The South Texas soccer community was well represented at the 2026 USYS National Championships, with 11 boys and girls teams earning the opportunity to compete against the nation’s best in Utah and Tennessee. Across multiple age groups, South Texas teams delivered memorable performances, advanced into championship brackets, and produced three national finalists while showcasing the strength and depth of youth soccer in South Texas.
Three South Texas Teams Reach National Finals
The headline achievement for South Texas came from three teams that advanced all the way to their respective national championship matches.
On the boys side, Edinburg YSC Lobos FC 13B dominated the 13U Super division. The South Texas State Cup champions won five consecutive matches, outscoring opponents 20-2 along the way. Victories over Stones River FC (TN) (5-0), Madison 56ers (WI) (4-0), St. Louis Scott Gallagher (MO) (4-1), Oceanside Breakers (CA-S) (3-1), and Toca FC (KS) (4-0) earned Edinburg Lobos a place in the national final.
On the girls side, HTX 14 Pre GA advanced to the 13U Super National Championship match after compiling a 3-0-1 record, including impressive wins over Fox Soccer Academy (NY-E), Michigan Jaguars (MI), and NCFC Youth (NC). HTX entered the final unbeaten and carrying significant momentum and the team now has an opportunity to make history as the club seeks its third consecutive USYS 13U Girls National Championship. HTX will face Northland KC Surf (MO) in the national final who they played in the opening match of the tournament with a 2-2 draw.
Meanwhile, Houston Surf 2010 Girls Blue put together one of the tournament’s most impressive runs in the 16U Super division and of any South Texas team at the event. Knockout-round victories over Atlantic United (NY-E) and Total Futbol Academy (OH) propelled Houston Surf into the national championship match. Houston Surf finished the tournament with a 4-1-1 record, conceded only two goals in six matches, and established itself among the nation’s elite teams at the 16U age group.
Boys Teams Compete Among the Nation’s Best
In addition to Edinburg’s championship run, several South Texas boys teams represented the state association with pride.
- Houston Surf 2008 Boys Blue enjoyed an impressive run in the 18U/19U Super division, advancing out of group play with victories over Pinellas County United (FL) and Pro Alliance FC (CA-S) and a draw against FC 1974 Libertyville Elite (IL). Houston Surf finished group play with a 2-0-1 record and a +8 goal differential before facing Raiders FC (IL) in the quarterfinals. After battling to a 2-2 draw, Houston Surf’s national championship run came to an end in a heartbreaking penalty-kick shootout.
- Texas United FC Black 10B battled through a highly competitive 16U Super field, earning a victory over Real Elite FC (MD) and a draw against CVYSA Blast Blue (NC) to finish with a winning result at the national event.
- Inwood SC ID Chelsea Jr 09B Black represented South Texas in the 17U Super division, earning a draw against Cedar Stars Academy North (NJ) during group play.
- Inwood SC ID Chelsea Jr 11B Black competed in the 15U Super division against elite opponents from Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Illinois.
- Brownsville Opportunity Youth Soccer Association (BOYSA) Hurricanes FC 2012B gained valuable national championship experience in the 14U Super division, representing South Texas on one of youth soccer’s biggest stages.
Girls Teams Deliver Strong Performances
South Texas girls teams were particularly impressive, producing two finalists and several notable tournament runs.
- Houston Surf 2010 Girls Blue recorded four victories, one draw, and only one loss while defeating teams from Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, and Ohio. The team posted a remarkable +9 goal differential and demonstrated one of the strongest defensive performances in the tournament.
- Texas United FC Spring Spirit 07G enjoyed an outstanding 18U/19U Super tournament, winning three of four matches. Victories over Utah Celtic (UT), W&H America (FL), and Indy Eleven North (IN) helped Texas United finish among the top performers in its age group.
- Houston Surf 11G Aspire opened 15U Super play with consecutive wins over Chicago Rush (IL) and East Valley NSFC (AZ) before narrowly missing advancement in a highly competitive bracket.
- HTX 12G West NL faced one of the toughest fields in the nation at the 14U Super level and gained invaluable experience against national-caliber competition.
- HTX 14 Pre GA emerged as one of the tournament’s breakout stories in the 13U Super division, scoring 13 goals in four matches before advancing to the national championship game.
A Memorable Week for South Texas
From Utah to Tennessee, South Texas teams represented the state association with distinction against some of the nation’s top teams. Across the boys and girls championships, the eleven (11) qualifying teams faced opponents from at least 16 different state associations, including California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin.
Just as importantly, clubs from across South Texas—from Brownsville and Edinburg to Houston and beyond—demonstrated that they can compete with the best teams in the country. Whether lifting trophies, reaching championship matches, or gaining valuable experience on the national stage, these players, coaches, and families showcased the talent, resilience, and competitive spirit that continue to drive South Texas Youth Soccer Association forward. With two national finalists on the girls’ side, one boys finalist, and HTX pursuing a historic third consecutive USYS 13U Girls National Championship, the 2026 USYS National Championships will be remembered as one of the most successful national appearances in recent South Texas history.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The success of South Texas clubs at the USYS National Championships serves as a reminder of what is possible through dedication, player development, and a commitment to excellence. As the journey toward the 2027 USYS National Championships begins, South Texas encourages every club, coach, player, and family to set their sights on competing for a State Cup title and earning the opportunity to represent South Texas on the national stage.
The road to Nationals starts at home. Whether your goal is a State Cup championship or a chance to compete against the nation’s best, now is the time to begin preparing for next season. South Texas looks forward to seeing even more teams join these national qualifiers in 2027 and continue building on the success achieved this year.
Congratulations to all 11 South Texas National Championship qualifiers for proudly representing STX Youth Soccer and inspiring the next generation of players across our state association.
