Youth soccer | Piedmont 2014 Girls make club history with promotion to National Premier League

Backrow: Coach Matt Spencer-Harty. Front row from left: Athena Lee, Anna Khrabrova, Audrey Frantz, Ava Gonzales, Zoe Tang, Livia Bennett, Saya Lal, Arianna Algarate, Eloise McDowell, Clara Tran, Fia Sims.

The Piedmont Soccer Club (PSC) 2014 Girls Purple capped off a landmark season with a 2–0 win over Revolution FC, closing Fall 2025 with both strong results and a place in club history. The team finished second in Pre-National Premier League (NPL) and, in the process, became the first team in Piedmont Soccer Club history to compete at the NPL 1 level — the highest statewide competitive tier for their age group.

For a team that has focused on steady development over several years, the achievement represents a significant milestone.

The group’s upward trajectory began last year, when they captured the Fall League Gold title, earning advancement into the East Bay Premier bracket. Their performance validated the team’s potential and led to promotion into Pre-NPL, where they spent this season competing against some of the strongest U12 female teams in Northern California.

Their second-place finish not only secured an NPL 1 placement for Spring 2026 but also boosted their standing heading into State Cup. The team enters the final stages of the competition seeded #6 in NorCal, with an opportunity to reach the top 16 for the second consecutive year.

PSC Director of Coaching Dan Chubbock praised the group’s achievements. “The 2014 Girls Purple under Coach Matt have had another outstanding season,” he said. “They stepped up a division, which they knew was going to be a challenge, and not only did they compete — they ended up second! The girls are extremely hard workers and play some excellent soccer. They demonstrate what it means to be a Highlander, and we are so proud of their continued success.”

The roster draws players from several schools across Piedmont, Alameda, Berkeley, Oakland, and San Leandro yet the group’s chemistry has become one of its defining strengths. The 11-member PSC 2014 Girls Purple team features a balanced mix of talent across the field: Anna Khrabrova (Forward); Arianna Algarate (Defense); Athena Lee (Defense); Audrey Frantz (Midfield); Clara Tran (Midfield/Forward); Eloise McDowell (Midfield/Defense); Fia Sims (Forward); Zoe Tang (Midfield/Defense); Livia Bennett (Goalkeeper); and Team Captains Ava Gonzales (Midfield) &  Saya Lal (Midfield/Defense).

Coach Matt Spencer-Harty credited the team’s success to their collective mindset and their willingness to embrace a demanding style of play. “I’m incredibly proud of this 2014 group. Finishing second in NPL and earning promotion to NPL 1 is an exceptional accomplishment, especially for a team that, on paper, isn’t always the most physically imposing or naturally standout team. What has always set these girls apart is their collective commitment, the hours of work they’ve put in, their willingness to be coached, and their belief in a true possession-based, intelligent style of football.”

“We’ve built our success on structure, teamwork, and identity. These players bought into a demanding game model that requires bravery on the ball, patience, movement, and complete trust in one another. They’ve embraced building through the thirds, understanding positional rotations, and controlling games through disciplined possession.”

With the State Cup entering its decisive rounds, the team’s focus now turns to building on their momentum. A second straight appearance in the top 16 remains within reach, and the team is eager for the opportunity.

Regardless of the final result, the season stands as a historic one for PSC — and for a young team that continues to set new standards for itself.

Spencer-Harty will soon step into a new role at Piedmont High School (PHS) as head coach. “My goal is to bring that same tactical clarity, attention to detail, and footballing identity to the program,” he said. “If we can bring the same mentality, unity, and commitment that this 2014 group has modeled so consistently, I truly believe we can build something special at PHS as well.”

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