The Union SC Crimson Tide U-17 girls’ soccer team that captured the Mid-Atlantic Regional championship held in Somerset on June 29 got off to a fine start in the US Club Soccer Nationals it advanced to, which were held July 21-24 in Westfield, Ind.
Union won both of the matches it played Friday, July 21 before falling in the only one it competed in Saturday, July 22.
Union was scheduled to play the No. 1 team from Maine – Seacoast United – on Sunday, July 23.
In its 3-2 victory over the No. 2-ranked team from Texas – the Lonestars – Kayla Veloso-Lima scored twice and Kayla Miller-People once. Veloso-Lima, Miller-People and Sofia Alves all had assists.
After Union was ahead 3-0, the Lonestars closed the deficit to 3-2 with late second-half goals.
The Texas squad then had a chance to tie the game with less than two minutes remaining when it was awarded a penalty kick. The shot was saved by a fine effort made by Union goalkeeper Sofia Lospinoso.
A 2-0 victory over the No. 5-ranked team from Minnesota – the Revolution Academy – followed. Miller-People scored first for Union and then Veloso-Lima late in the match on a penalty kick. Nicole Alfano eaned an assist on the Miller-People goal.
Union faced the Cleveland Cobras in its third game and was defeated by the score of 3-0.
The Crimson Tide sought to advance in the tournament when they were to take on the Seacoast United from Maine on July 23.
In winning the Mid-Atlantic Regional championship, Union won all four of its matches – outscoring the opposition 14-5 – including a shutout in the championship game.
Veloso-Lima and Miller-People scored twice each in the title contest, with Lospinoso earning the shutout in goal.