A local team is going to the Youth Soccer National Championships in Texas this week. The team comprises girls from Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties.
“You have to work hard and be in good shape,” said Goalkeeper Riley Melendez of Annandale about how to qualify to be on the team.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
The team’s record was so good this season that winning the U.S. Youth Soccer Region 1 Championships was only one of two ways it qualified to go to the national championship.
(Courtesy Will Turner)
Courtesy Will Turner
This trophy is from the U.S. Youth Soccer Region 1 Championships in the U14 age group. The Braddock Road Youth Club ’01 Elite team will compete for the national title in Frisco, Texas on July 26-31.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
The team players live throughout Northern Virginia. “From Prince William to Robinson High School [in Fairfax] it’s not that bad unless there’s traffic,” said Jada Konte of Woodbridge. “Then it’s like an hour to get to practice.”
(Courtesy Will Turner)
Courtesy Will Turner
The team practices three times a week with weekend games or tournaments. “Both the athletes and their parents have to be committed,” said team co-manager Jackie Funk. “We are very fortunate to have a great group of parents who enjoy the time we spend together.”
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
Outside back Jordyn Turner brought a calming influence to the defense with her stellar play in the second half of the championship game, repeatedly breaking up their attack and taking the ball off her opponents’ feet.
(Courtesy Will Turner)
Courtesy Will Turner
Center midfielder Aria Nagai gets away with a high kick as she and her fellow midfielders shut down their opponent’s attack.
(Courtesy Will Turner)
Courtesy Will Turner
Center back Jaden Steele, a force on defense throughout the entire tournament, clears the ball late in the second half of the championship game, helping to secure the team’s 1-0 victory over South Shore Select (MA).
(Courtesy Will Turner)
WASHINGTON — A local team is going to the Youth Soccer National Championships in Texas this week.
The Braddock Road Youth Club 01 Elite of Fairfax, Virginia, is one of only eight teams competing in the girls’ 14 or younger level.
“It’s been a long journey. Some of us have been together for a long time,” said center back Lexa Robinowitcz. “We have some newcomers, but we’ve all throughout this season gotten really close and it’s just been a great cohesion.”
“It’s the work of the kids,” said Coach John Kenny. “I’m the vehicle that helps them, but I think it’s really a testament to their efforts, their hard work, their discipline and where they want the game to take them as young ladies.”
All the players are from Northern Virginia and live in Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties.
BRYC 01 Elite team members are: Tiffany Bui of Alexandria, Rachel Castro of Waterford, Miwa Johnstone of Vienna, Meghan Kenefick of Oakton, Hannah Ko of Centreville, Jada Konte of Woodbridge, Grace Lemley of Springfield, Riley McCarthy of Clifton, Riley Melendez of Annandale, Aria Nagai of Oak Hill, Lexa Rabinowitch of Burke, Jaden Steele of Potomac Falls, Alex Taylor of Vienna, Lauren Teuschl of Oakton, Jordyn Turner of Fairfax, Lauren Waniel of Clifton, Victoria Weber of Springfield.
“We have a really great bond. A good friendship,” Rabinowitch said of her teammates.
The 2016 Youth Soccer National Championships are July 26-31.
The team has a GoFundMe page to help pay for the trip to Frisco, Texas.
Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.
![Players live throughout Northern Virginia. "From Prince William to Robinson High School [in Fairfax] it's not that bad unless there's traffic," said Jada Konte of Woodbridge. "Then it's like an hour to get to practice." (Courtesy Will Turner)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/KONTE-1781x1254.jpg)
![Players live throughout Northern Virginia. "From Prince William to Robinson High School [in Fairfax] it's not that bad unless there's traffic," said Jada Konte of Woodbridge. "Then it's like an hour to get to practice." (Courtesy Will Turner)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/KONTE-260x174.jpg)
