SOCA’s U14 Boys Elite team advanced through the VYSA State Cup quarterfinal group stage to stake its claim in the Cup semifinals.  On the strength of back-to-back wins over the weekend, SOCA will face fifth seeded Bethesda South in the semifinal round, scheduled for May 21 at the Virginia Soccer Training Center, Fredericksburg.

After losing their opening quarterfinal group match last week to #3 seed FCV Ashburn, the Charlottesville squad regrouped, dug in and came away with two big wins this weekend.

SOCA toppled Chesterfield United Academy on Saturday and went on to narrowly edge PWSI Courage Red by a 1-0 margin on Sunday.  With six points, the local boys earned second place in the group behind Ashburn, and will next square off with Bethesda, the winner of their group.

The other semifinal will pit Ashburn against unseeded Braddock Road YC Elite.

Two unseeded teams advancing to the semifinal round is unusual and speaks to the wealth of talent in Virginia.  The SOCA squad has been improving throughout the year and are seeking to peak in the state championship competition.

The U14’s will join four SOCA teams who reached the State Cup semifinals in the fall season competition; state champion U18 Boys Elite, state runners-up U15 Boys Elite, and semifinalists U17 Boys and U15 Girls Elite.

Finals in the U12, U13 and U14 boys and girls age groups are all scheduled for May 22, at the VSTC.

For complete VYSA State Cup info, follow this link:  http://www.vysa.com/statecup/index_E.html