Looking for a team to watch on championship Saturday? Here you go!

As of mid-afternoon Friday, with some games still going on, Media intern Grace Tafolla picked her teams to watch going into Target USA CUP’s final day.

Panama City FC

Panama City FC boys’ U19 team traveled 4,028 miles to the Target USA CUP to defend its 2018 title. Despite  going 2-1-0 in pool play, the team looks to advance to the championship game after winning group A by one point. Panama has outscored its opponents 4-2, showcasing its ability to play tenacious defense. Panama City still had to overcome Minnesota team Keliix Intra 01 in the Friday semifinal for a spot in the championship game.

Tokiwagi

Tokiwagi’s success at this year’s tournament is no surprise. Tokiwagi’s athletic talent combined with its quick passing ability makes the team an annual favorite to win a Target USA CUP championship. This year, they bypassed their usual U19 division to tackle the tough U16 MNUFC championship. Tokiwagi goalie Kana Nishikawa has only given up one goal throughout the tournament thus far, alleviating pressure on the team’s offense to score. Tokiwagi’s 14 goals scored also proves the team’s constant offensive threat. Tokiwagi already has won a weekend tournament title this year. Will they double up? We’ll see tomorrow.

A Tokiwagi player chases down a ball during the Target USA CUP. (NSC/Carlee Hackl)

Salvo SC Orange

Salvo SC Orange girls’ U14 team, from the Twin Cities, finished pool play with an impressive 12 points. The team scored 17 goals, nine more than the second-place team in bracket A and the first-place team in bracket B. A 14-point goal difference has allowed Salvo to keep advancing throughout the playoffs.

LEAD Monrovia

LEAD Monrovia Football Academy cruised through pool play and quarterfinals into the U15 girls silver semifinals on Saturday morning. The team draws a large home crowd for every game, creating an exciting environment on the pitch. LEAD Monrovia won all three pool play games, scoring 20 goals. Monrovia’s impressive 20 goals illustrates the team’s ability to score, which puts continual pressure on defenses. LEAD Monrovia will draw another enormous crowd for Saturday’s championship rounds. All their games Saturday will be on field 46, next to the Target Village.

A LEAD Monrovia player corner kicks a ball on Thursday. (NSC/Carlee Hackl)

KoldingQ

KoldingQ girls’ U19 team, from Denmark, finished bracket play with a 3-0 record and 21 goals. KoldingQ has only given up 2 goals on defense. The team competes against Fire SC in the semis. On the other side of the tournament’s bracket, Maplebrook Ajax squares off against Blaine SC EDT for the chance to advance to Saturday’s championship.

Futbol Consultants Coronado

The club, which hails from Guadalupe, Costa Rica, plays against a Minneapolis United team for a spot in the U13 boys gold division. Coronado’s defense has only given up one goal while its offense has put up 14 goals so far.