Older State Cup Resumes This Weekend
NorCal Premier Soccer’s State Cup returns to play this weekend with the older divisions coming down to the wire in action that will take place on neutral sites at two different locations across Northern California.
The U13 and U14 divisions are set to conclude Sunday with finals that will all take place at Davis Legacy Soccer Complex, while the U15-U19 age groups will begin their quarterfinal rounds in Davis and at Turlock Sports Complex as well.
For the first time ever, the U13 and U14 divisions have been coupled in their timelines–previously the U13s finished with the younger age groups, while the U14s played with the older age groups.
“This timeline has allowed the U14 players, who don’t play high school, to resume play earlier and finish in April rather than waiting until June to conclude their finals,” said NorCal State Cup Coordinator Brian Voltattorni. “Meanwhile, this allows for the U13s to enjoy more of a winter break, while also playing at events with other 11v11 teams instead of finishing with the 9v9 sides.”
“Given the feedback that we’ve gotten from players, families, and coaches, this new format has been a resounding success,” Voltattorni said.
Overall, 27 different titles are up for grabs in the U13 and U14 divisions, which started with a total of 728 teams back in the fall.
In the State Division, there are still 10 teams alive looking to earn the right to call themselves NorCal’s State Cup champions.
Of those 10 teams, six have already claimed berths in the final: Bay Area Surf, Dnamo FC, Folsom Lake Surf, Revolution FC, Santa Clara Sporting, and SF Aftershocks.
Meanwhile, four teams still have to play semifinal matchups, both on the girls side of the competition and both pitting California Odyssey against Modesto Ajax United.
A full State Division preview can be found here.
U15-U19 Quarterfinals Kick Off
While the U13s and U14s will see their State Cup campaigns conclude this weekend, there are still three more rounds for the U15-U19 divisions.
Those who pick up a win this weekend will advance to the May 10 semifinals, set to be hosted again at Davis Legacy Soccer Complex and Turlock Sports Park.
The winners of that round will qualify for State Cup Finals Weekend, which will take place May 31 and June 1 at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento.
“All of these older teams are managing hectic schedules, balancing league play, spring break, and school activities to work hard and earn a spot in the semifinals and finals,” Voltattorni said. “It’s a grueling but rewarding experience that culminates on the beautiful fields at Cosumnes River College.”
“We want to recognize all the effort these players and coaches have put in with State Cup given their busy schedules,” Voltattorni added. “We’re excited to see these teams compete throughout the spring season. We know how hard they’ve worked just to reach this stage.”
For more information on the U13-U19 State Cup, click here.
