2010 USYS National Finalist
The McLean MPS Strikers U16G, coached by Clyde Watson and German Peri, represented Virginia and Region 1 at the USYS National Championships July 20-25 in Overland Park, Kansas. The Strikers won the VYSA State Cup for the first time in 2010 having been finalists in 2009 and Semi-finalists twice in the past. They then went undefeated at the Region 1 Championships in Barboursville, WV, playing the state champions from NJ, Pennsylvania East, Maine, and Massachusetts, to earn a spot at the National Championship tournament. At Nationals the Strikers compiled a 2-1 record in preliminary play losing their first match to Colorado Rush Nike 2-1, then defeating NASA 12 Elite II (GA) 1-0 and Minnesota Thunder Academy 94 Blue 1-0 to make the final. The Strikers met the undefeated Region 3 Champion Solar 94 Red (TX) in the championship game. It was an exciting and competitive match with the Strikers getting some early chances on goal and their share of possession throughout. Solar 94 Red scored in the 33rd minute to go ahead. Late in the second half the Strikers pushed numbers forward to try and find the equalizer but Solar held on for the win. McLean Soccer is proud to congratulate the Strikers on being the 2010 USYS National Championship Series Finalist.