The third-annual Washington Cup produced 22 gold, silver and bronze winners over 2.5 days of intense and closely fought knockout round competition.

Penalty kicks decided six of the finals. Some teams even stepped up to the penalty mark more than once. The girls U16 Gold division settled three of its four quarterfinals by kicks from the mark, after going scoreless in Golden Goal overtime. Both semi-final matches went to PKs and Kajumulo FC Farasi won the finals in penalty kicks. Farasi was the only team to win a match during regulation time in the Girls U16 Gold division. 

To see the winners, click WACUP.

Penalty kicks weren’t the only deciding factor. Cobras Aguilitas had the most potent offense, winning 6-1 over ASE Emerald in boys U12. Xifa’s boy’s U13 team scored the best goal, even though the team lost to Chelsea FC 2-1. The Xifa forward bent the ball with his outside foot and chipped it over the goalie while under pressure and running at pace. It was a sublime goal. And the girls U12 ISC/Gunners won the Washington Cup for the third time in a row.

More than 180 teams signed up to try to win the US Club Soccer’s Washington Cup, a two-legged state-cup tournament, now completing its third year.

Gold Division winners earn $800 entry fee for the US Club Regionals and National Cup, as well as receive invitations to regional tournaments in California -- Mustang Stampede, Slammers FC Futbol Classic and Santa Clara Invitational.

The unique two-legged Cup competition nearly doubled its size last year and grew 60%. Also new this year: East and West teams qualified in their own regions and then competed in the finals.

There were separate Puget Sound and Eastern Washington qualifying tournaments. Top finishers then clashed in an east- and west-knockout round showdown. 

 The Washington Cup is part of a lineup of innovative leagues and tournaments the PSPL is offering. The Dev League is the only league that offers young competitive teams the opportunity to play 8 v 8 or 9 v 9 -- the perfect transition for the bigger game.

Other PSPL events: Fall and Spring leagues, the Inland NW Copa League, Pacific Coast Super Cup and Northwest Coaching Summit, May 18-20.

PSPL clubs and teams have more competitive options than any league in the state. Teams and clubs have more opportunities to advance to regional and national competitions while keeping costs low and competition open, such as the new Washington State Premier League that is now part of the US Club National Premier League. 

The continued rapid growth of the third-annual US Club Washington Cup reflects these positive trends among soccer clubs looking for new ideas and fresh opportunities. 

For results, click WACUP.