The Sporting Kansas City Under-14 Academy team begins play in the 2014 U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships on Tuesday in Germantown, Maryland. One of eight teams in their age group to have reached the national tournament, the squad qualified as state then regional champions and now represents Region II against the top teams from across the country.
Led by head coach Matt Trumpp, the U14's will compete in Group A. The team's schedule is as follows:
- Tuesday, July 22 vs. United FA 00 Elite - 1-1 DRAW
- Wednesday, July 23 vs. CSA 00 Lobos Rush Premier - 1-1 DRAW
- Thursday, July 24 vs. Arlington SA Eagles Red (9AM CT) - 5-1 LOSS
The first and second place finishers in each group will advance to the semifinals on Saturday, July 26 with those winners meeting in the national championship on Sunday, July 27.
Each summer, the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) crowns a boys and girls national champion in each of its seven age divisions (Under-13 thru Under-19). The US Youth Soccer National Championships date back to 1935 and are a culmination of a year-long series of competitions at the state and regional levels.
US Youth Soccer will provide ongoing coverage of the national tournament, including live streams available in high definition at no cost. Additional updates will be available via the championships website (U14 scores/schedule/standings) and also on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Follow @SKCAcademy on Twitter and Instagram for behind-the-scenes access throughout the tournament.
Sporting KC Academy U14's
1. Cameron Duke, Olathe, KS
2. Esteban Escobedo, Salina, KS
3. Dontell Gilyard, Lee’s Summit, MO
4. Colin Innes, Lenexa, KS
5. Mike Keon, Lenexa, KS
6. Abdu Kikhia, Columbia, MO
7. John Klein, Columbia, MO
8. Roman Knox, Shawnee, KS
9. Massimo McGuire, Olathe, KS
10. Roba Negeri, Leawood, KS
11. Luke Rafanan, Overland Park, KS
12. Kyle Reese, Olathe, KS
13. Max Rugova, Overland Park, KS
14. Braeden Vermillion, Overland Park, KS
15. Jackson Wood, Lee’s Summit, MO
