winners at the 2025 President’s Awards Dinner. The event honored players, teams, coaches, referees and volunteers for their outstanding performances and contributions to youth soccer in the state over the previous year.

On Saturday, CJSA hosted its Leadership Symposium, which is an event designed to empower the soccer community with tools and insights to enhance the game for club leaders, coaches, players, families and administrators. The symposium featured a series of educational workshops and interactive sessions that addressed critical topics in the youth soccer community.

“Friday night was a packed house and an awesome celebration of all our award winners. It was great to see so many who give so much to our sport be recognized,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “We have also heard so much positive feedback about Saturday’s sessions. We want to send out a special thanks to Andrew Toce with Deep Breaths Counseling & Mental Performance and Jessica Testani Creem with Advanced Physical Therapy for sharing their expertise across three very important topics.”

The weekend concluded on Saturday afternoon with CJSA’s Annual General Meeting, bringing together board members and club leaders to discuss key updates and initiatives for the State Association. An important discussion during the AGM resulted in revisions to the CJSA Sending Off Policy.

“An update of our sending off policy, or now known as our disciplinary matrix, was long overdue,” stated Krusewski. “There are a lot of things that happen within the game environment, and this revision is much more specific and detailed. It comes at a good time as US Soccer has also revised its Policy 531-9 regarding misconduct towards game officials. Hopefully with both revisions in place, we start to see a decrease in bad behavior.”

This Saturday evening, the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame will be inducting its 2025 class with an enshrinement ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Bristol. The newest members of the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame include Roy Gurnon, Tom Lang, James O’Brien, Catherine Shankweiler, Junior Salmon, Hank Steinbrecher and Tiffany Weimer. The celebration will recognize each individual for their outstanding contributions to soccer in our state, and the ceremony will also be streamed live on the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame’s new YouTube channel.

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!

The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) kicks off a busy weekend with its soccer community on Friday night when the State Association celebrates its annual award winners at the 2025 Annual President’s Awards Dinner. The event will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Bristol, and CJSA will follow up the marquee event with a Club Leadership Symposium and its Annual General Meeting on Saturday.

“We eagerly anticipate the weekend ahead, celebrating achievements at our awards dinner on Friday night, and empowering our members with valuable knowledge and skills at our leadership symposium on Saturday morning,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association.

Each year, the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association hosts its Annual President’s Awards Dinner, where players, teams, coaches, referees and volunteers are recognized for outstanding performances and contributions to youth soccer in the state. View the list of award winners.

Being hosted on Saturday, the CJSA Leadership Symposium is designed to empower the soccer community with tools and knowledge to enhance the game for club leaders, coaches, players, families and administrators. Through a series of educational workshops and interactive sessions, the event will address critical topics in the youth soccer community. View the sessions being held at the CJSA Leadership Symposium.

Following the Annual President’s Awards Dinner on Friday night and the Leadership Symposium on Saturday morning, CJSA will conclude the busy weekend with its Annual General Meeting on Saturday afternoon. For all of the latest information on Saturday, make sure to follow us on the BAND app for updates.

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!

FROM CONNECTICUT TO THE WORLD STAGE: A Look at Lilyana Joseph’s Journey to the U.S. U-19 Women’s National Team

As Lilyana “Lily” Joseph steps onto the field in Spain this week with the U.S. U-19 Women’s National Team, she carries with her a spirit of resilience, determination and the deep-rooted soccer culture of Connecticut. Her selection for the L’Albir U-19 Women’s International Tournament from February 15-27 is the latest milestone in a journey defined by relentless dedication, overcoming adversity and a passion for the game that has fueled her rise from local standout to national team selection.

As part of the tournament, Lily and the U.S. U-19 squad will face off against some of the world’s top youth teams. They first open competition against the Netherlands on Thursday, February 20th, at Estadio Rico Perez in Alicante, Spain. They then take on England at Estadio Antonio Solana on Sunday, February 23rd, before closing out the event against host nation Spain on Wednesday, February 26th, at Estadio Guillermo Amor.

