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Four Former Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Members Set to Represent U.S. in Concacaf Nations League

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud to celebrate the former members selected for the U.S. Men’s National Team ahead of the 2025 Concacaf Nations League Finals. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has named a 23-player roster, with the U.S. set to take on Panama in the semifinal on March 20 at 7 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The match will air live on Paramount and Univision.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will be well represented on the international stage, as Christian Pulisic, Mark McKenzie, Zack Steffen, and Auston Trusty all earned a spot on the squad. Developing their skills at PA Classics, Philadelphia Union Academy, FC DELCO, and Nether United, these players continue Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s tradition of producing top-level talent.

Pulisic, a Hershey native, rose through PA Classics before launching a professional career that has made him one of the USMNT’s most dynamic attackers. Now with 76 caps and 32 goals, he remains a key leader for the team.

McKenzie, a Philadelphia Union Academy product, has proven himself as a strong defensive presence. The Bear, Del. native has earned 17 caps, solidifying his role in the backline.

Steffen, from Coatesville, developed at West Chester United and FC DELCO before becoming one of the country’s top goalkeepers. With 30 caps, he brings experience and composure in goal.

Trusty, a Media native, got his start with Nether United and the Eastern Pennsylvania Olympic Development Program before advancing to the Philadelphia Union Academy. He now has 4 caps and continues to showcase his defensive versatility.

The USMNT will begin camp on March 16, setting their sights on a fourth consecutive Nations League title. Best of luck to Christian, Mark, Zack, Auston, and the entire U.S. team!

DETAILED ROSTER BY POSITION (Club/Country; Caps/Goals)

GOALKEEPERS (3): Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 3/0), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids; 30/0), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG; 49/0)

DEFENDERS (8): Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic/SCO; 18/0), Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege/BEL; 1/0), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 17/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 67/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 23/1), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 50/4), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 19/0), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 4/0)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG; 42/2), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP; 18/0), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 3/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 58/11), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 31/8), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon/FRA; 6/0)

FORWARDS (6): Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC; 2/2), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/ITA; 45/1), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 76/32), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/ENG; 27/5), Timothy Weah (Juventus/ITA; 42/7), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 3/1)

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Announces Partnership with Sport Lines

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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is excited to announce its official partnership with Sport Lines, a leading provider of athletic field lining services. This collaboration makes it easier for coaches and program directors to access professional field lining services, simplifying field maintenance and ensuring game-ready fields for players throughout Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer.

As a leader in athletic field lining services, Sport Lines has built a reputation for delivering exceptional service to programs of all levels with cutting-edge precision. Committed to enhancing athletic experiences, Sport Lines is the top choice for sports programs, schools, townships and tournaments, ensuring every field is crisp, accurate, and ready for play. Utilizing state-of-the-art GPS technology, the company ensures swift, accurate and visually stunning field markings across various sports.

“Our expertise comes from years of experience in youth and collegiate athletics,” said Sport Lines Directors Dennis Mann and Alex Sinkovich. “Every field we line is treated as if it were for our own team. Our goal is to take the hassle of field lining off the shoulders of coaches and directors so they can focus on their players’ success.”

Sport Lines sets itself apart through its precision and understanding of the unique needs of each program, offering services ranging from initial field linings to seasonal maintenance, tailored to the diverse requirements of schools, sports clubs and tournament organizers. With this partnership, Sport Lines looks forward to continuing to provide high-quality field lining to the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer community.

To see how Sport Lines can transform your program, and the exclusive discount Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer members will receive, call (732) 400-4845 or visit sportlinesllc.com.

US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO Returning to Seasonal-Year Age Group Formation in 2026

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FRISCO, Texas (March 5, 2025) – US Youth Soccer (USYS), US Club Soccer, and American Youth
Soccer Organization (AYSO), today announced that they have agreed to adopt the seasonal year age
group formation cycle for its players starting with each’s 2026-27 season. USYS Board Chair Tina
Rincon, U.S. Club Soccer CEO Mike Cullina, and AYSO National President Doug Ryan made the
announcement.


The cycle, which will run from September 1 to August 31, represents the opportunity for more players
in the each’s system to play club-based soccer with their classmates.
Rincon, Cullina, and Ryan offer the following statement:


“The three organizations coming together to put our nation’s youth soccer players first is a
positive move. Soccer, regardless of the level of competition, is meant to be fun – and it is more
fun when players can play with their friends and classmates. This decision is the right move for
the millions playing in each of our respective systems and we are thrilled to establish this
standard and find common ground.”


The decision stems from a U.S. Soccer Federation policy put in place late in 2024 empowering
member organizations to be the decision-maker on the registration choices for leagues and
competitions that they sanction and/or run.


Rincon, who also serves as the US Soccer Youth Council Chair, detailed the following on behalf of
the council:


“We are excited that the three largest member organizations have aligned to make a decision that
will bring the youth soccer landscape together, rather than further fracturing it. We received input
from a variety of sources that helped us reach this decision and meet our goal of increasing
participation in our sport. We look forward to continuing to work with other member organizations to
make the best choices for youth soccer players and continue collaborating with clubs and leagues
to ensure a smooth transition next year.”


The three organizations’ registration parameters will not change for next season (2025-26) and will
affect rostering beginning in August 2026.


