New York City FC’s U-19s are back-to-back US Soccer Development Academy National Champions!
The U-19s won the USSDA trophy for the second consecutive year on the anniversary of the 2018 win. The team defeated the top-seeded team, FC Dallas, 2-1 to bring home the cup.
The night started out with drama as FC Dallas earned a penalty kick in the 9th minute. Alex Rando went to work making a crucial save to deny their opponents the opportunity to score.
In the 15th minute, NYCFC scored the first goal of the night as Jonathan Jimenez brought the ball forward and crossed it into the box for Velkjo Petkovic find the back of the net. The young Boys in Blue secured a 1-0 lead early in the night.
Jimenez, who has had 19 goals this season, chased down and floored an FC Dallas defender before beating the 'keeper to double the lead in the 63rd minute.
Jimenez also came up big for the team in the semifinal against the Chicago Sockers on Monday. He assisted the first goal of the night in that matchup and scored the final goal, meaning he repeated the performance tonight in the final.
NYCFC conceded a lone goal from FC Dallas in added time, but were able to hold off the favored team with grit.
The U-19s are the first team in USSDA history to win the cup two years in a row. They have had the honor to raise the trophy on the same date as the 2018 champions, and will be bringing the hardware back to the Big Apple.
Congratulations to the staff and the players on this incredible achievement from everyone at New York City Football Club.
