Jefferson Cup 2025 Championship Division Preview: U17 Girls

SoccerWire continues its annual article series previewing the Jefferson Cup’s top brackets. In this edition, we take a look ahead at the U17 Girls Championship Division.

This year’s top flight features 12 of the top teams in the country in a Showcase style format. (COLLEGE COACHES)

Bethesda SC ECNL 08: Started 2025 going undefeated in their first five ECNL matches, knocking off La Roca FC (6-2), Atlanta Fire United (2-0), Richmond United (2-0), and SLSG Navy (1-0) while grinding out 0-0 draw with the Minnesota Thunder. They have also had a strong run outside of their league, going undefeated at the recent VDA Showcase (1-1-0, 3 points), while placing second (2-1-0, 6 points) in the Potomac Blue Division at last year’s Bethesda Premier Cup.

FC DELCO ECNL ‘08: Earned a critical 2-1 win over PDA South last weekend to boost their postseason chances in a tough 2008 North Atlantic Conference. At the recent ECNL Texas event, DELCO proved that they can deliver results under pressure, earning a 2-1 victory over Sporting Blue Valley and a 0-0 draw with World Class FC.

Nationals Blue 08: Last year’s Girls Academy National Champions at the 2008 level have made an immediate impression in the ECNL, jumping out to a 10-2-2 record on 32 points in the Midwest Conference. Their lockdown defensive work has been their calling card for years and has carried over to the ECNL where they have racked up seven shutouts.

NC Courage ECNL Academy 08: Despite playing up in the 2007/2006 age bracket, NC Courage’s 2008s more than held their own at the visitRaleigh.com College Showcase knocking off Triangle United (3-0) and holding their own against Sunrise Sting RL (3-4). They finished off ECNL Mid-Atlantic Conference play in 2025 on a six game unbeaten run (5-0-1, 16 points) where they outscored their opponents 17-3.

NVA ECNL 08: Grinded out a 3-1 victory over Fairfax Virginia Union last month to wrap up ECNL Mid-Atlantic Conference play. Their strong run of form translated at the Showcase level as well with the group having pulled off two unbeaten weekends at the Loudoun Soccer College Showcase (2-0-0, 6 points) and the VDA Girls College Showcase (1-0-1, 4 points). In all four matches the NVA defense stood strong earning four clean sheets.

Oakwood Soccer Club 08 GA: Started out their 2024-2025 Girls Academy season in fine fashion, ripping off three consecutive wins back in December. They have been equally effective in Showcases having just won the Platinum Division at the SUSA Girls Winter Showcase, winning all three of their matches by a combined score of 13-1.

PDA ECNL Blue 08: PDA enter this year’s Jefferson Cup on a bit of a roll, having won two of their last three ECNL matches. Their high press, attack-minded system produced eleven goals during that time frame including a 7-0 victory over Maryland United FC at home.

Penn Fusion ECNL 08: Last year’s ECNL National Champions have continued their strong run of form in 2024-2025, going undefeated in all ECNL competitions (9-0-1, 28 points). They have kicked it up a notch in 2025 booking five shutouts in seven games.

Richmond United ECNL 08: Finished off play at the ECNL Texas National Event with a pair of one goal wins over Sting Royal (1-0) and Sting Austin (3-2). Richmond’s experienced backline surrendered only six goals in the Mid-Atlantic Conference this season, tied for second lowest among all teams. Midfielder Emerson Moore, who recently participated in the ECNL National Selection Game in Texas, leads a talented midfield that can retain possession for long periods of time and force opponents to chase.

SUSA FC ECNL 08: Scored back-to-back victories over East Meador SC (3-1) and Connecticut FC (3-0) to extend their unbeaten run across all ECNL competitions to seven. They will be looking for another strong defensive performance at this year’s Jefferson Cup after conceding only two goals at last year’s event.

VDA ECNL 08: After making the Group Stage at last year’s ECNL National Playoffs, VDA entered the 2024-2025 season looking for greater glory. They certainly proved their mettle at the ECNL Texas National Event, earning three consecutive victories while shutting out Oregon Surf (1-0), Jacksonville FC (6-0), and Ohio Elite Soccer Academy (2-0). They finished off their Mid-Atlantic Conference season in dramatic fashion, holding off rivals Richmond United for a 0-0 and to retain second place (8-1-2, 26 points).

World Class FC ECNL 08: Much like VDA, World Class is looking to use their experience in Richmond to prepare for the ECNL National Playoffs after exiting in the Group Stage last year. They swept through the EDP Winter Showcase last month, knocking off both Long Island SC (1-0) and RFA (5-0) from the Girls Academy.