Connecticut Roots and ODP Excellence

Lily’s love for soccer was nurtured in Connecticut, where she honed her skills with South Central Premier and Connecticut Rush Select. Her commitment and talent quickly set her apart, earning her a place in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) pipeline. She attended ODP National Training Camps in 2020, 2022 and 2024, and she was named to the ODP Regional Team in 2019, 2021 and 2024. She was also honored as the 2022 Connecticut ODP Female Player of the Year, a testament to her influence on the field and her growing reputation as one of the top young players in the state.

Overcoming Setbacks, Breaking Records

Lily’s pathway to success has not been without obstacles. During her sophomore year, she suffered a devastating ACL injury that could have derailed her momentum, but it instead became the catalyst for a remarkable comeback. In her first season back, Lily not only returned to form, she shattered records. She scored an astonishing 66 goals in just 19 games at Hamden Hall Country Day School, breaking a single-season scoring record that previously stood at 46. Over her final two seasons, she amassed 102 total goals and earned a collection of honors including All-State, All-FAA, All-NEPSAC and 2023 NEPSAC Player of the Year. 

Beyond her dominance on the field, Lily was equally dedicated in the classroom, making the Honor Roll every semester and receiving the All-Around Student Award in 2022.

Making an Impact at Notre Dame

Her outstanding high school and club career paved the way for the next chapter, which was playing at the University of Notre Dame, one of the nation’s premier women’s soccer programs.

“I chose Notre Dame because of its competitive soccer program and its rigorous academics,” she said after selecting Notre Dame as her college destination. “Notre Dame harbors an environment that I can see myself growing spiritually, emotionally and physically.”

Lily wasted no time making her mark with the Fighting Irish. As a freshman midfielder/forward this past fall, she appeared in 22 matches, starting 12, and recorded eight goals, including a standout brace in the NCAA Tournament that helped Notre Dame reach the quarterfinals. Her breakout season earned her a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team, reinforcing her status as a rising star in collegiate soccer.

“This is a well-deserved call up for Lily, she had a fantastic freshman season at Notre Dame,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “Her hard work, commitment and relentless drive has always set her apart from others. Connecticut is incredibly happy for Lily and can’t wait to see her represent at the highest level!”

Continuing a Soccer Legacy

Lily’s talent and passion for the game runs deep in her family. Her father, Roland Joseph, won two national championships at Southern Connecticut State University and played for the Trinidad & Tobago National Team, providing Lily with both inspiration and a blueprint for success.

A National Team Call-Up and a Bright Future

Lily’s journey has now taken her to the international stage, as she dons the red, white and blue for the U.S. U-19 Women’s National Team. Competing in Spain is an opportunity to showcase her skills on a global level, but it is also a moment of pride for the Connecticut soccer community that has supported her every step of the way.

Her story is one of perseverance, passion and an unyielding drive to succeed. From Connecticut ODP to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and now representing her country, Lilyana Joseph’s journey is still just beginning. As she takes the field in Spain, she does so not just as an elite athlete but also as a role model for young players dreaming of creating their own path to the highest levels of the game.

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!

The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) is set to host its 2025 Leadership Symposium on Saturday, February 22nd, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Bristol. This cornerstone event is part of a dynamic weekend celebrating the youth soccer community, kicking off with the 2025 Annual President’s Awards Dinner on Friday evening and concluding with the CJSA Annual General Meeting on Saturday afternoon.

Registration is currently open for the CJSA Leadership Symposium, which is designed to empower the soccer community with tools and knowledge to enhance the game for club leaders, coaches, players, families and administrators. Through a series of educational workshops and interactive sessions, the event will address critical topics in the youth soccer community.

“We are excited to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our award winners,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “This recognition extends to our volunteers, board members, referees and coaches who are the backbone of our local programming. We thank them all for their invaluable contributions. Saturday’s Leadership Symposium is shaping up to be a great resource for all coaches, referees, parents and club leadership.”

Sessions at the CJSA Leadership Symposium

Attendees at the CJSA Leadership Symposium can participate in the following sessions designed to educate and inspire:

• 7v7 US Soccer Coaching Education (In-Person, Classroom Only)
• College Recruiting Truths (For Players and Families)
• Sports Connect: Open Hours for Club Administrators
• Referee Recertification (Led by Connecticut State Referee Program)
• TOPSoccer: Starting a Program and Club Support
• Handling Emergency Situations (Led by Advanced Physical Therapy)
• Under Pressure: Managing Anxiety in Youth Athletes (Led by Deep Breaths Counseling & Mental Performance)
• Connecticut Cup: A Rules and Roster Conversation (For Club Administrators)
• Coaching Education Opportunities: Introduction of the CJSA Certificate
• 9v9 US Soccer Coaching Education (In-Person, Classroom Only)
• Referee In-Person Field Training Session (Led by Connecticut State Referee Program)
• The Athlete Triad: Athlete, Parent, Coach (Led by Deep Breaths Counseling & Mental Performance)

Please note that workshops are subject to change. Prior to the Leadership Symposium, check our website for any updates regarding the event schedule.

CJSA would also like to extend its gratitude to the sponsors and supporters of the 2025 CJSA Leadership Symposium, which includes DICK’S Sporting Goods, SportsConnect, BAND, PRIME Hydration, Nike, Hudl, Hartford Athletic, Soccer & Rugby Imports, Advanced Physical Therapy, NYCFC, KwikGoal, New England Revolution, Hartford Wolf Pack, Deep Breaths Counseling & Mental Performance, Officially Human and Soccer Wars.

Committed vendors at the CJSA Leadership Symposium include Hartford Athletic, New England Revolution, Soccer & Rugby Imports, NYCFC, Challenger, Deep Breaths Counseling & Mental Performance, Soccer.com, Epic, Jaypro Sports, Futsal & Street Soccer and Soccer XS.

The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association recently announced the winners of its 2024 annual awards, who will be celebrated as part of the 2025 Annual President’s Awards Dinner on Friday, February 21st. Tickets for the awards dinner are currently available for purchase online.

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!

Patrick Agyemang’s journey to professional soccer is a story of resilience and determination. Born and raised in East Hartford, Connecticut, to Ghanaian parents, Agyemang discovered his passion for soccer early in his life, honing his skills in his backyard with his father and two older brothers. As a youth player, he competed for Hartford Soccer Club and was a standout at East Hartford High School, where he was a varsity starter for two years and earned All-Conference honors in 2017.

“We are so happy for Patrick and excited for his future,” said Mike Torres, Vice President and coach at Hartford Soccer Club. “He is a great young man, and I am honored to have coached him in his youth days. Patrick’s journey is proof – DREAMS do come true.”

Photo courtesy of Brian Gallagher, Hartford Soccer Club.

Despite his talent, Agyemang faced challenges in gaining recognition from Division I colleges, leading him to begin his collegiate soccer career at Division III program Eastern Connecticut State University. He made an immediate impact for the Warriors, scoring nine goals in 18 appearances during his freshman year and earning the Little East Conference (LEC) Rookie of the Year Award. In his sophomore season, he elevated his game even further, scoring 21 goals while receiving LEC Offensive Player of the Year honors and achieving All-America status.

Seeking greater challenges, Agyemang transferred to the University of Rhode Island before his junior year, where he continued to excel with 19 goals and 12 assists over two seasons. His remarkable play for the Rams captured the attention of Major League Soccer (MLS) scouts, highlighted by Charlotte FC selecting him as the 12th overall pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. He officially signed with the club in February 2023.

During his debut MLS season, Agyemang proved his potential, scoring his first professional goal against the Seattle Sounders in June 2023. He also made history as the first player in MLS history to score in both an MLS match and an MLS NEXT Pro game in the same weekend, further showcasing his versatility and commitment. By 2024, he had cemented his role as a regular starter for Charlotte FC, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive efforts.

