The Northern Virginia Royals U14 Super Y-League squad bested a tough Mountain WFC 2-1, catapulting them into the tournament final and a chance at the North American Championship title. Two goals in the first half proved just enough to topple Mountain as the Royals advanced courtesy of the 2-1 result.
Early pressure and fervent intensity provided the catalyst for the upstart U14 Royals. Andrew Whitlock got the Royals on the board first, pouncing on a scramble in front of the Mountain net and burying home the ball for the early lead. Mountain WFC mounted several counter-attack opportunities, but the Royals defensive third held the game in check. With the final minutes of the first half counting down, Royal Tyler ’TC’ Dunn fired a blistering shot over the Mountian goalkeeper, only to see it kareen loudly off the crossbar back into play. A charging Nick Smirniotopolous struck true and rocketed the ball untouched back into the Mountain net for the 2-0 halftime lead.
The second half saw a stepped up attack by the Mountain side. Realizing the task at hand, Mountain drew the game close on a goal early in the half. The Royals responded and reorganized a strong defensive third the maintain the lead and earn the 2-1 victory.
The Royals finished the regular season 5-3-5 as the South Atlantic Division Group B Runners-Up, making them a longshot at advancing in the Super Y-League finals compared to the records and accolades of the other represented clubs. Early 3-2 tournament victories over Seacoast United (New England Division champions) and Mequon United (Midwest Division champions) earned the Royals a berth in the semi-finals.
Mountain WFC (8-2-0) finished the regular Super Y-League season as the Pacific Northwest Division champion. The club is affiliated with longtime USL club Vancouver Whitecaps, who hold championship titles is both First Division and W-League in the senior ranks.
