A Jacksonville youth soccer team is preparing for a national tournament after winning a state championship, while excitement continues to build around Team USA’s historic run at the FIFA Club World Cup.
The Jacksonville Area Soccer Association’s U-19 team recently captured the State Cup title, earning a berth in the national tournament scheduled to begin July 13 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The team consists of 18 local players and is currently raising money to help cover travel expenses. Team members have several fundraisers planned in the coming days and have also launched a GoFundMe campaign.
Meanwhile, Team USA enters its third and final group-stage match Thursday night having already secured a spot in the knockout round.
The Americans made history by winning their first two World Cup group-stage matches, marking the first time in 96 years the United States has opened a tournament with back-to-back victories and clinched first place in Group D.
Because the U.S. has already advanced and Turkey has been eliminated, some starters are expected to see limited playing time in Thursday night’s matchup. Even so, the Americans will look to maintain momentum heading into the Round of 32.
The match is scheduled for 10 p.m. Thursday in Los Angeles.
Elsewhere in sports, the Stanley Cup made a stop at the North Carolina General Assembly in Raleigh, where Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal carried the trophy into the legislative building as the team was recognized by state lawmakers.
The NHL Draft begins Friday.
The NBA Draft also featured a strong showing from the ACC.
Former Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was selected third overall by the Memphis Grizzlies. Boozer, the son of former Duke star and NBA veteran Carlos Boozer, now follows his father’s path to the professional ranks.
One pick later, former North Carolina standout Caleb Wilson was selected fourth overall by the Chicago Bulls.
Both players are expected to participate in NBA Summer League action beginning during the July Fourth weekend.