Fusion Sends Five Teams to State Cup Final Four

Five NC Fusion teams have advanced to the US Youth Soccer State Cup Final Four in Wilson this Nov. 10-11. No other North Carolina club had more than two teams qualify for the semifinals. The Fusion, a cooperative effort between Greensboro United and Twin City Youth Soccer, placed one team in the Final Four from the 15, 17 and 18 age groups and two from the U16s.

At the U16 age group, both Fusion teams -- the Elite and Premier -- will be heading to Wilson’s Gillette Soccer Complex Saturday for the semifinals. The U16 Elite, coached by Marc Nicholls, finished group play with two wins and a draw, outscoring opponents 8-1. The team will face North Meck Red Saturday at noon in the semis. The U16 Premier team, coached by Chad Lorenz, qualified for the Final Four as a wildcard (best second place team) after the bonus-points tiebreaker crowned North Meck as the Group B winner. Lorenz’s team meets NC Alliance also at noon in Wilson.

The U15 Elite, coached by Andy Butler, cruised through group play going 3-0 with eight goals scored and one allowed. They will play Triangle United Gold Saturday at 9:00 am in the semifinals.

Chris Robinson led the U17 Elite to the semifinals as a wildcard after losing to JASA Coastal Surge 1-0 in the last game of the group stage. But the U17 Elite get a shot at revenge. They meet JASA again at 3:00 pm Saturday with a spot in the finals on the line.

The U18 Elite posted three shutouts and scored seven goals during the group stage. Coached by Chad Lorenz, the 18s will face Lake Norman in the semifinals.

The U16 age group had a particularly strong showing in Fall State Cups. While both Fusion teams advanced to the semifinals, the Twins and Greensboro United each sent a U16 team to the Presidents Cup semifinals. The GUSA U16 Navy, the defending Presidents Cup National Champions, face Twins White Saturday at noon in Wilson. The winner will advance to Sunday’s 12:00 pm final.