Taken from USLSoccer.com

Fredericksburg, VA - An area known for producing some of the most famous women’s soccer players, the South Atlantic will be represented by the U16 Northern Virginia Majestics and the first year Fredericksburg Gunners at the ninth annual Super Y-League North American Finals.

Head-to-head the Majestics had a better run at the rest of the division, putting together a strong 7-3-1 season, good enough for second place in the division, but ultimately, they were unable to shake the Gunners.

“Our group was very sound from top to bottom,” said FC Fredericksburg Gunners Head Coach Eric Dutt. “CASL and Northern Virginia were the strongest teams in our group and we had some good results against Northern Virginia, tying 0-0 early in the season and winning 3-0 at home. I believe that proves we can play with anybody heading into the league finals.”

“Our strength comes from our depth,” added Dutt. “We used a lot of different players during the season and our second string girls came off the bench to fill those spots well. We are deep enough to be in every game by staying fresh.”

Staying fresh is a premium asset at the North American Finals where the high intensity of a league final couples with the endless stress and injuries accumulated over a five-day schedule.

Northern Virginia’s strength is not depth – it is their ability to find the back of the net.

“We have very strong forwards,” said Northern Virginia Majestics Head Coach Tom Torres. “The best way to accentuate them is by playing a 3-4-3. That allows us to back them up with a very strong holding midfield. Our players on the flanks are very intelligent, allowing us to attack wide.”

The Majestics will have to fight their way out of Group A at the North American Finals. In the first three days of the competition they will face MPS Cape Cod, Mountain WFC and Juventus Sport Club. A tournament of regional champions, FC Fredericksburg will also face the best U16 girls the United States and Canada has to offer. They will be paired with the Cleveland Internationals and New York Magic in Group C.

“Overall, the competition of the Super Y-League was exactly what we expected,” said Dutt of his first season in the Super Y-League. “We expected to struggle, facing teams who have been around and won numerous championships in the past. We expected the top class of clubs in our area and we got that. Having to fight every match to get where we are has been great for the development of our girls. They have been able to test their skills against the best clubs on the east coast.”