News Summary

Three talented soccer players from Jamestown High School—Briella Martin, Hadley Jackson, and Layla Becker—are competing at the prestigious 2025 U.S. Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup in Tampa, Florida. Representing their school and the Dakota Fusion Futbol Club, they aim to showcase their skills and make their community proud. With hard work and dedication, these athletes have qualified for nationals and are focused on achieving their goals against teams from various states. The anticipation in Jamestown is palpable as everyone rallies behind their young stars.

Jamestown Soccer Stars Shine at National Presidents Cup in Florida!

Jamestown, North Dakota, is buzzing with excitement as three talented soccer players from Jamestown High School venture off to sunny Tampa, Florida, to compete in the prestigious 2025 U.S. Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup. The dynamic trio, comprised of Briella Martin, Hadley Jackson, and Layla Becker, are ready to showcase their skills and represent both their high school and their club, Dakota Fusion Futbol Club (DFFC).

A Dream Team from Dakota Fusion

The Dakota Fusion Futbol Club, which is North Dakota’s first locally owned semi-professional soccer club, is based in Fargo and is making quite the name for itself. Briella Martin joined the club last June after hearing rave reviews from a teammate, while Hadley Jackson made her mark during guest playing last summer before officially joining in the spring. Layla Becker, recognized as a NDHSAA Second-Team, All-State player, has been a part of the team for two years, first as a guest before becoming a full member last summer.

Coach Cody Wright has nothing but praise for the Jamestown girls, highlighting their pivotal roles on both the U17 and U15 teams. He noted that their commitment to travel for practice reflects their dedication and passion for the game. As they prepare for the competition ahead, these girls aren’t just aiming for success; they’re setting a shining example for aspiring athletes everywhere.

The Journey to Nationals

Qualifying for the national tournaments in North Dakota follows a unique application process, which is a bit different from the tournament win requirements that many other states have. Fortunately, both the U17 and U15 teams secured their spots at nationals by winning their regional brackets. The U17 team faced some challenges with three early matches where they ended with two ties and just one must-win game—which they remarkably won, allowing them to advance to the championships.

However, even though they fought valiantly, the U17 team narrowly lost the championship game in overtime with a score of 1-0. They kicked off their pool play against a team from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and are now ready to face off against teams from Utah and Tennessee. Meanwhile, the U15 team is gearing up to compete against opponents from Connecticut, Tennessee, and Indiana. All the teams are battling for the top two positions in their brackets to advance to the semifinals.

Preparing for Competition

In the days leading up to the tournament, the players are taking their game seriously. They have been focusing on nutrition and dedicated training to ensure they’re fully prepared for both the high levels of competition and the Florida heat. As of Friday, the tournament officially began, and the anticipation in Jamestown is palpable as both teams look forward to meeting players from all over the nation.

Goals and Expectations

Coach Wright expressed optimism about their performances at nationals, emphasizing the importance of representing North Dakota and the entire Midwest region with pride. With their eyes set on winning and growing as players, these dedicated young athletes are ready to leave it all on the field.

Everyone back in Jamestown will certainly be cheering them on, as this adventure not only highlights their remarkable skills but also brings the community together in support of our very own soccer stars. So, let’s wish Briella, Hadley, and Layla the best of luck in their matches as they make us all proud at the U.S. Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup!

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