His soccer dream has now reached its ultimate level after Agyemang made his debut for the U.S. Men’s National Team this past Saturday against Venezuela in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, receiving the starting nod at forward from head coach Mauricio Pochettino. During the match, Agyemang played 65 minutes and also registered his first-ever international goal in the 39th minute. On that scoring play, Agyemang split a defender to receive a ball from Matko Miljevic, rushing into the 18-yard box before slotting a left-footed strike past the Venezuelan goalkeeper.

“The Connecticut soccer community is excited and inspired by Patrick’s journey,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “We look forward to continuing to watch him play at the professional level and with the national team for years to come.”

From backyard dreams in Connecticut to the international stage, Agyemang’s ascent is an inspiring story of perseverance, hard work and unrelenting belief. His journey underscores the power of ambition and the strength of family support, serving as a beacon for aspiring athletes everywhere. His story reminds us all that greatness is not defined by where you start, but by how far you are willing to go.

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!

The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) is proud to announce its annual award winners, who will be celebrated as part of the 2025 Annual President’s Awards Dinner on Friday, February 21st. The event will kickoff a busy weekend for the soccer community at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Bristol, with CJSA hosting a Club Leadership Symposium and the CJSA Annual General Meeting the following day.

“Our President’s Awards Dinner is going to be a fantastic celebration of all the hard work and dedication from our players, coaches, referees and administrators throughout the year,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “It is always such a memorable evening filled with recognition and excitement. Saturday morning’s Leadership Symposium will be filled with educational opportunities for everyone. It is going to be an action-packed few days, and I cannot wait to see everyone there!”

Each year, the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association hosts its Annual President’s Awards Dinner, where players, teams, coaches, referees and volunteers are recognized for outstanding performances and contributions to youth soccer in the state. To purchase seats for the CJSA Annual President’s Awards Dinner on Friday, February 21st, please follow this link.

CJSA 2024 Annual Award Winners

• CJSA Administrator of the Year: Charissa Marcucilli
• CJSA Volunteer of the Year: Bruce Wilhelm
• CJSA Girls Recreation Coach of the Year: Nick Brockett
• CJSA Boys Recreation Coach of the Year: Star Ems
• CJSA Tommy Leahy TOPSoccer® Buddy of the Year: Oscar Sidaw
• CJSA Tommy Leahy TOPSoccer® Buddy of the Year: Sean Douglas
• CJSA TOPSoccer® Coach of the Year: Vicki Andrews
• CJSA TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year: Lisa Bowden
• CJSA Boys Competitive Coach of the Year: Michael Regan
• CJSA Girls Competitive Coach of the Year: Chris Gilmore
• CJSA Girls Competitive Coach of the Year: Erica Ballas
• PRIME Hydration- ODP Female Player of the Year: Maeve Nicholas
• PRIME Hydration – ODP Male Player of the Year: Ashton Rigby
• CJSA Youth Female Referee of the Year: Giselle Clark
• CJSA Youth Male Referee of the Year: Jacob Jackson
• Mark Wollman Referee of the Year Award: Ganesh Anantharaman
• Thomas Krusewski Youth Coach of the Year: Kevin Sirois
• NYCFC Community Coach of the Year: Jason Marcucilli
• Special Recognition: Edwin Miller
• Special Recognition: Luke Green
• Special Recognition: Jose Carlos del Ama Gonzalo
• Special Recognition: Ed Espinal
• Special Recognition: Keith Hodson

Tickets for the 2025 CJSA Annual President’s Awards Dinner are available in a variety of packages, including a Full Table Reservation (with President), Full Table Reservation, President or Designee Reservation, General Reservation, Award Recipient and Guest Reservations, as well as CJSA Board of Directors Reservations. Tickets for this signature CJSA event can be reserved now online. Also, make sure to follow us on the BAND app for all AGM Weekend information.

The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) is currently seeking nominations for its 2024 Annual Awards, with all honorees being celebrated at the upcoming CJSA Annual President’s Awards Dinner on February 21, 2025. That official ceremony will be hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bristol, Connecticut.

“There are many individuals who donate a lot of time so that kids can play soccer,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “Unfortunately, they often go unrecognized, and that is why we encourage everyone to nominate someone today!”

