U11-U13 State Cup to conclude this weekend in Modesto

For dozens of teams all across the State, a journey that began last fall finally culminates this weekend at Mary Grogan Park in Modesto as NorCal Premier Soccer hosts the finals for the U11-U13 State Cup.

With thousands of games being played over the fall and winter, this is the moment that hundreds of teams have been putting in their hard work and effort to accomplish, with those in the State Division still fighting to be crowned as NorCal’s State Cup champion.

While those in the State Finals represent a wide variety of teams from all across Northern California, two clubs have managed to place a pair of teams in the title games: PSV Union and IR Academy.

Here are your previews for the State Division Finals:

Boys:

U11: Granite Bay FC – Los Gatos United

While both Granite Bay FC and Los Gatos United each finished in the top 24 in the State Division last year, both squads have vastly improved in their State Cup runs this season and now are one game away from a title. And so far, no one has been able to stop either side’s offense, with Granite Bay’s 10 goals scored in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds only being bested by Los Gatos United’s 11. Expect a goalfest here in what could be one of the best games of the weekend.

U12: San Jose Earthquakes – MVLA

This San Jose Earthquakes vs. MVLA match appears to be a contest between a dynamic offense and a stout defense. While the Earthquakes have set the division on fire with 11 goals in their two knockout round games, MVLA have allowed just two strikes during the same time period, while scoring four times themselves.

U13: Heritage SC Wolves – Woodside SC

Champions two years ago, Heritage SC Wolves are looking to get back on top of the podium and claim a second State Division title in three years. In their way is a strong Woodside SC team that has put up seven goals in their two previous knockout round games, just one fewer strike than Heritage SC have managed in the same timeframe.

Girls:

U11: PSV Union – IR Academy

While IR Academy come into this match having made it to the quarterfinals last year, PSV Union are complete newcomers to this stage of the competition. Still, that doesn’t preclude them from a great chance at lifting the State Cup trophy — PSV defeated tough sides in Mill Valley Rockers and Mustang SC en route to this stage. Meanwhile, IR Academy will look to improve on last year’s performance and have already had a successful tournament, knocking out Blues FC in the quarterfinals before defeating Placer United 3-0 in the semifinals.

U12: PSV Union – Walnut Creek SC

Both PSV Union and Walnut Creek SC were among the last eight in last year’s State Cup and both have already bettered their performance from one year ago. But both squads will be looking to better their run from last year by taking home a State Cup title. Heading into this this weekend, Walnut Creek’s games have all featured fireworks, with a 3-2 win over Stanislaus United in the quarterfinals coming before a 5-2 goalfest against Placer United in the semifinals. On the other side of the bracket, PSV Union defeated Mustang SC 3-1 in the quarters and Davis Legacy 2-1 in the semis.

U13: IR Academy – SF Aftershocks

For IR Academy, this weekend could represent one of the all-time great runs of any team ever in the youth State Cup as the club looks to claim its third-straight State Division title this weekend. But expect this game to be close as both IR and their opponents in the SF Aftershocks made it to this stage with close wins in the quarterfinals and semifinals — IR Academy defeated California Thorns 2-1 in the quarters and Palo Alto SC 2-0 in the semis, while the Aftershocks made it to the Final thanks to one-goal victories over PSV Union and Clovis Crossfire.

Not only are we recognizing the best teams in the state this upcoming weekend, but we are also crowning a number of champions in the Platinum and Premier Divisions as well as running a Goal of the Weekend competition. To submit your goals for consideration, use the hashtag #StateCupGotW on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Here are all the championship matches for this weekend: