Three Tri-State area clubs earn top finishes in ECNL National Playoffs

Three Tri-State area clubs had teams win division titles or earn advancement to the ECNL National Finals while competing last week at the ECNL National Playoffs in Seattle.

FSA FC captured the U-17 North American Cup championship, East Meadow SC’s U-15 squad clinched a spot in the Champions League semifinals and PDA won the U-17 Showcase Cup title.

+READ: Stage set for 2018 ECNL Nationals Finals

East Meadow’s U-15 teams booked their place in the ECNL National Finals, which will take place from July 6-7 at the West Creek Complex in Richmond, VA; with the semifinals taking place on July 6th, followed by the National Championship and placement games on July 7th. There will be an Opening Ceremony and Live Draw at Richmond Main Street Station the evening of July 5th which will determine the semifinals match-ups. For more information on the 2018 ECNL National Finals, CLICK HERE.

 FSA FC 

It’s always nice to end the season winning a title. But doing it in dramatic fashion is that much sweeter. FSA FC’s U-17 side will certainly understand that feeling after having earned their hardware 5-4 in penalties to claim the North American Cup.  They earned their spot in the final after having defeated AHFC 2-0 in the Round of 16, GSA FC 1-0 in the quarterfinals, and Sting Austin 1-0 in the semifinals. They finish the tournament with a goal differential of plus four and along with the Pride are the only side to have not given up a single goal during the tournament.

East Meadow SC 

In the U-15 Champions League Division, East Meadow SC are moving on to the semifinals after having withstood four very difficult matches in Redmond, Washington. In Group F play they defeated NTH-Tophat 4-2 and NC Fusion 4-1 and drew with Mustang SC 0-0 to reach the knockout phase. In the quarterfinals they drew Eclipse Select Soccer Club, a side that had scored 30 goals in the Midwest Division during the regular season. While Eclipse did find the back of the net in Tuesday’s encounter so too did East Meadow, who earned the 6-3 result.

Their U-16 side meanwhile carried some silverware on their flight home having won the Showcase Cup. Over the course of the tournament they defeated Richmond United 4-2, SLSG-IL 3-1, and Santa Rosa United 2-1 in successive order to earn a spot in the Finals. Although East Meadow’s defense had their hands full against an FC Portland side that had score 23 goals during the regular season (fifth most in the Northwest Conference) they buckled down and held their own, earning the shutout and a 1-0 victory.

Players Development Academy 

PDA claimed top honors in the U-17 Showcase Cup. They entered the tournament as one of the hottest teams in the U-17 age bracket, having won their last four matches in the Northeastern Conference, which played a large role in securing a spot in the Showcase Cup. Their run through the tournament included WNY Flash (2-0 in the Round of 16), World Class FC (2-1 in the Quarterfinals), BRYC Elite Academy (1-0 in the Semifinals), and a 2-0 win over the San Diego Surf in the championship.

In addition to their U-17 side earning hardware, their U-14, U-15, and U-16 sides all reached the Quarterfinals stage of their respective Champions League Divisions.