RICHMOND, Va. — The race for the 2026 Girls Academy U17 National Championship is down to four.
After another thrilling day of quarterfinal action in Richmond, Tophat Gold, Michigan Jaguars FC, SC del Sol, and Wasatch SC remain just two victories away from lifting the National Championship trophy. Each has navigated one of the deepest playoff fields in the country and now prepares for a semifinal showdown featuring four of the nation’s premier clubs.
The semifinal field is a fitting reflection of the 2009 age group. All four teams entered the postseason ranked among the nation’s Top 10 and have consistently proven themselves throughout the Girls Academy season.
Champions Continue Their Pursuit
Tophat Gold continued its quest for a second major trophy this season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over FC United SC. The reigning 2026 Girls Academy Champions Cup winner has now reached another National Semifinal, continuing one of the most accomplished runs by any club in this age group. Since entering the Girls Academy as members of the inaugural U13 class in 2022, Tophat has reached a National Final, a National Semifinal, captured a Champions Cup title, and now sits one win away from competing for a National Championship.
Standing in their way will be Michigan Jaguars, who produced one of the most impressive quarterfinal performances of the day with a convincing 3-0 victory over Mid-America champion Indy Premier SC.
Last year’s National Finalist once again demonstrated why it has remained among the nation’s elite, with Lila Megyesi scoring twice to send the Midwest East Division champion back to the National Semifinals.
A Champions Cup Final Rematch
The second semifinal brings together two of the nation’s most consistent clubs. SC del Sol delivered one of the quarterfinal round’s most dominant performances, defeating St. Louis Development Academy 4-0. Brooklyn St. James scored twice to extend her tournament-leading Golden Boot campaign, while the Southwest Conference champions continued the outstanding form that carried them to the 2026 Champions Cup Final.
Awaiting them is Wasatch SC, which continued its remarkable postseason with a 2-1 victory over Northwest Conference champion Lamorinda SC. The Mountain West champions have now knocked off two nationally ranked opponents in consecutive rounds and remain unbeaten during the National Playoffs.
Golden Boot Race Takes Center Stage
Championship Weekend will also decide the U17 Golden Boot. Brooklyn St. James (SC del Sol) moved into sole possession of the tournament lead after scoring twice in the quarterfinals and now sits atop the standings with nine goals. With four nationally ranked clubs still standing and multiple individual honors still to be decided, the U17 division is set for an outstanding finish in Richmond.
By the Numbers
– 36 teams qualified for the U17 National Playoffs
– 4 teams remain
– All four semifinalists entered the postseason ranked among the nation’s Top 10
– 2026 Champions Cup Champion: Tophat Gold
– 2025 National Finalist: Michigan Jaguars
– Brooklyn St. James leads the Golden Boot race with 9 goals