The South Dakota United (SDU) Spirit 2010 Girls team has etched its name into club history, capturing the 2026 US Club National Cup Championship after an unforgettable week of competition at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.
The championship was the culmination of months of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Competing against some of the nation’s top clubs, Spirit finished the tournament undefeated, showcasing not only their talent but also their resilience and commitment to one another.
The tournament opened in challenging fashion as temperatures soared above 100 degrees during SDU Spirit’s first match against Arlington SA 10G Red ECNL-RL from Virginia. Battling both the heat and a talented opponent, Spirit earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw. Myah Fravel converted a penalty kick to put the Spirit on the board, while Sophia Cid-Kern-Mohr found the back of the net off an assist from Fravel.
The team responded in impressive fashion on day two, defeating Athens United SA (Georgia) 4-1 to move into first place in their pool. Espynn Kuhfeld opened the scoring on an assist from Berkley Fligge, followed by a penalty kick from Brooklynn Randall. Aubrey Fischer added an unassisted goal before Gracelyn Bordewyk capped the scoring with a beautiful free kick.
In the final pool play match against Sporting Iowa 10G ECNL-RL, Spirit earned a hard-fought 3-2 victory to secure a spot in the championship game as the tournament’s second seed. Sophia Cid-Kern-Mohr scored the opening goal off an assist from Brooklynn Randall, Espynn Kuhfeld added another from a Cid-Kern-Mohr assist, and Randall finished the scoring with a goal assisted by Kuhfeld. On the defensive end, goalkeeper Emlyn Swanson came up with one of the tournament’s biggest plays, making a spectacular save on a penalty kick that proved pivotal in preserving the victory.
With the national title on the line, Spirit delivered one of its strongest performances of the tournament. A disciplined defensive effort and relentless attack led to a convincing 3-0 victory over Desert Communities Soccer Club. Berkley Fligge opened the scoring, Aubrey Fischer doubled the lead on an assist from Fligge, and Brooklynn Randall sealed the championship with a goal assisted by Myah Fravel. The defensive unit was outstanding throughout the match, limiting quality scoring opportunities and helping secure another clean sheet.
While bringing home the championship trophy was an incredible accomplishment, Spirit also earned one of the tournament’s highest honors for character and sportsmanship. The team received the Sportsmanship Honorable Mention, an award nominated by fellow coaches in recognition of the respect, integrity, and class the players displayed throughout the tournament.
Adding to the celebration, Myah Fravel was selected to the 2026 US Club National Cup All-Tournament Team, recognizing her outstanding performances and contributions throughout the week.
This championship represents far more than wins and losses. It reflects countless hours of training, unwavering commitment from the players, the guidance of dedicated coaches, and the support of families who traveled to Colorado and cheered from home throughout the tournament.
SDU Spirit represented South Dakota with pride every time they stepped onto the field. The balanced scoring attack, exceptional team defense, outstanding goalkeeping, and unselfish play were evident throughout the tournament. Whether battling triple-digit temperatures, overcoming talented opponents, or competing for a national championship, the players displayed resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship at every turn.
As national champions, the 2026 SDU Spirit 2010 Girls leave Colorado with more than a trophy. They leave with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and the distinction of bringing a US Club National Cup Championship home to South Dakota.
Congratulations to the players, coaches, and families on an extraordinary accomplishment. The entire South Dakota United community celebrates the 2026 US Club National Cup Champions!
