Soccer Club of Guilford B12 Green came home to Connecticut with a trophy after playing in the US Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup in West Virginia, where the team claimed the 12U Boys Championship in the regional competition. Soccer Club of Guilford put on a stellar performance in the final on Tuesday, defeating FC Alliance 2012B (WV) by a tally of 3-1.
“The Eastern President Cup is a fantastic tournament to complete against President Cup State Champions in the region. It gave these Guilford boys a chance to compete against some top-level clubs,” said Ian Shannon, head coach for Soccer Club of Guilford B12 Green. “I could not be prouder of this group. Many of them have been training three years together for this moment. It was special to see them put it all together and win the finals against a very good West Virginia team that had beaten us in the group stage. The boys will forever remember this experience, and it will help them become even better players and individuals!”
The group play loss to FC Alliance 2012B that Coach Shannon mentioned was the only defeat that Soccer Club of Guilford endured while playing in West Virginia. However, lessons learned in that match, along with a well-scripted game plan by Shannon and his coaching staff, had the team ready from the opening whistle of the 12U Boys Final. They jumped out to a 1-0 advantage in the first half before adding a pair of goals in the second half to secure the 3-1 victory.
“Congratulations to Guilford for capturing the USYS East Region Presidents Cup,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “The boys play a great brand of soccer and were definitely deserving of this championship. Connecticut is extremely proud of them. I look forward to hopefully seeing them take the next step, next year, to the National Presidents Cup.”
Soccer Club of Guilford B12 Green advanced to the 12U Boys Championship Match following a semifinal win over Lower Merion SC Rovers Navy 2012 (PAE) on Monday, defeating the Group B winner by a scoreline of 2-1. Prior to the elimination rounds, the Connecticut side recorded six points in group play (2-1 record) behind a 13-4 goal differential.
Hosted by US Youth Soccer, the Presidents Cup provides a progressive, competitive environment for teams seeking a series of unique challenges 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!
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Soccer Club of Guilford 12U Boys Advance to Eastern Presidents Cup Final
Following a hard-fought victory in the US Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup Semifinals on Monday, Soccer Club of Guilford B12 Green has officially punched its ticket to the 12U Boys Final on Tuesday.
Soccer Club of Guilford advanced to the semifinals on Monday after a second-place finish in group play, securing a 2-1 record behind a 13-4 goal differential. They carried that momentum into a Monday outing against Lower Merion SC Rovers Navy 2012 (PAE), defeating the Group B winner by a tally of 2-1. After securing that victory, Soccer Club of Guilford now seeks the 12U Boys crown when they face FC Alliance 2012B (WV) on Tuesday morning at 8:00 AM.
Also competing in the USYS Eastern Presidents Cup Semifinals were an additional three CJSA teams. Darien Soccer Association Blue (12U Girls) came up just short against Loudoun Soccer Club G12 Black (VA), while North Haven SC Storm fell to CSSC Phoenix 10 (PAE) in the 14U Girls Semifinals. Also playing on Monday was Stamford FC Premier (19U Girls), who were edged by Pittsburgh FC Eclipse (PAW).
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!
Four CJSA Teams Advance at USYS Eastern Presidents Cup
Connecticut Junior Soccer Association has been very well represented at the US Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup, with four affiliated teams advancing past group play and into the semifinals of the regional tournament. CJSA teams that punched their tickets to the semifinal round include Soccer Club of Guilford Green (12U Boys), Darien Soccer Association Blue (12U Girls), North Haven SC Storm (14U Girls) and Stamford FC Premier (19U Girls).
Soccer Club of Guilford Green (12U Boys) advanced to the semifinals on Monday following a second-place finish in group play, securing a 2-1 record behind a 13-4 goal differential. Darien Soccer Association 2012 Girls Blue will continue their Presidents Cup run after going unbeaten in group competition, recording five points (1-0-2 record) while outscoring the opposition, 7-2. Also advancing into the semifinals is North Haven SC Storm, who will represent Connecticut in the 14U Girls Division after finishing second on their table with six points (2-1 record) and a 7-4 edge in goals. Lastly, Stamford FC Girls 05 Premier got the nod into the 19U Semifinals following a 1-1-1 finish in group play.
USYS Eastern Presidents Cup Semifinals (CJSA Teams in Bold, Times in EDT)
12U Boys – Soccer Club of Guilford B12 Green vs. Lower Merion SC Rovers Navy 2012 (PAE) at 8:00 AM
12U Girls – Darien Soccer Association 2012 Girls Blue vs. Loudoun Soccer Club G12 Black (VA) at 10:00 AM
14U Girls – North Haven SC Storm vs. CSSC Phoenix 10 (PAE) at 4:00 PM
19U Girls – Stamford FC Girls 05 Premier vs. Pittsburgh FC Eclipse (PAW) at 8:00 AM
CJSA teams that advanced to the USYS Eastern Presidents Cup but unfortunately saw their run end after group play include Wethersfield SC Navy (13U Girls) and Farmington SC Fire (15U Boys). The US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup provides a progressive, competitive environment for teams seeking a series of unique challenges 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!