Aligning with the school-year calendar is a return to a policy in place prior to a 2016 U.S. Soccer
decision to move to birth-year registration (January 1 –December 31). The change was made in effort
to align with international soccer standards.


Youth players born before September 1 will have the opportunity to play up with older age groups in
accordance with their club’s governance.


U.S. Soccer performed an assessment of available data (e.g., 2020 U.S. Census & National Center
for Education Statistics) and qualitative feedback and determined that September 1 represents most
school districts’ calendars (~68%) across the country.

About US Youth Soccer
US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide worldclass support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field
of play. US Youth Soccer registers 2.68 million players annually. Through its programming, resources
and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000
clubs and leagues and one million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer
connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth
Soccer provides a path for every player, coach and referee offering programs that provide a fun, safe
and healthy environment at every level of the game.

About US Club Soccer
A National Association member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, US Club Soccer fosters the growth
and development of soccer clubs in order to create the best possible development environment for
players of all ages.


Anchored by Players First and its pillars of Club Development, Coaching Development, Player
Development, Referee Development, Parent Engagement & Education and Player Health & Safety,
US Club Soccer offers registration, league- and cup-based competition platforms, player
identification and a variety of other programming, resources and services.


US Club Soccer is sponsored by Nike, DICK’S Sporting Goods and Gatorade.


About AYSO
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is a national nonprofit organization committed to
delivering quality youth soccer programs in a fun, family-friendly environment. AYSO is rooted in Six
Philosophies: Everyone Plays®, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good
Sportsmanship, and Player Development. Now celebrating its 60th year since inception in 1964,
AYSO programs span over 640 communities across the United States.


As a member organization of the U.S. Soccer Federation, all AYSO programs, including AYSO PLAY!,
conform to U.S. Soccer standards for safety and player development curricula. Learn more about
AYSO at www.ayso.org.

Laws of the Game/Player Safety

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To: All Organizational Members

From: Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer

CC: Board of Directors, EPSARC

Date: August 23, 2022

RE: Laws of the Game/ Player Safety

As the 22-23 soccer year is kicking off , there are a few items, I would like to review with our membership. As most teams are now training and preparing for the upcoming season, it’s a great time for coaches and players to review the laws of the game.

We assume that everyone is truly aware and has studied the Laws of the Game. Referees are trained and re-certified on an annual basis, but coaches and players are not. We assume the rules are known, but generally they’re not known in detail or nuance. Too often, misunderstandings occur on game day and it leads to issues sometimes resulting in disciplinary measures.

It’s my belief that coaches and referees are partners in the management of any game. Each has certain responsibilities, but the most important is the care and safety of the players. Referees and coaches should consider themselves colleagues within soccer. Ultimately, both positions coexist to foster the game, to teach it, to perpetuate it and to grow it. I strongly urge that pregame meetings include introductions and greetings, and not merely an exchange of money and rosters. Referees and coaches together are the adults managing the experience for the children. Respect for each other, and the game, is of the utmost importance.

This memo is not meant to provide any detail regarding the laws or any recent updates. We will provide any additional information or updates in cooperation with the State Referee Committee. Additional information can be found at their website, www.EPSARC.org. However, there are some specific items to highlight as we entering this season. Today’s focus is on player safety and equipment. Law 4- the Players Equipment.

“A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous. All items of jewelry (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewelry is not permitted.

The players must be inspected before the start of the match and substitutes before they enter the field of play. If a player is wearing or using unauthorized/dangerous equipment or jewelry, the referee must order the player to:

  • remove the item
  • leave the field of play at the next stoppage if the player is unable or unwilling to comply

A player who refuses to comply or wears the item again must be cautioned.

A point of clarification- whereas the Laws of the Game specifically do not mention certain items in the category of “hair accessories”, the interpretation of this is that soft accessories such as elastic bands, “scrunchies”, sweatbands and padded headbands are acceptable. Hard accessories, which have long been construed as “jewelry” in the Laws of the game, such hair clips or beads or other metal or plastic objects, cannot be worn.

This same section may apply to medical equipment- braces, splints or casts. Each situation can be different and requires the game officials at the field to make the determination as to player safety.

In addition, Law 5- The Referee, states “The referee has the full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match.” Covering or padding any specific item of concern is at the discretion of the referee.

Law 5 further states, “Decisions will be made to the best of the referee’s ability according to the Laws of the Game and the ‘spirit of the game’ and will be based on the opinion of the referee, who has the discretion to take appropriate action within the framework of the Laws of the Game.” We ask that referees and coaches work together to find safe and reasonable responses to safety concerns. Our goal is to allow for all children to participate and play the games in a safe and controlled environment.

A shared responsibility of the coaches, players and referees to be sure to remove any such items prior to the game. All clubs should educate their coaches and players on the Laws of the Game. A session for parents is advisable as well. When these matters arise, please be respectful and considerate of each other regarding these matters. Referees should speak to the coach who should talk to their player.

Our collective purpose is to provide all children with a safe and fun opportunity to participate in this great game. When we all work together towards this common goal, regardless of the level of skill, ability or competition, the experience is better for everyone. More positive experiences leads to keeping more kids in the game.