FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2026
HTX 14 Pre-GA Crowned USYS National Champions for Third Consecutive Year
HOUSTON, Texas — HTX Soccer has made history once again, becoming the first club ever to win three consecutive USYS National Championships in the U13 Girls age group. The 2026 USYS National Championships were held July 16–23 in Murfreesboro and Smyrna, Tennessee, bringing together the nation's top youth soccer clubs. HTX 14 Pre-GA rose to the challenge, battling through elite competition and cementing its place in youth soccer history.
HTX completed an outstanding championship run, defeating the nation's best teams across six highly competitive matches to claim its third straight national title. Throughout the tournament, the team showcased both defensive resilience and attacking excellence, scoring 19 goals while conceding just six.
After a thrilling championship final ended in a 1-1 draw following regulation, HTX prevailed in a dramatic penalty shootout, defeating Northland KC Surf 4-2 to capture the national championship. The team's determination, discipline, and composure on the biggest stage secured a historic three-peat.
The title marks HTX Soccer's third USYS National Championship in the past 24 months, further establishing the club as one of the premier youth soccer organizations in the country. HTX also remains the only club in Houston to win a girls' USYS National Championship.
“Congratulations to all of the players, coaches, and parents who made this incredible achievement possible. The HTX City Program has done it again!" said Andrew Squire, Girls Director.
"Our commitment to providing exceptional programming during these critical years of player development is unmatched, and that dedication has once again been rewarded with a National Championship for our Pre-GA team. This team truly represents the reach of HTX across the Greater Houston area. A group of talented, hardworking girls who embraced the opportunity provided through the HTX City Program and became National Champions. Thank you to all of our City coaches across every location. Your commitment, guidance, and positive influence have played a vital role in the development of these players and so many others following the same pathway.
Congratulations again to everyone involved. We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment and can't wait to see what the 2026/27 season brings for our Elite Girls Program!”
"I am incredibly proud of this team and everything they have accomplished," said Michael Openshaw, HTX City Program Director. "Winning this event three years in a row with this age group is an incredible achievement and speaks volumes about the dedication of the players, the commitment of the coaching staff, and the tremendous support from the parents throughout the season. This national title was well deserved, and it bodes extremely well for the future of this group. We will use this accomplishment as a building block heading into the fall season and continue to push this team to new heights."
Coaching Staff Present: Michael Openshaw (City Program Director), Willie Fowlkes (09 & 12 GA Head Coach).
Team Roster: Abigail Weaver, Annabel Lara, Annabelle Beresky, Aria Ghaemmaghami, Darcy Gillette, Eleanor Barnes, Hayleigh Simon, Isabella Luna, Kensley McAfee, Lilly Jutz, Olivia Rodriguez, Presley Laney, Rachel Hamm, Raeghan Arnold, Sofia Escobedo, Summer Gergov.
| TEAM | OPPONENT | RESULT |
| 14 Pre GA | Northland KC Surf | Tied 2-2 |
| 14 Pre GA | CCV Stars | Won 7-0 |
| 14 Pre GA | Fox Soccer Academy | Won 4-1 |
| 14 Pre GA | Michigan Jaguars 14 Pre GA | Won 3-2 (Quarter-finals) |
| 14 Pre GA | NCFC Youth 13 ECNL-RL | Won 4-0 (Semi-finals) |
| 14 Pre GA | Northland KC Surf | Tied 1-1 (Final Won 4-2 PKs) |
| TOTAL | W5-T1-L0 (National Champions) |
To find an HTX Soccer program near you for any age or experience level, visit www.htxsoccer.com
HTX Soccer is the largest youth soccer club in the Greater Houston area, with over 8,500 players ranging from recreational to elite levels, ages 3 to 19. Serving a 100-mile radius from Downtown Houston, HTX represents the true heart of soccer in the city and its surrounding communities. Since 2006, HTX has helped more than 820 players advance to collegiate soccer, more than any other club in the region. The club has also seen 67 players selected for youth national team activities, and 18 players go on to play professionally around the world.
HTX’s elite boys’ teams compete in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), while the elite girls’ teams participate in the Girls Academy (G.A.) League, both top-tier platforms in U.S. youth soccer.
HTX Soccer is proud to be home to:
🏆 🏆 🏆 USYS U13 Girls National Champions (2026, 2025, 2024)
🏆 2026 Boys ECNL RL National Finalists
🏆 2026 Girls Academy National Finalists
🏆 2026 U13 Girls Academy Champions Cup Finalists
🏆 2025 U15 Girls Academy Champions Cup National Finalists
🏆 2025 U19 Girls Academy Champions Cup National Champions
HTX continues to set the standard for youth soccer development and competition locally, regionally, and nationally.
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