Although it’s still early in the season, several sides around the state helped their Champions League title aspirations with big wins over tough opponents. Most teams have played just two games thus far, but with the season so short, each and every point is vital.

NPL SCHEDULES AND RESULTS

Saturday, April 7th

U19 GIRLS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Palo Alto 99 Blue 1, Santa Clara Sporting 99 Green 0

Scorer: Chitwood

Palo Alto SC may have gotten off to a perfect start of the season with a 2-0-0 record, but their game against Santa Clara Sporting could have gone a lot smoother. Palo Alto missed several chances and were only saved by a Haley Chitwood goal, coming off an assist from Julia Wang in the 28th minute.

U19 BOYS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Placer United Gold 1, Santa Clara Sporting 00 Green 1

Placer Scorer: Kikanovic
Sporting Scorer: Barajas

While a win would have seen either side join Santa Clara Sporting 99 at the top of the table, this game was always fit to be tied. Sporting scored 35 minutes into the game to take the lead and looked headed for all three points until Placer drew level in the 60th minute. Zach Wong crossed the ball into the box for Benji Kikanovic, who cooley slotted the ball home to earn United a share of the points.