With a 4-0 win against SAA Real Madrid Miami (FL), the Fullerton Rangers (CA-S) has reserved a spot in the Under-15 Boys finals game at the US Youth Soccer National Championships at Manchester Meadows in Rock Hill, S.C.

Two years ago MVLA Lightning (CA-N) needed all of group play to lock up a berth to the Under-14 Girls final. This year, it only took them two games to clinch a spot as they earn a trip to the finals with a 5-0 win over Cleveland United White (OH) on the second day of play.

One year ago, Grand Rapids Crew Jrs (MI) won its second game of the 2011 National Championships to clinch a spot in the Under-17 Boys final game. Today, Crew Jrs were in a position to repeat history by earning an early berth to the 2012 US Youth Soccer National Championships U-18 Boys final.

In youth soccer, elite has become a buzz word. At Legends FC, elite is the only word that aptly describes the 2012 season. Legends FC qualified four teams for the prestigious US Youth Soccer 2011-2012 National League. In March, Legends FC earned four National League divisional titles to send four teams to the US Youth Soccer National Championships.

The 77th McGuire Cup is up for grabs as Empire United SA Syracuse, Crew Juniors, GSA Phoenix and West Coast FC battle to play for the oldest trophy in youth sports, televised live on FOX Soccer Saturday, July 25th.

Games kicked off early this morning for the 2012 US Youth Soccer National Championships, presented by the National Guard, at Manchester Meadows in Rock Hill, S.C. Excitement filled the air as teams made their first push to earn one of 12 national titles to be awarded this weekend. More than 6,000 spectators were on hand to witness the field of 60 teams, comprised of the nation’s top players in the Under-14 through Under-19 age groups for boys and girls.

MLVA Lightning (CA-N) is back at the US Youth Soccer National Championships, after having won the Under-14 Elmer Ehlers Cup in 2010. Last year, MVLA lost in the quarterfinals of regionals and are happy to be back at nationals.

Grand Rapids Crew Jrs (MI) aren’t new to the national stage. For the fifth time they are competing at the US Youth Soccer National Championships. However, for the first time they are competing as the defending national champions.

George Castro scored two goals and both Andres Lemus and Gabriel Covarrubias scored off corner kicks as the Fullerton Rangers (CA-S) won their first preliminary game against Challenger Crew Jrs. Black (OH-S) at the 2012 US Youth Soccer National Championships, 4-0.

Steve Lucey, Arsenal FC founder and Boys Director, who led the three-time National Championship side, is back at the National Championships for the first time since falling in their fourth straight final after his Under-16 Boys claimed the 2012 Region IV Championship.