SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - June 18, 2024 will be a day that will go down in JASA RWC history, commemorated as the day the JASA RWC Jrs. were crowned the best U12 Boys team in the West region after defeating Seattle United from Washington in the 2024 US Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championships U12 Boys Final.
One of only a select few to do so, the JASA RWC Jrs. won back-to-back Cal North State Cups, winning their first one in 2022-2023 year at the U11 age group and repeating once again on December 17th, 2023 for the 2023-2024 edition at the U12 age group.
True pioneers in many ways for the club, the JASA RWC Jrs. 2012 became the very first team formed in JASA RWC Jrs. history along with winning back-to-back Cal North State Cups, and now culminating the fruits of the labor with a regional title. This team was the very first team to take the field for JASA RWC after being granted affiliation from Cal North in 2021.
JASA RWC Jrs. 2012B went undefeated in group stage scoring a total of 26 goals while conceding 6 across three games. Keahi Soccer Club U12B (Hawai'i), Cook Inlet Soccer Club 2012 Boys Elite (Alaska) and CASA FC Inter 2012 Boys (Colorado) were the group stage opponents.
It took JASA RWC Jrs. a tremendous effort in the semifinals to beat a talented Idaho Rush Soccer Club 2012 Blue team. The Idaho team scored first within the first 10 minute, but JASA answered right back to level the game. A 1-1 scoreline after regular time extended the game with JASA conceding in the first half of extra time and going down once again. In a matter of 3 minutes, JASA RWC Jrs. found a relentless inspiration to overcome the deficit and turn the score around, netting two goals and winning the game in dramatic fashion.
The U12 Boys Final was no different filled with rollercoaster moments throughout the match. JASA went up 1-0 in the first half with Seattle United tying late in the second half, forcing extra time. There, JASA punished the Washington side the same way they scored the first one, a corner kick to the back post and header into the net!
JASA goal scorers Xander Aspinall and Daryan Fani proved to be the game changers and the ones to give JASA RWC Jrs. their first US Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championships title.
While there is no national progression for the U12 age groups, this JASA RWC Jrs. 2012 Boys is without a doubt one of the most talented groups of boys at the national level and they showcased that in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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