Greenville Liberty U-20 Girls dominate at 2024 USL Academy Cup tournament
April 1, 2024
Team wins championship, takes home multiple awards at annual youth soccer tournament
The Greenville Liberty’s U-20 Girls Elite team won Gold in its division at the 2024 USL Academy Cup tournament held March 14-17 in Tampa, Florida. Greenville Triumph U-13 Boys Elite team finished with a record of 1-2-1.
In addition, the USL Academy Cup announced that Duncan, SC native and incoming Furman University player Jaleah Simmons received the 2024 Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot awards as the highest goal-scorer in the U20 Girls Elite division of the tournament with a total of 7 goals. The Greenville Liberty’s Head Coach and Technical Director Julie Carlson was recognized as Coach of the Tournament.
The Liberty clinched its 3-2 championship win after coming back from a 2-0 deficit. Simmons scored two goals to tie the game, and Riverside High School’s Emma Workman scored the game-winning goal.
“We are so proud of each players and teams’ performances this tournament, and the U-20 girls’ team continuous persistence to succeed in the championship game,” Carlson said. “The Academy Cup team is a critical part of our club’s programming. This tournament which is a four day/four game grueling event allows our players the opportunity to showcase their talent, compete amongst the best talent in the nation, and advance their skillset.”
The Greenville Triumph Academy Cup team competed in the U-13 Boys Elite division with players ranging from ages 12-13, and the Greenville Liberty Academy Cup team competed in the U-20 Girls Elite division with players’ ages ranging from 14-18.
The Greenville Liberty team featured players from the Upstate, North Carolina, Maine, and Connecticut. Upstate players comprised the Greenville Triumph roster. The U-20 Girls team had players representing their future local universities such as Clemson, Furman, and Anderson. The U-13 Boys team consisted of players representing multiple Upstate soccer clubs such as Carolina Elite Soccer Academy and United FC.
The Greenville Triumph and Greenville Liberty Soccer Club Academy platform is designed to align with the USL League One and USL W League and provide a pathway for player development and coaching education. Players for each team were selected through an open evaluation process held in December and January by Greenville Triumph and Greenville Liberty Soccer Club staff.
The USL Academy Cup features 3 group-stage matches between clubs in the same age group and division, followed by a Championship/Final match or Placement match, depending on the club’s standings.
The Greenville Triumph USL League One and Greenville Liberty USL W League teams are playing their 2024 seasons at Furman University’s Paladin Stadium. The Triumph kicked off its sixth season earlier this month, and Greenville Liberty begin its third season in May. For tickets and information, visit www.greenvilletriumph.com and www.greenvilleliberty.com.
