HONOLULU (June 19, 2008) - Win or go home was the mantra for teams competing at the US Youth Soccer Region IV Championships. With the preliminary round-robin games coming to a close and berths in quarterfinal brackets on the line, every team came out of the gates with one thing on their mind - advance.

The Slammers Under-15 Girls were 2007 US Youth Soccer Region IV Champions and finalists at the US Youth Soccer National Championships in 2007. This year, they made it through the US Youth Soccer California South State Championships without allowing a goal against. They have earned the chance to advance to Friday's quarterfinals with a 4:0 win over the FCV Justice (WA).

"I think we came out on top because we really want this. We play with heart. We want to keep it zero and we keep our team in the game," said Slammers' keeper Lindsey Luke about her and Makenna Henry's play. They both have plans to return to the national championships. "It would be an amazing feeling to get back there. We came so close last year. We would love to rematch the Dallas Sting; I think it would be a good match."

Slammers' coach George Larsen said of the three time state champions, "Coming out of Cal South is quite an accomplishment and it isn't fair to ask them to win. So when they do, you just shake your head and are proud. The girls did everything they could and just came short (last year in the US Youth Soccer National Championship finals). This year we are doing one game at a time and staying humble."

The Under-17 Boys WSM Internationals (Oregon) are returning to the quarterfinals again this year. Last year they lost in the US Youth Soccer Region IV Championship finals against Real So Cal who went on to win their third consecutive US Youth Soccer National Championship. The Internationals learned a lot from the experience and are confident that they have the talent to take them to Little Rock for the championships this year.

"It would be tremendous (to win regionals). It has been over 10 years since Oregon has sent a team to nationals," said head coach Monty Hawkins. "It feels like we are here for a purpose this year and we would really like to see ourselves in a position to win this year. If we get to the finals, the lessons learned from last year will resonate with the players."