DURHAM, N.C. – Coming off scoring three goals and leading her FC Pennsylvania Strikers to the U.S. Youth Soccer U-18 National Championship on Sunday, Duke University incoming freshman Cassie Pecht was named the winner of the Golden Ball Award as the top player in the U-18 division. 

The Golden Ball Award is presented to the players in each division who have the greatest competitive impact in the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships.

A product of Mechanicsburg, Pa., Pecht ranked second in the U-18 division with three goals as the Strikers scored a total of 14 goals and allowed only two.  In the finals on Sunday, the FC Strikers downed Brentwood 94 Premier, 6-0.

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