Lehigh Valley United 97’s run in the U.S. Youth Soccer national championships ended Saturday morning, with a loss to Santa Barbara SC in the semifinals of the U18 boys division in Frisco, Texas.
Santa Barbara looked dangerous from the opening whistle, with Sahid Conte creating pressure down the left flank but Lehigh goalkeeper William Smith did well to deny some early chances. In the 17th minute however, Conte snuck behind the defense and tapped home a goal to put the California club in the lead.
The Group B winners would double their lead before halftime on a Dennis Cole goal that came off a perfectly weighted through ball.