Categories that are currently open for nominations include Administrator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Girls Recreation Coach of the Year, Boys Recreation Coach of the Year, Tommy Leahy TOPSoccer® Buddy of the Year, TOPSoccer® Coach of the Year, TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year, Boys Competitive Coach of the Year and Girls Competitive Coach of the Year.

Please click on the corresponding links below to submit an online nomination for any of the listed awards.

• CJSA Administrator of the Year
• CJSA Volunteer of the Year
• CJSA Girls Recreation Coach of the Year
• CJSA Boys Recreation Coach of the Year
• CJSA Tommy Leahy TOPSoccer® Buddy of the Year
• CJSA TOPSoccer® Coach of the Year
• CJSA TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year
• CJSA Boys Competitive Coach of the Year
• CJSA Girls Competitive Coach of the Year

Each year, CJSA hosts its Annual President’s Awards Dinner, where players, teams, coaches, referees and volunteers are recognized for outstanding performances and contributions to youth soccer in the state. Event partners include DICK’S Sporting Goods, Stack Sports, Hudl, PRIME and BAND.

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!

This past weekend, the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) officially crowned its champions for the Fall Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. The final round of play took place on Saturday at Curtiss Park in Simsbury, and the event was hosted in collaboration with Simsbury Soccer Club.

“Congratulations to the champions for their outstanding achievement and to all of our finalists for their exceptional performances throughout this competition,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “Best of luck to those teams choosing to continue on to the East Region Presidents Cup in Philadelphia. Thank you to Simsbury Soccer Club for once again being great hosts!”

Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods – Champions

11U Boys – New Fairfield Red

11U Girls – Wethersfield Navy

12U Boys – West Hartford A

12U Girls – South Windsor Maroon

13U Boys – Stamford

13U Girls – North Haven

14U Boys – Meriden

14U Girls – Orange

15U Boys – Ridgefield Black

15U Girls – Wethersfield

Connecticut Cup champions are now eligible for regional play at the US Youth Soccer (USYS) East Region Presidents Cup (12U and older) next summer, with regional winners then moving onto the USYS National Presidents Cup (13U and older). The USYS Presidents Cup provides a progressive and competitive environment to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie and community.

Participation in the Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods is made available to teams playing in the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association that meet residency requirements. The Connecticut Cup is played in the fall for both boys and girls teams in the 11U and 12U (9v9), 13U, 14U and 15U age divisions.

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!

The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association will be holding the final round of its Fall Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods on Saturday at Curtiss Park in Simsbury, hosted in collaboration with Simsbury Soccer Club.

“Best of luck to all the teams that have advanced to the Connecticut Cup Finals,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “We look forward to crowning champions and simultaneously advancing our teams and referees from Connecticut to the East Region Presidents Cup. We also want to send out a special thank you to the Simsbury Soccer Club, who has provided the fields and volunteers that make this event possible.”

Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods – Championship Matches

11U Boys – New Fairfield Red vs. Simsbury Yellow

11U Girls – West Hartford Juventus vs. Wethersfield Navy

12U Boys – West Hartford A vs. Enfield Wolves

12U Girls – Stamford White vs. South Windsor Maroon

13U Boys – Stamford vs. Burlington Lightning

13U Girls – Stonington vs. North Haven

14U Boys – Meriden vs. Stamford

14U Girls – Orange vs. Burlington

15U Boys – Madison Gold vs. Ridgefield Black

15U Girls – Darien vs. Wethersfield

Participation in the Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods is made available to teams playing in the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) that meet residency requirements. The Connecticut Cup is played in the fall for both boys and girls teams in the 11U and 12U (9v9), 13U, 14U and 15U age divisions. Supporters are encouraged to keep up with the results throughout the competition on the BAND App, the official team communication app of CJSA.

Connecticut Cup winners become eligible for regional play at the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Eastern Presidents Cup next summer, with regional winners then moving onto the USYS National Presidents Cup. The USYS Presidents Cup provides a progressive and competitive environment to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie and community.

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!