On Saturday, November 14, the Skyline Elite U17 Boys persevered in an epic struggle against Arlington to win the State Cup championship in storybook style at the Virginia Soccer Training Center, in Fredericksburg.

The game had all the drama one could pack into a championship final.  Tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, four more goals would be scored in overtime resulting in a 4-4 deadlock, before the match was decided in a penalty kick shootout.  Eventually it was a single spot kick that separated the two sides, with Skyline Elite prevailing 5-4 over the former USSDA Academy squad.

Along the way there were magnificent goals, controversial calls, overturned penalties, last gasp efforts and thrilling soccer.  Club DOC and head coach Jimmy Tharpe was both exhausted and exhilarated by the contest.  “I am so proud of the boys for their resilience and true quality.  We beat a top side in a game that could not have been more exciting.”

The State Cup title is the first for Skyline Elite Soccer Club, and the 13^th for the parent organization, SOCA.