The Apple Valley Storm boys' soccer squad is traveling to Colorado for the National Club Championship, a culmination of a season that began with a regional crown in June. Competing in the elite National 1 League, the team has faced some of the nation’s top youth sides and emerged with a dominant record.
A season defined by chemistry
Under the guidance of Coach Jason de la Cruz, who has shaped the side for several years, the Storm have forged a bond that shows on the pitch. Long‑time teammates such as Brianna Ragen and McKenna Mobley have helped embed a sense of unity that translates into fluid, attacking play.
The campaign has been marked by consistency: a 21‑2 slate since the fall, 86 goals scored while conceding just 20, and a 17‑goal outburst in the 2026 National Cup Regional tournament that ended with a clean sheet. The squad’s trophy case already includes the Aliso Cup 2026, the National Cup Regionals 2026 and a 2025 state championship, the latter followed by a narrow miss at a second national appearance.
The upcoming tournament runs from July 17 to July 19, and the team is seeking sponsors to offset travel and accommodation costs. Community backing is viewed as essential, not only for financial reasons but also to amplify the players’ ambition of bringing a national title back to Apple Valley.
Beyond the numbers, the Storm’s story reflects a broader rise of youth soccer in the region, where disciplined coaching, player development and local support converge to produce competitive teams on the national stage.