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The Sound FC Girls 13U team brought home a national championship trophy Thursday after defeating Desoto FC of Mississippi, 2-1, in the U.S. Youth Soccer national final in Nashville, Tennessee.
Sound FC is based in Woodinville and serves the North Sound region including Edmonds, Bothell and Kenmore.
Thursday’s victory came after Sound FC suffered a 2-1 loss to the previously undefeated Desoto FC team during pool play.
“Every player is returning home with a gold medal, championship swag and immense pride,” said parent Ciara Leckie.
Sound FC forward Coco Hooks received three tournament awards: the Golden Boot, Most Valuable Player and the Assist Award. Hooks scored five goals and a PK throughout the tournament.
“I am honored to receive these awards, but I couldn’t have done it without my amazing team. I’m so proud of how hard we worked today. I would also like to thank the parents and everyone who has supported us along the way,” Hooks said.
Goalkeeper Madeleine Stebner earned the tournament’s Golden Glove Award.
“I trained and dreamed for this moment my whole life. I stayed focused and was ready for these games. I’m very honored to receive the Golden Glove Award,” Stebner said.
Desoto FC averaged three goals per game over its previous five tournament matches, but Sound FC’s defense held the high-powered offense to just one goal in the championship.
“Mads thrives under pressure,” Sound FC center back Nadia Leckie said of goalkeeper Madeleine Stebner. “Our defensive line really stepped up, and we raised the intensity. If the ball gets past us, we have no doubt that Mads will make the save.”
Head coach Paul Bayly praised the team’s efforts throughout the season.
“I am absolutely delighted for the players, the parents and the club,” Bayly said. “The girls have been outstanding — not just this week, but throughout the entire season. They deserve every bit of credit for what they’ve accomplished.”
Sound FC Director Brandon Mitalas traveled to Nashville for the championship match. Having coached several of the players during their development, his support on the sidelines made the moment even more meaningful.
“All of us at Sound FC are not only proud of our girls, but excited for them,” Mitalas said “Winning the national championship marks the end of a journey that began more than 14 months ago. Throughout this season, this group showed toughness, resilience, grit, pride, passion and selflessness.”
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