Richmond United teams once again showcased the strength of the club’s player pathway this postseason, competing against many of the nation’s top teams across the ECNL, ECNL Regional League, NPL, and UPSL playoffs.
From Elite 8 appearances and historic club milestones to penalty kick heroics, Richmond United was well represented from coast to coast.
ECNL Girls Playoffs | Seattle, Washington
Richmond United’s ECNL Girls continued to prove they belong among the nation’s best. Across 10 matches, the U15-U17 teams suffered just one loss in regulation while earning impressive results against some of the country’s top clubs.
U15 (2011)
The U15s put together an outstanding tournament, opening with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Portland Thorns before battling So Cal Blues to a 2-2 draw, narrowly falling in penalty kicks. They closed the event with one of the tournament’s biggest wins, defeating top-ranked Solar SC 2-1.
Results
- Defeated Portland Thorns, 3-2
- Drew So Cal Blues, 2-2 (lost in penalty kicks)
- Defeated Solar SC, 2-1
U16 (2010)
The U16s showed tremendous resilience throughout the playoffs. After dropping their opening match in penalty kicks, they responded with a dramatic shootout victory over SUSA before finishing with an impressive 4-2 win over Ohio Internationals.
Results
- Drew Ukrainian Nationals, 1-1 (lost in penalty kicks)
- Drew SUSA, 2-2 (won in penalty kicks)
- Defeated Ohio Internationals, 4-2
U17 (2009)
After a difficult opening match, the U17s responded with three strong performances, including a dominant 3-0 victory over CSA and another penalty kick win before their playoff run came to an end in another tightly contested shootout.
Results
- Lost to FC Dallas, 5-0
- Drew Ohio Elite, 0-0 (won in penalty kicks)
- Defeated CSA, 3-0
- Drew Arizona Arsenal, 1-1 (lost in penalty kicks)
ECNL Boys Playoffs | San Diego, California
Richmond United continued its upward trajectory on the boys side, with three teams qualifying for the ECNL Playoffs for the second consecutive year. Two teams advanced to the knockout rounds—one more than last season—highlighting the continued growth of the program.
The U15s advanced to the ECNL Elite 8, with their tournament ending against eventual national champions Real Colorado.
One of the defining moments of the playoffs came in the group stage when goalkeeper Santana Smith made a game-saving penalty save to help send Richmond United into the knockout rounds. Smith advanced through Richmond United’s player pathway after beginning with Strikers Elite North before earning his place in ECNL competition.
Another standout was Grayson DeShazor, who joined the ECNL squad after competing formerly with Strikers ECNL RL. DeShazor scored two game-winning goals in crucial playoff moments to help propel the U15s into the quarterfinals.
The U14 Boys also continued their development by advancing one round further than they did a season ago, while the U16s saw their postseason conclude against eventual national champions XF Crossfire Academy.
ECNL Regional League Playoffs
Richmond United Blue was represented by three teams at the ECNL Regional League Playoffs.
U15 Boys
- 2 Wins
- 1 Loss
U17 Boys
- 2 Wins
- 1 Loss
U14 Girls
- 1 Tie
- 2 Losses
NPL Finals
Richmond United teams also represented the club at the NPL Finals in Colorado.
The Richmond United Red U14 and U17 NPL Elite Girls both qualified for the NPL Finals in Denver, an outstanding achievement for the program.
Both teams played two highly competitive matches and faced the eventual champions in their respective groups. While the results did not fall in Richmond United’s favor, qualifying two teams for a national championship event reflects the continued growth of the Red girls pathway.
The experience provides another important step forward as the program continues to build toward future national success.
The RU Orange 2011 NPL Elite Girls represented the club at the NPL Nationals in Denver, Colorado.
The team opened the tournament with an impressive 3–1 victory over EPSC Red 11G before facing two challenging matches against strong opponents. They ultimately concluded group play with losses to Missouri Rush Blue (1–3) and eventual NPL national champions 7 Elite Academy (0–3).
We are incredibly proud of the players and coaching staff for earning the opportunity to compete on the national stage and for the commitment, resilience, and sportsmanship they displayed throughout the tournament. Congratulations on a fantastic season and an outstanding accomplishment representing our club.
The RU Red 2011 NPL Elite 1 Boys also represented the club at the NPL Nationals in Denver, Colorado. The team began the tournament with a competitive game against a very strong Naples Elite Soccer Club Elite SC team, losing 1-2. They finished group play with a loss to Boreal FC (1-3 and NPL National Finalists) and ending with a win against Arkansas Comets FC Amarillo (2-1).
Historic UPSL Season
Richmond United’s U19 ECNL squad also made club history by qualifying for the UPSL Playoffs, competing almost entirely with youth players against experienced pre-professional and collegiate opponents throughout the season.
The accomplishment marks another significant milestone in the club’s player development pathway and demonstrates Richmond United’s ability to prepare players for the next level.
A Strong National Showing
From Seattle to San Diego to Denver, Richmond United teams competed with some of the nation’s best while continuing to demonstrate the strength of the club’s player development pathway.
Elite 8 appearances, victories over nationally ranked opponents, historic milestones, and multiple national tournament qualifications made this postseason another memorable chapter for Richmond United as the club continues to develop players capable of succeeding on the biggest stages.
