Saturday, July 29, 2017 | 8:08 p.m.
A Nevada girls’ youth soccer team, Las Vegas Premier Sports Academy '03, made history today in Frisco, Texas.
The under-15 squad beat Nationals Union 03 of Michigan 2-0 for the under-15 title for what is believed to be the first national championship in the state’s youth soccer history.
“I’ve had a lot of these girls for a long time – many of them since they were 7 years old,” coach Mike Madrid said. “I just think back to the days of hard work at practice when other teams weren’t working as hard and it culminates in this moment.”
Forwards Olivia Garcia and Samantha Nieves scored the goals to lead LVPSA to the title.
“I couldn’t be prouder of them,” Madrid said. “It’s not just about scoring the goals. Their work ethic on both sides of the ball is second to none. I’m personally close to both families. To see them come through in a big stage like this is amazing.”
Earlier today the boys’ under-13 team, Heat FC 2004, fell 1-0 in the championship game to St. Louis Scott Gallagher Pre-Academy.
The two Nevada teams won the Nevada State Cup and then the Far West Regionals in Seattle to earn their spot in nationals, and capped off one of the most successful seasons for any team in the state’s history.
“Something like this puts you on the map," Madrid said. "Three teams from Nevada made nationals, and these girls I’ve had this year have been in nine championship games and won seven of them, but it puts Nevada on the national map.”
