US Youth Soccer Desert Conference kicks off 2022-23 season with 11U-14U action

FRISCO, Texas – The US Youth Soccer Desert Conference kicked off the 2022-23 season with a slate full of 11U-14U Boys and Girls matches this past weekend.

The action in the 13U and 14U age groups was especially meaningful, as teams in the top-tier divisions of the Desert Conference are competing for the opportunity to earn berths to the 2023 USYS Far West Regional Championships, as well as a spot in the 2023-24 season of National League P.R.O.

Some notes on the girls season up to this point:

FC Hawaii 09G (HI) got off to an unbeaten start this past week, winning its first three games of the 14U Girls season. The Hawaii side put in a well-rounded effort in each match, scoring six goals and conceding only one.

Jose Dydasco, head coach of FC Hawaii 09G (HI), touched on what it would mean for his team to earn a spot at the 2023 Far West Regional Championships and/or National League P.R.O. next season.

“The opportunity to play in the Far West Regional Championships and National League P.R.O. would mean a whole lot, as this team and its members will continue to get exposed to higher levels of soccer,” Dydasco said. “Playing in National League will help to bridge Hawaii to the mainland. The big blue ocean is a huge obstacle to getting the kids of Hawaii the exposure that they truly deserve.”

Dydasco, the father of three Division I soccer players — including 2021 NWSL Defender of the Year Caprice Dydasco — also shared why his FC Hawaii team enjoys competing in the Desert Conference.

“The opportunity to travel and learn so many different life skills, as well as the opportunity to continue to play different teams and styles is always exciting for us.”

FC Hawaii 09G (HI) will look to capitalize on this hot start during the next group match in November.

Some notes on the boys season up to this point:

CASA FC Inter Sandoval 2010 (CO) also opened the 13U Boys season in dominant fashion. In three games this past week, the Colorado side went undefeated and scored 31 goals – while only giving up one – to earn a spot in the 2023 Far West Regional Championships and 2023-24 National League P.R.O. season.

Benjamin Sandoval, head coach of CASA FC Inter Sandoval 2010 (CO), talked about what it meant to his team to earn a spot at Regionals.

“For us to win a place to compete at the Far West Regional Championships is what we have always dreamed of, and we’ll do our best to take advantage of that opportunity,” he said.

Sandoval also explained why his team enjoys competing in the Desert Conference.

“We like to compete in the Desert Conference because we like to compete against the best teams, and we’re always looking for different competition.”

The Desert Conference is one of 13 conferences in the USYS National League. Action in the Desert Conference will continue in November with teams inching closer to earning qualification into National League P.R.O. or a spot at the 2023 USYS Far West Regional Championships.

For more information on the Desert Conference, including schedules, scores, and standings, click here.