Girls Academy Champions Cup titles decided across U13-U19 age groups
By Sean Maslin
SoccerWire Staff Writer
Tuesday wrapped up the remaining finals of the 2022-2023 Girls Academy Champions Cup, held at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
Georgia powerhouse Tophat Gold finished as the Overall Club Champion of the competition, accumulating 76 points across their six teams. Cincinnati United Premier and Michigan’s Nationals SC Blue (64 points) finished tied for second. There was a three-way tie for fourth place, between Florida United, Lonestar SC and TSJ FC Virginia (57 points).
*Note: SoccerWire is currently seeking Players That Impressed nominations from the GA Champions Cup. Coaches, parents and athletes are invited to submit nominations for up to two (2) players per team, highlighting standout performances from the event.
[Submit Your ‘Players That Impressed’]
See below for a rundown of the title matches from the GA’s Championship Division. (Full Results)
GA Champions Cup Winners
U19 Champion: Florida United 04/05
Florida United 04/05 had a real fight on their hands against SC Wave. But the Sunshine State side held own their Wisconsin foe, earning the 3-1 win in the finals. It was not an easy path to the finals for Florida, who had to hold off STA 2-0 in the Round of 16, Colorado Rush in the Quarterfinals, and PA Classics 2-1 to reach the fourth game.
United as CHAMPIONS ?
Congratulations to Florida United on being crowned U19 #GAChampionsCup champs ? pic.twitter.com/INxPgBZUpA
— Girls Academy (@GAcademyLeague) March 13, 2023
U17 Champion: ALBION SC San Diego 06
ALBION SC San Diego 06 took the hard road to winning their silverware but in the end it was all worth it. On Tuesday, the California side defeated IMG Academy 4-3 in overtime to win the U17 Championship. Their final wasn’t the only major test that the side faced, having to hold off South Shore Select 2-1 in the opening round, followed by a 1-1 result against Tophat that was won 11-10 in penalty kicks. Their defense and their legs were certainly tested in the semifinals where they held off Florida United to earn the 1-0 win.
Your U-17 #GAChampionsCup champions, @albion_sc ❗ pic.twitter.com/1zfRerzWf2
— Girls Academy (@GAcademyLeague) March 13, 2023
U16 Champion: Cincinnati United 07
Cincinnati United 07 are the champions of the U16 division, having put four past National Girls Academy to win their age group. United’s scoring prowess was on display all weekend, getting big results against Utah Celtic (4-0) in the Round of 16, Tophat Gold (1-0) in the Quarterfinals, and Houston Dash (4-0) in the semifinals.
Two champions in one day ?
Congratulations to the U-16 #GAChampionsCup champs, @CUPGirlsGA! ? pic.twitter.com/v49uHqg46v
— Girls Academy (@GAcademyLeague) March 14, 2023
U15 Champion: Nationals SC 08 Blue
Nationals Girls Academy 08 Blue held on against Tophat 08 Gold 2-1 to win the Champions Cup U15 age group. The girls battled all throughout the tournament to make the finals, scoring victories over City SC San Diego in the Round of 16 (2-1), ALBION SC Las Vegas 3-1 in the quarterfinals, and finishing it off with STA 2-1 in the semifinals.
Introducing your U15 #GAChampionsCup champions, @NationalsGA!! ? pic.twitter.com/hOnUvljP7P
— Girls Academy (@GAcademyLeague) March 14, 2023
U14: Cincinnati United 09
Cincinnati United 09 joined their 07 side as the top winners of the U14 age group, defeating Houston Dynamo Dash YSC 09 2-1. The side started the tournament with a major 9-1 win over Utah Celtic, followed by close results over Tophat 09 Gold 2-0 in the quarterfinals, and South Shore Select 2-1 in the semifinals.
A last-minute winner delivers a THRILLING U14 #GAChampionsCup championship for @CUPGirlsGA!
Congratulations on an incredible win ? pic.twitter.com/jT5tnodsHv
— Girls Academy (@GAcademyLeague) March 14, 2023
U13: Tophat 10 Gold
Tophat 10 Gold claimed top honors in the U13 age group, defeating Lonestar SC 10 1-0 in a tight final. The Georgia-based team did not allow a single goal during the tournament, defeating Spokane Sounders Shadow 10 (9-0), City SC San Diego (3-0), and TSJ Virginia 2010 (2-0) en route to the final.
Write it in pen ?️@NTH_Tophat are our U13 #GAChampionsCup champions!! ? pic.twitter.com/KcqAOCxmra
— Girls Academy (@GAcademyLeague) March 13, 2023