The Desert Communities Soccer Club’s GU17 team captured second place at the 2026 US Club Soccer National Finals in Colorado, a testament to the rapid rise of high‑desert youth soccer and the club’s growing national reputation.
A Run Through the Tournament
The journey began in Temecula, California, where the squad won the U‑16 Girls Premier Division at the National Cup West Regional, defeating 98 teams to become one of 18 regional champions and earn a spot in the national finals.
From there, the team traveled to Denver, where they competed among more than 100 elite athletes across the U‑13 to U‑19 divisions in the 25th National Cup Finals.
Coach Rachel Posik praised the group’s chemistry and defensive discipline, noting that the side averaged two goals per game while limiting opponents to few scores throughout the competition.
Team manager Julia Collado highlighted the players’ intensity, especially in the group stage when they scored eight goals against teams from Georgia, Iowa and Virginia.
Recognition and Honors
In the championship match, the club faced South Dakota United Futbol Club and, despite a valiant effort, finished as runners‑up, earning a Sportsmanship Honorable Mention for their conduct.
Individual brilliance was also recognized when Jimena Nunez of Riverside Preparatory High School in Oro Grande was named to the All‑Tournament Team, capping a tournament that yielded three additional accolades: National Cup West Regional Champions, Albion Cup Showcase Finalists, and National Cup Finalists.
Looking Ahead
With a core of talented 14‑ and 15‑year‑olds who have already proven they can compete at the national level, the Desert Communities Soccer Club looks to build on this success and continue putting the High Desert on the map for elite youth soccer.