SAN JOSE, CALIF - The San Jose Earthquakes U-14 Juniors sit atop their bracket in the US Youth Soccer Far West Regional League after tallying three wins on the opening weekend of play in Morgan Hill, Calif.
The Quakes faced teams from Cal South and Arizona in the opening set of matches and scored 12 goals while allowing only three.
“The focus and intensity of our boys this weekend was excellent,” said head coach Jeff Jenkins. “We went into the league with high expectations and the boys delivered a great result by virtue of their commitment to each other and to excellence on and off the field. We enjoyed the result from this weekend’s play and we look forward in traveling to Utah for our second set of matches and hopefully earning a playoff berth in Lancaster, Calif. this November.”
The Earthquakes Juniors are based in San Jose, Calif. and are composed of players from throughout Northern California. The Quakes are the first youth team of the San Jose Earthquakes and are charged with the mission of developing players for advancement within the Earthquakes’ youth organization.
The Far West Regional League is comprised of teams from the 14 western state associations of US Youth Soccer. It provides the top teams in the west with competitive games as teams attempt to qualify for the most prestigious youth soccer event in the country, the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series. Teams must earn their spot in the league through on-field performance regardless of hometown or club affiliation. Winners of the fall Far West Regional League automatically qualify for a wildcard berth at the Far West Regional Championships being held in June of 2012 at Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix, Ariz.
“We were very excited to have the Earthquakes join the Far West Regional League,” said Far West Regional Commissioner Jim Tilley. “Their participation, and enthusiasm about the league will hopefully pioneer a longstanding relationship with MLS and Federation Academy programs at the U-14 and U-15 ages. They had a great first weekend of play and hopefully will enjoy their upcoming trip to Salt Lake City."
