IMG Academy U19 Premier Girls Team Claims 2022 DPL National Championship

On June 26, 2022, IMG Academy's U19 Premier Girls Soccer Team became National Champions, bringing home not only the hardware from the Development Players League (DPL) tournament but also the first National Championship for the soccer program. With their win, they also became the first girls team at IMG to claim a National Championship while bringing home the fourth ever title to the Academy (Football - 2020; Baseball - 2019; Boys Basketball - 2019.)

The road to the top began on June 21st in Dallas, TX at Moneygram Soccer Park with group play where IMG claimed their first win against TopHat on Tuesday by a score of 3-1 before facing NEFC and then Kernow Storm FC. Following their 4-2 and 3-2 victories, respectively, the Ascenders headed to their semifinal match against KC Legends, where they overcame their next opponent by a score of 3-1. On Sunday, the girls took the field for their final game where they defeated Utah Arsenal FC Academy 1-0 to claim the National Championship.

Lara Dantas, class of 2024, scored the lone goal of the final game (unassisted) in the first half. Dantas, a midfielder, scored six goals over the course of the tournament, including a hat trick in the semifinal. Reagan Miller ('23) and Karla Guzman ('22) combined for the shutout. Miller was the keeper in the first half, and Guzman took over the net for the second. Lexie Cooper, class of 2022, had four goals and four assists across the tournament as well.

What a great achievement for the girls, the staff, and all those associated with IMG Academy Soccer! These outstanding players represent the multi-national backgrounds that bring diversity of thought and playing style and a strong passion for the game which makes our Academy so unique. We are extremely proud of this first-ever National Championship for IMG Academy Soccer.”

- Don Cameron, IMG Academy Director of Soccer

IMG Academy soccer takes a developmental approach within the program, creating an impactful and motivating environment that both supports and challenges each individual player. With a progressive model that provides pre-season evaluations, a competitive cycle, and a post-season review and preparation process, IMG Academy soccer is the ideal environment for motivated student-athletes seeking to reach the next level. Learn more about the program below.