US Youth Soccer Region IV

Competition Heats Up at US Youth Soccer Region IV Championships

LAS VEGAS (June 19, 2007) - The US Youth Soccer Region IV Championships continued today at the Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex and the Kellogg Zaher Sports Complex in Las Vegas. Morning games came to a close just before the heat of the afternoon. Teams have a break until the evening games kick off at 7 p.m.

Early in the match, Crossfire Premier 91's Kelyn Rowe scored off of a direct kick just outside the box. The well played ball would maintain a 1-0 lead through the first half. Both sides showed heart and determination as neither side backed down to the numerous challenges offered from the technically sound teams. Patrick Bonitatibus (Sereno) played several crosses that were almost finished in the first but a chip from teammate Patrick Wall as well as a header from Quincy Wento sailed just high to clear the crossbar and the possible goal. Sereno eventually did capitalize to tie the match at 1-1. As the second half neared the final whistle, a late cross and a great shot from Crossfire?s Jose Garibay, Jr., struck the crossbar to keep the score knotted at one each.

Arsenal FC out of Cal South took the field today against the Washington US Youth Soccer State Champion, Emerald City FC 88 Green, seeking to continue the charge to the regional final and ticket to the national championships and another chapter in the history of youth soccer. Emerald City was short two key players from the back line as Andy Hampson and Teddy Wingo were out of state with engagements with the U.S. Naval Academy and University of Vermont respectively. Despite the 105 degree heat, Arsenal would strike early thanks to a goal by Ryan Peterman on a cross from Ryan Thomas. Emerald City made some formation changes and slowed the Arsenal attack. An own goal in the second gave the 2-0 lead. Midway through the final period Davis Paul scored from outside the box to give his side the 3-0 win.

Two dominate Region IV clubs, Real Colorado National and Mustang Soccer Club Roadrunners, faced off today. Real Colorado sent seven Colorado US Youth Soccer State Champions to Vegas and the Mustang Soccer Club sent three California North US Youth Soccer State Champs. For the Under-19 girls, Real Colorado won their first match of the tournament yesterday against Eclipse from Alaska. The Under-19 Mustang Roadrunners fell short against the Sereno White from Arizona, 1-3. In today's match-up it was Real Colorado with the 2-1 win over the Roadrunners. Tomorrow's play will determine who will advance to the elimination rounds beginning Friday with the quarterfinals. Each team advancing will enjoy a well deserved day of rest on Thursday.

More than 250 top boys and girls US Youth Soccer teams from 14 state associations are competing for the US Youth Soccer Region IV Championships, June 18-24, at Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex and Kellogg Zaher Sports Complex in Las Vegas. Daily reports and complete results from the tournament will be available on www.USYouthSoccer.org and http://Championships.USYouthSoccer.org.

Regional winners of the Under-14 through Under-19 brackets earn a berth to the 2007 US Youth Soccer National Championships to be played July 24-29, at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, a suburb of Dallas.