Shreveport United’s U18-19 girls soccer team claimed a historic victory at the U.S. Youth Soccer Association national tournament in Murfreesboro, Tenn., defeating Twin Falls Soccer Club of Idaho, 3-1, on July 23 at Richard Siegel Park. The title marks the first U.S. Youth national championship for the Shreveport-based club and the first for Louisiana in the event.
From state champions to national champions
The Shreveport squad advanced to nationals after winning the Louisiana State Association’s Division I State Cup on March 29 at Baton Rouge’s Burbank Soccer Complex. Head coach Mike Matlock, who has coached at the club level for 24 seasons and spent 14 years at Loyola College Prep in Shreveport, faced an unexpected roster shake-up in the months between the state title and the national tournament.
Three seniors who had signed college scholarships were required to report to campus, and five additional players elected not to participate after the spring season ended. Matlock and his staff had to reorganize the lineup and logistics for the trip while keeping the team competitive against the nation’s best.
Logistics and resilience
Matlock initially reserved hotel rooms for a brief stay but extended arrangements as the team progressed deeper into the tournament. During the run to the championship, Shreveport United moved between multiple hotels, adapting to changing schedules and travel demands. That flexibility paid off on the field.
- Group stage: three wins, +6 goal differential
- Quarterfinals: 3-0 win over Cook Inlet Soccer Club (Alaska)
- Semifinals: 3-0 win over Little Rock (Ark.)
- Final: 3-1 win over Twin Falls Soccer Club (Idaho)
"To be the first team from our club and the first from Louisiana to win a U.S. Youth national championship was awesome," Matlock said.
Team performance and culture
Shreveport’s run featured consistent offense and solid defense, reflected in a dominant knockout-stage performance with back-to-back 3-0 victories in the quarterfinals and semifinals before the 3-1 final. The club represented the Caddo Bossier Soccer Association (CABOSA) and showcased depth after overcoming the loss of eight players between spring and summer play.
Goalkeeper Peyton Lewis, a Loyola student, credited the close-knit bonds among teammates for helping the squad navigate the season and the tournament environment.
"We’ve grown as a team and our friendships have also grown really strong," Peyton Lewis said.
Local impact and next steps
The national championship is likely to have several local implications. For youth soccer in Shreveport and Caddo-Bossier Parish, the title could increase interest in club programs and bolster recruitment at younger age groups. Coaches and club leaders may use the victory to attract sponsors and community support, and players who participated could draw attention from college recruiters seeking talent with national-stage experience.
| Stage | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Group play (aggregate) | Various | 3 wins, +6 goal differential |
| Quarterfinal | Cook Inlet SC (Alaska) | 3-0 |
| Semifinal | Little Rock (Ark.) | 3-0 |
| Final | Twin Falls SC (Idaho) | 3-1 |
Matlock’s long tenure in local soccer — including coaching roles at Loyola College Prep, Captain Shreve, Caddo Magnet and Byrd — underscores the experience behind the team’s success. Players who remain in the area are positioned to bring higher-level training and championship experience back to their youth and high school programs.
Shreveport United’s achievement offers a rallying point for the community and a tangible milestone for the region’s youth-sports programs. The club’s title run demonstrates how local coaching, adaptability and player commitment can produce results on a national stage.
