The Fairfield University women’s soccer coaching staff had a successful showing at the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) State Cup, with head coach Jim O’Brien and assistant coaches Laura Duncan and Rick Koczak leading their squads to their respective titles.

O’Brien, in his first year at the helm of the U17 Connecticut United F.C., helped that squad to its first crown in five tries.  Duncan coached the U16 Yankee United, with co-coach Rudy Meredith (Yale), to the crown, in her second season, while Koczak led the U13 South Central Premier, also in his second season.

The three teams advance to the United Stated Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) Regional Championship tournament in Portland, Me., beginning June 28.  The teams will participate in-group play, with the top teams advancing to the semifinal stage.  The winner in each age group will advance to participate in the National Championship, held in late July.

The CJSA State Cup is a single-elimination tournament that is open to all premier level teams.  There are usually three or four rounds worth of games leading up to the champion being crowned.