NEW YORK - For the second time in three years, midfielder Kofi Agyapong ('15CC) and the Crew Juniors win the James P. McGuire Cup to become the 2012 US Youth Soccer National Champions. On Saturday, July 28 the Crew Juniors defeated the GSA Phoenix Red 2-1, in the championship match of the 2012 US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, presented by the National Guard at Manchester Meadows, in Rock Hill, S.C.

Recap: Crew Juniors take second McGuire Cup title

"For me, winning the McGuire Cup is for my family, friends, teammates, and all of those who helped in someway to make me a better soccer player and person, " said Agyapong

The Under-19 Boys James P. McGuire Cup is the oldest trophy in youth sports dating back to 1935 with the inaugural youth championships and played annually except during World War II. Officially known as the United States Soccer Federation National Junior Challenge Cup, the competition was renamed the James P. McGuire Junior Champion Cup in 1975, after the late United States Soccer Federation President. He played for the Brooklyn Wanderers in 1929, and later joined the Brooklyn St. Mary's Celtics who with McGuire at centre half won the U.S. Open Cup. James McGuire also served on World Cup and various other FIFA committees, and earned an international reputation as an excellent soccer administrator and leader.

Agyapong has assembled stellar performances throughout the summer making his second All-Tournament team in two weeks. Last weekend, the midfielder was named to the USL Super-20 League All-Tournament team following a runner-up finish.

"I would like to thank my family for all their support, my Columbus Crew teammates, and friends who never stopped cheering me on, " said Agyapong.