BRADENTON, Fla. – In a thoroughly entertaining match, Nationals moved to the top of their U14 Girls group following a 2-1 win over Next Gen USA at the Super Y Finals at IMG Academy on Saturday afternoon.

As expected between two of the top teams in the group, the opening exchanges were tight, with both sides fighting hard to create chances. Nationals perhaps edged those early exchanges but neither side was able to break through their opponents strong defense.

That trend continued throughout the first half with Nationals controlling the great majority of the possession, mostly in the Next Gen USA half. The goal finally came in the 24th minute as the wind died down allowing a cross to successfully get into the box where Chloe Rajewski was able to send it into the back of the net.

A stunning free kick in the opening minute of the second half saw Nationals double their lead, after a foul on the edge of the area. Nina Ferraro hit the free kick curling it perfectly into the top left corner of the net.

Next Gen USA pulled a goal back in the 45th minute as some good, quick movement caught out the Nationals defense. The ball eventually found Guilianna Johnston after a good series of passes, allowing Johnston to bury the chance and set up a thrilling finish.

After pulling a goal back into the match, Next Gen looked dangerous, having more attacking chances in the second half than the first. But in the 65th minute that come back came to an end as Nationals doubled their lead.

Nationals stole possession and then ran down the left wing, sending the cross into the box along the ground, catching the keeper out. That ball in from Grace Hammis was squared flat to Lauren Gunn, left with a simple tap in making it 3-1, which would remain the final score.