SELECT CLUB: Members of the Princeton Football Club (PFC) Boca 2002B team celebrate after they won the 16U title at the U.S. Club Soccer Mid-Atlantic Regional earlier this month in Somerset. PFC defeated PDA South Suarez 2-0 in the title game to earn a trip to the U.S. Club Soccer Nationals in Aurora, Colo. later this month. The PFC team includes Princeton High students Jared Bell, Brendan Coffee, Rafael Matar Grandi, Dylan Parker, Ethan Parker, Simon Sheppard, Noah LaPoint, and Ian Pompliano, along with Peter Sarsfield of Princeton Day School, Jakob Kunzer of Lawrenceville School, Xavier Guerreiro and Aron Szoke of Council Rock High North (Pa.), Herbert Ramirez and Brendan Sagbo from Hightstown High, Daniel Ingersoll of South Hunterdon, and Connor Staples from WW/P-South.

By Bill Alden

The Princeton Football Club (PFC) Boca 2002B team didn’t have to travel far to compete in the U.S. Club Soccer Mid-Atlantic Regional, as the competition was held in nearby Somerset.

But after surviving a gauntlet of tough foes in games played in a heat wave, the PFC 16U squad earned a trip of around 1,750 miles as it won the regional crown in its division to qualify for the U.S. Club Soccer Nationals in Aurora, Colo.

Competing against clubs from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New York in group play, Boca showed impressive form. After starting the competition with a 5-0 win over Eastern FC Blast 2002 Premier, the PFC team edged GPS MA Elite Blue 02 2-1 as Aron Szoke and Ian Pompliano both found the back of the net. Ending group play with a 3-0 record, Boca posted a 3-1 win over West-Mont United SA – Premier White.

In the semis, PFC blanked GPS MA Elite Blue 02 Boys (2-0) to set up a clash in the finals against PDA South Suarez, which had previously topped Boca on penalty kicks in the U.S. Club State Cup Final.

In the rematch, Boca turned the tables on its rival as Xavier Guerreiro tallied two goals and the defense stifled PDA South Suarez in a 2-0 triumph.

In reflecting on the title run, Boca head coach Yordan Hristov pointed to the squad’s work ethic and depth of talent.

“This has been a dream season for our team and the win in the final was a logical outcome of the hard work and team effort throughout the season,” said Hristov.

“The boys performed at a high level despite the hot weather and showed beautiful soccer. Everyone played a key role for the success — players for the way they competed, parents for their outstanding support, and the club for helping these boys live their dream.”

The Boca squad will look to keep performing at a high level when it makes its way to the Rocky Mountains for the nationals which are slated for July 20-24.