The Crossfire Premier’s Boys 18U soccer team advanced to the national championship game on July 17 against Vardar, a team from Michigan.

The US Soccer Development Academy team lost the game 3-1.

It was the first time the team, based in Redmond and featuring defender Jordan Zogg of Kirkland, had moved past the playoff round and into the finals. They ended group play with a 2-1 record.

The team started off with a 1-0 loss to FC Dallas, but beat CASL Chelsea from North Carolina 1-0 and then beat Michigan’s Derby County Wolves 2-0.

The team, which is one of two national development teams in the state, competes at the national level from September through March, taking a break for the spring boys soccer season, before the playoffs begin.

James said the team takes an average of 10 flights a year, with the finals being held at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles.