PHILADELPHIA – Like most of his soccer teammates, rising sophomore Joe Farrell spent the summer months on the amateur circuit, refining his skills playing for the Lehigh Valley United 93 U19 squad. What separates Farrell from his bretheren, however, was his team's magical run to a national championship, capturing the venerable McGuire Cup.
The oldest youth championship in America, the U19 boy's tournament winner has claimed the cup since its advent in 1935. This year's championships took place in the Overland Park Soccer Complex in Overland, Kansas from July 23-28.
Farrell served as a team captain for the United and played a big role as a starting center back for the squad. With the triumph of a thrilling championship run in his back pocket, Farrell reflects on the journey as truly unforgettable.
"This was a great experience," Farrell said. "I have always dreamed of winning the national championship, and to win it in the most storied age group, in front of a recorded 8,000 fans in attendance of the championship game, as well as all those who watched the game at home on national television was absolutely amazing."
The path to the cup wasn't always easy for the boys from Lehigh Valley, who had to overcome a number of obstacles along the way. Farrell looks back to the regional final as a definitive turning point for his squad.
With the game locked at one versus the Soccer Association of Columbia, Md., two scoreless overtime periods forced a penalty kick shootout. Lehigh's keeper picked up his second yellow card of the game with an encroachment call, leaving the club without a goalie with the game on the line.
With a national tournament berth at stake, Farrell was pressed into the line of duty and made two outstanding saves to aid a 4-2 penalty pick victory for the United.
How was the stand-in goalie selected?
"I just walk up to the net and grab the gloves from our keeper," Farrell said, who hasn't spent game time in the net in many years.
That spark fueled the team's run all the way to its national championship, which was preceded by a 2-0 victory followed by two consecutive overtime wins.
In Lehigh's 2-0 opening round win, Farrell netted the first goal of the game.
Farrell was an Atlantic 10 All-Rookie choice as a forward in 2012, but embraced the opportunity to move positions for the good of the team. He anchored a defense which allowed only two goals in four games during the national tournament.
"I knew that we had to communicate more than every other team to make up for our lack of time playing together," Farrell said of the team, which only had two formal practices to get acquainted. "Defensively, we were very organized."
The backfield's organization stymied the Chicago Fire in the national championship, to the tune of a 1-0 Lehigh victory.
"My favorite moment was when the ref blew the whistle, ending the national championship," Farrell said. "The feeling I had at this moment was surreal. I had accomplished something that I had only dreamed about all my life. I was a national champion!"
With preseason at 20th & Olney right around the corner, Farrell looks back on his summer as one that enabled him to grow as a player and a person.
"I gained a lot of experience at the national championship series, and I really embraced my role as captain," Farrell said. "I have been captain of teams before, but for this team I found my voice as a leader."
With his sights set on bigger and better things for the Blue and Gold, Farrell intends for his summer ride to rub off on his teammates.
"I hope to bring these experiences with me back to La Salle," Farrell said. "Although only a sophomore, I hope to be a leader of this team. We have good returning crew this season and we have the potential to do big things."
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Kansas City Star recap
Championship game highlights (9:40)