CJSA Hosting Connecticut Cup Finals on Saturday
The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) will be holding the final round of its Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods this Saturday at Curtiss Park in Simsbury, hosted in collaboration with Simsbury Soccer Club.
The Connecticut Cup is made available to teams playing in the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association that meet residency requirements. Connecticut Cup Finals are scheduled in the 11U to 15U age groups for girls teams, and from 11U to 16U in the boys division.
“We congratulate all of the teams that have advanced and are now playing in our Connecticut Cup Finals. We wish everybody the best of luck,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “We look forward to the competitions taking place within a positive environment with respect for all those participating. We also want to send out a special thank you to the Simsbury Soccer Club, who has provided the fields and volunteers to make this event possible.”
Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods – Championship Matches
11U Boys – Farmington vs. West Hartford
11U Girls – Simsbury vs. West Hartford
12U Boys – West Hartford vs. Haddam-Killingworth
12U Girls – Trumbull vs. North Haven
13U Boys – Ridgefield vs. Greenwich
13U Girls – Naugatuck vs. Newington
14U Boys – Newington vs. Tolland
14U Girls – Norwalk Junior vs. Wethersfield
15U Boys – West Hartford vs. Windsor
15U Girls – West Hartford vs. Milford
16U Boys – Naugatuck vs. Stratford
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!
CJSA Crowns State Cup Champions
The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) officially crowned its State Cup champions this past weekend at Farmington Sports Arena, closing out an incredibly competitive spring season across the state. The CJSA State Cup serves as a competition for non-residency/premier teams in Connecticut, with champions now having the opportunity to play in the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Eastern Regional Championships later this month in Charleston and Barboursville, West Virginia.
“I want to congratulate all of our State Champions,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “We look forward to watching them represent Connecticut as they progress to the East Regional Championships in West Virginia.”
CJSA State Cup Champions
12U Boys – Inter Connecticut FC 2012 Boys RL
12U Girls – CT Rush Select 2012/13 Pre-Select Girls
13U Boys – CT Rush Select 2011 Boys
13U Girls – AC Connecticut G2011 USYS National (Determined via Group Play)
14U Boys – Chelsea Piers SC Napoli
14U Girls – Ole FC Academy G2010
15U Boys – Ginga FC Boys 2009 Elite National League
15U Girls – Ole FC Yankee Academy G2009 (Determined via Group Play)
16U Boys – Chelsea Piers SC Juventus
16U Girls – Ole FC Academy G2008
17U Boys – Inter Connecticut FC 2007 Boys RL
17U Girls – AC Connecticut G2007 USYS National (Determined via Group Play)
18U/19U Boys – CT Rush Select 2006 Boys
18U/19U Girls – Ole FC Yankee Academy G2006
As mentioned, CJSA State Cup champions are now eligible for the USYS Eastern Regional Championships later this month in Charleston and Barboursville, West Virginia. Regional winners at the 13U age group and high will then move onto the USYS National Championships in July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The Connecticut State Cup is part of the USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life, which is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament.
With competition in the CJSA State Cup now concluded, the attention shifts to the Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, which will host its final round of play on Saturday, June 15th. Connecticut Cup is made available to teams playing in the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association that meet residency requirements.
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!
CJSA Hosting State Cup Finals This Weekend
The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) will be hosting its State Cup Finals on Sunday, with matches taking place at Farmington Sports Arena. In addition to the finals being played this weekend, select spring champions are also being determined via group play this season in the 13U, 15U, 17U and 18U/19U Girls Divisions.
As CJSA State Cup Finals are being played this weekend, the Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods also progresses towards its final competitions for the season on Saturday, June 15th. The State Cup serves as a non-residency competition for premier teams, while the Connecticut Cup is a tournament created for teams that meet residency requirements.
“We are looking forward to crowning champions across both of our state-level competitions,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “By the end of this weekend, we will know who will represent Connecticut at the East Region Championships in West Virginia.”
CJSA State Cup Championship Matches
12U Boys – CT Rush vs. Inter Connecticut FC
12U Girls – CT Rush vs. Ole FC
13U Boys – CT Rush vs. Ginga FC
14U Boys – Chelsea Piers SC vs. CT Rush
14U Girls – Ole FC vs. Vale SC
15U Boys – Ginga FC Southeast vs. Soccer Club
16U Boys – Chelsea Piers SC vs. CT Rush
16U Girls – Chelsea Piers SC vs. Ole FC
17U Boys – CT Rush vs. Inter Connecticut FC
18U/19U Boys – CT Rush vs. JA Elite Soccer Academy
CJSA State Cup Champions (Determined via Group Play)
13U Girls – AC Connecticut G2011 USYS National
15U Girls – To Be Determined
17U Girls – AC Connecticut G2007 USYS National
18U/19U Girls – Ole FC Yankee Academy G2006
State Cup champions at the 12U level and above are eligible for the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Eastern Regional Championships this June in Charleston and Barboursville, West Virginia. Regional winners at the 13U age group and higher then move onto the USYS National Championships in July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The Connecticut State Cup is part of the USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life, which is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament.
