The CGA Elite 08/09 girls soccer team from Eastern Idaho recently etched their name in history, securing the U.S. Youth Soccer National President’s Cup on July 15 in Tampa, Florida. This monumental 3-1 victory over Illinois not only crowned them national champions but also marked the first time an Eastern Idaho soccer team has achieved such a prestigious national title. The triumph represents the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and an unwavering team spirit that defied expectations for a team from a smaller community.
The decisive match saw CGA Elite establish a commanding 3-0 lead, with Aryanna Gonzalez scoring twice in the first half and Taryn Roth adding another in the second. Despite Illinois netting a consolation goal in the final moments, the whistle blowing signified an overwhelming sense of joy and disbelief for the team. Players like Kenlee Jarrell and Brooke Christensen, central to the team’s defense, shared a poignant moment on the field, encapsulating the realization of their hard-fought victory. This emotional climax underscored the magnitude of their achievement.
The journey to this historic national championship began back in 2016 with the team’s inception. Early days presented challenges, as recounted by Christensen, who remembered being a “scared 7-year-old” at initial tryouts. The team’s path was not without its bumps, including an underwhelming performance at their first state tournament when many players were just 10 years old. These foundational experiences, however, instilled a drive for improvement and laid the groundwork for future successes in regional and state competitions.
Significant progress was evident in their undefeated run at the Las Vegas Players Showcase in March. However, a crushing 4-0 defeat to Idaho Rush in the Idaho State Cup finals on May 19, which cost them a spot in the Far West Regionals, served as a powerful turning point. The sting of receiving second-place medals ignited a fierce determination within the team to “do better,” propelling them towards the President’s Cup Regionals with renewed resolve. This setback transformed into a catalyst for their ultimate success.
The President’s Cup Regional championship itself was a testament to their grit. A particularly memorable moment was the thrilling 7-6 double-overtime victory against Oregon. After initially leading 3-0, CGA saw Oregon rally to take leads of 5-4 and 6-5. It was Aryanna Gonzalez’s golden goal with just three minutes left in double overtime that secured the dramatic win, a game Kenlee Jarrell described as “insane” and unforgettable, highlighting the team’s ability to perform under immense pressure.
Their performance in the national group play was equally impressive, demonstrating their dominance. They kicked off the tournament with a resounding 5-1 win over Louisiana, featuring two goals each from Gonzalez and Roth. They followed this with a tight 2-1 victory against Oregon, where Gonzalez and Roth once again found the net. Group play concluded with a solid 3-0 shutout against Illinois, with Gonzalez adding two more goals and Isley Dixon contributing another, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive solidity.
The semi-final against Utah presented their only trailed moment in the tournament, going down 1-0 in the first half. However, Liz Ralph’s crucial equalizer before the break ignited a 3-0 surge, with Gonzalez and Hannah Stoker securing the 3-1 victory. This set the stage for a highly anticipated rematch with Illinois in the final. The final match unfolded with Gonzalez delivering two first-half goals and Roth extending the lead to 3-0, ultimately sealing their national championship win.
The celebration that ensued after the final whistle was one of pure elation, a moment of “surreal” joy for the entire team and coaching staff. For a club that opened its doors just nine years ago, the achievement of putting Eastern Idaho on the national soccer map is profound. This remarkable journey, from a small-town team to national champions, serves as an inspiring narrative for youth sports and a testament to the talent and dedication present in communities like Idaho Falls and Pocatello.
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