CFC Captures Oregon's First-Ever USYS Presidents Cup National Title

TAMPA, Florida – Capital Futbol Club (CFC) made history by bringing home Oregon's first-ever National Title from the USYS Presidents Cup Tournament. This is now the Club’s third National Title following their 2021 USL Academy (2004 Boys team) and 2022 Elite Academy (2005 Boys team) Championships.

A humid, lightning-filled weekend in Tampa, Florida set the stage for CFC’s 2008 boys ECNL-RL team to do what no Oregon team had ever done before - win a US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup National Championship.

CFC’s path to the championship was anything but easy. A year ago - they would have never seen themselves on a national stage.

“One of the guys pointed out that we didn't even make it out of the group stage our first tournament a year ago... so it's safe to say we improved,” stated Head Coach, Matt Corti-Young. “We became less emotional but more competitive. We had a tendency to implode and beat ourselves but over time grew to trust and believe in ourselves. We developed into a team that refused to quit.”

photo by US Youth Soccer

In June, the team qualified for the USYS Far West Presidents Cup in Boise, where they battled through elite competition from across the western United States. Their success at Regionals earned them a ticket to the national tournament in Florida where they fought through lightning delays, PK saves, and last minute goals to reach the Championship match. Corti-Young recalls the final matches by giving credit to his players saying, 

“There was a PK save in the Semi-Final that was pretty significant. Omar Silva Solis, a late addition to the team, grew under the tutelage of Assistant Coach Fernando to make a slew of huge saves in both Boise and Tampa! Brandon Quevado was essentially automatic from PKs as well - he must have made 4 or 5 without being saved or missing during our run.”

This historic National Title’s significance stretches far beyond the win. CFC has long been known for its commitment to access, diversity, and player development. Many of these U17 athletes have been with the club since elementary school.

“This meant a lot to me because I’ve never accomplished something this big,” said player Isael Silva. “This team has been around for a very long time now so the fact that I was able to win with the same group of people that I started with at CFC makes me happy and grateful that we won.”

Club ECNL-RL Director, Martin Maldonado, shared that this Nationals experience was pure joy and pride.

“It’s a huge milestone for everyone involved - our staff, our supporters, and players, especially remembering them from U11 to now winning a National Title. It’s the culmination of years of hard work and staying true to our vision."

A Statewide Milestone

Until now, no team from Oregon had ever captured a Presidents Cup national title. In fact, only two other Oregon youth teams - EastSide United Liverpool in 2008 and FC Portland - have won a United States Youth Soccer National Championship at any level.

“This win on a personal level is incredibly fulfilling to see all the effort come together,” said Maldonado. “For the Club, it’s a validation of our philosophy and development approach, and it really raises the bar for us. I’m especially proud that it was one of our second team squads competing at both regional and national levels!"

The 2008B ECNL-RL team’s victory is more than just a first for Oregon - it’s a reflection of what’s possible when working to further the Club’s mission of better soccer, better people, and a stronger community. This National Title is a milestone not only for CFC, but for the entire Oregon soccer community. 

The players will head to their high school teams in the fall before returning to CFC for club play in the winter.

“Our managers and parent group pulled all this together. A huge thank you to Natalie and Jake Harrington along with Danielle Francisco who helped fundraise and organize and to the local sponsors who supported us along the way,” says Corti-Young.

“Winning a National championship isn’t something everyone gets to experience. It’s sort of a surreal feeling. So the title is really cool and I hope this team’s story is shared for others to follow.”

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