After the CJSA State Cup Finals are played this week, Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods will soon host its final round of competition on Saturday, June 15th. Connecticut Cup is made available to teams playing in the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association that meet residency requirements.
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!
CJSA Hosts TOPSoccer Festival in Wallingford
The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) hosted a TOPSoccer Festival this past weekend, where approximately 100 athletes, family members and volunteers enjoyed a fun afternoon full of games, activities and entertainment. Sponsored by DICK’S Sporting Goods, the CJSA TOPSoccer Festival took place at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in Wallingford.
“Our inaugural CJSA TOPSoccer Festival was a tremendous success. Thank you to all of our sponsors and partners,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “We also want to send out a special thank you to the South Central District and Wallingford Soccer Club for their hands-on involvement in carrying out the event for these amazing athletes.”
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities. Developed by US Youth Soccer, TOPSoccer provides an opportunity for those with diverse abilities to play the game in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive and inclusive.
The CJSA TOPSoccer Festival included small-sided games, skills sessions and contests. Each attendee enjoyed a complimentary meal from Los Mariachis and ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s, also receiving a free t-shirt and soccer ball to commemorate the event. In addition to the tremendous volunteer work by the South Central District and Wallingford Soccer Club, partners for the CJSA TOPSoccer Festival included Hartford Athletic of the USL Championship professional league, Hartford HealthCare, Skyhawks Sports Academy and Wallingford Parks & Recreation. Also making an appearance at the festival was representation from the Southern Connecticut State University Women’s Soccer Program.
The Connecticut Junior State Association is currently seeking new partners to help grow TOPSoccer around the state and make the game more readily available to young athletes of all abilities. Any CJSA clubs that are interested in learning more about adding TOPSoccer to their club offerings can contact topssoccer@cjsa.org or send an email directly to CJSA TOPSoccer Chairperson Bill Fallon at coachbill01@comcast.net. The program would be fully supported by US Youth Soccer and the Connecticut Junior State Association.
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!
CJSA Hosting A Free TOPSoccer Festival in Wallingford
The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) is hosting a TOPSoccer Festival this Saturday to kick off the summer, and the event will be free of charge for all participants. Sponsored by DICK’S Sporting Goods, the CJSA TOPSoccer Festival will take place from 1 PM to 3 PM at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in Wallingford on Saturday.
Interested in attending? REGISTER HERE
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities. Developed by US Youth Soccer, TOPSoccer provides an opportunity for those with diverse abilities to play the game in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive and inclusive.
“TOPSoccer is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl with a disability,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “The goal of TOPSoccer is to enable these young athletes to develop their physical fitness, technical skills, courage and self-esteem through the joy and excitement of playing soccer.”
The CJSA TOPSoccer Festival on Saturday will include small-sided games, skills sessions and contests. Additionally, the celebration will feature food trucks, ice cream and giveaways for attendees. Partners for the event include Hartford Athletic of the USL Championship professional league, Hartford HealthCare, Skyhawks Sports Academy and Wallingford Parks & Recreation. Also making an appearance at the festival will be representation from the Southern Connecticut State University Women’s Soccer Program.
If your business is interested in getting involved with this event, sponsor and partner opportunities are still currently available for the CJSA TOPSoccer Festival. Please contact executivedirector@cjsa.org to hear more about how your business can support this fun celebration.
All existing CJSA TOPSoccer Programs and their members are invited to participate in this free event. Any parents or players who are interested in learning more about TOPSoccer or would like to take part in the festival are also invited at no cost. Further, any CJSA clubs that are considering the addition of TOPSoccer to their offerings are encouraged to attend the festival and find out how they can start a program that would be supported by US Youth Soccer and the Connecticut Junior State Association. To learn more information in advance, please contact topssoccer@cjsa.org or send an email directly to CJSA TOPSoccer Chairperson Bill Fallon at coachbill01@comcast.net.
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!
Deadline Approaching for CJSA Scholarship Opportunities
The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) Board of Directors currently has a scholarship fund open for graduating high school seniors. However, the deadline for submissions is quickly approaching, and the application process will officially close on Tuesday, April 30th.
“We are proud to continue our support helping families subsidize the cost of college education through this scholarship program,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “These scholarships are available to member players, and we encourage college-bound seniors within the CJSA system to submit an application.”
To be eligible for the scholarship fund, applicants must have played with a CJSA affiliated club and maintained a C+ average or higher in high school. Only graduating seniors qualify for a scholarship, and they must have plans to attend a two or four-year college or accredited technical school this fall. Additionally, all applications must be completed with an accompanying 250-word essay on the topic of “What Soccer Means to Me.”
The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association encourages any interested seniors who meet the above criteria to apply for the scholarship fund. No applications will be accepted after Tuesday, April 30th. Apply Today.
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!