RICHMOND, Va. — The Girls Academy U16 National Championship field has been narrowed to four after an outstanding evening of quarterfinal action in Richmond, with City SC White, Galaxy SC, Indy Premier SC, and Sporting Nebraska FC advancing to Friday’s National Semifinals.
The semifinal field blends championship pedigree with one of the tournament’s biggest breakthrough stories.
Reigning 2026 Champions Cup champion City SC White continued its outstanding postseason run with a 2-0 victory over Cedar Stars Academy–Monmouth, ending the Cinderella run of the club that eliminated defending National Champion Tophat Gold in the Round of 16.
Galaxy SC returned to the National Semifinals for the second consecutive season after defeating Midwest United 2-0. The Midwest-East Conference champions continue to build on last year’s National Final appearance and remain one of the tournament’s most consistent performers.
Sporting Nebraska FC continued one of the National Finals’ most impressive stories, defeating Mountain West champion New Mexico Soccer Academy 1-0. After finishing second in the Midwest West Division during the regular season, Sporting Nebraska has now defeated reigning National Champion Tophat Gold, Syracuse Development Academy, and New Mexico Soccer Academy during its remarkable postseason run.
The night’s most dramatic finish belonged to Indy Premier SC, which survived an evenly contested battle with Pacific Northwest champion Spokane Shadow. After 90 scoreless minutes, Indy Premier prevailed 5-4 in a penalty shootout to continue its pursuit of a National Championship.
Friday’s semifinal matchups feature two outstanding contests. Champions Cup winner City SC White meets Sporting Nebraska FC, while Galaxy SC and Indy Premier SC square off in a matchup between two clubs that have consistently ranked among the nation’s elite throughout the season.
With three conference champions, the reigning Champions Cup winner, last year’s National Finalist, and the tournament’s breakout team still standing, the U16 division continues to showcase the depth and parity that have defined the 2026 Girls Academy National Finals.
U16 National Semifinals | 6:00 PM EST, July 10
City SC White vs. Sporting Nebraska FC
Galaxy SC vs. Indy Premier SC
Behind the Numbers
– 4 teams remain
– 3 conference champions remain
– 1 reigning Champions Cup Champion (City SC White)
– 1 National Finalist from 2025 (Galaxy SC)
– 1 penalty shootout decided the quarterfinal round
– Sporting Nebraska FC has now defeated three nationally respected opponents during its postseason run (Tophat Gold, Syracuse Development Academy, and New Mexico Soccer Academy)