Erie FC U17 Girls Capture National Cup Title
Erie FC’s U17 girls soccer team brought home the National Cup crown in Denver, Colorado, after a hard‑fought final against Sporting Iowa.
A Local Legacy
The championship was built on a roster that blended elite talent with a core of players rooted in western New York, including standouts from Jamestown, Frewsburg and the Southwestern area.
Road Through the Tournament
After an automatic berth earned by winning the New York/Pennsylvania/West Virginia state tournament, the squad bypassed a regional event in Chicago and entered the national field with confidence.
Group play opened with a 3‑1 victory over California’s Legends FC, followed by a narrow 2‑1 loss to Sporting Iowa that set the stage for a dramatic comeback.
Key Moments in the Final
In the championship match, Erie FC trailed 2‑1 early but rallied to a 4‑2 win, with Audrey Eckwahl scoring two goals and the defensive line anchored by the five local players holding firm.
Coach Jake Berg, father of star midfielder Brielle Berg, praised the team’s cohesion and highlighted the experience as a pivotal milestone for the young athletes.
Now seniors such as Brielle Berg, Audrey Eckwahl and Mackenzie Rogers, along with juniors Amy Noll and Kate Rogers, reflected on the tournament as a highlight of their soccer journeys, expressing gratitude for the transformative opportunity.