SIOUX FALLS, SD - The Pike Township-based Indy Burn U-19 boys soccer club claimed its first-ever Region II title on Wednesday morning, defeating the Missouri-based Scott Gallagher club in the championship game, 1-0. Three current IUPUI players - Matt Guy, Tyler Keever and Yogi Snider - play for the Indy Burn squad, which is coached by former Jaguars Assistant Coach Isang Jacob.

With the win, the Burn earned a berth in the 2009 US Youth Soccer National Championships to be played July 21-26, at Citizens Bank Fields at Progin Park in Lancaster, Mass.. The Burn are the first Indiana U-19 team to advance to Nationals since 1988.

"It was unreal," Snider said. "We've always struggled at Regionals, but we knew we had the talent to get through. Finally, we were able to do it.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game since we only had two subs, but we were able to get a late goal and hold on."

Snider assisted Matt Hedges for the game-winning goal on Wednesday, bending a corner kick into the box where the striker put it away. Keever, IUPUI's starting goalkeeper last season, collected a shutout in goal and was the Burn's starter in both the Regional semifinals and finals.

Snider scored the game-winning goal in a 2-0 win over Omaha FC on Tuesday while Keever netted a score from a midfield position in a lopsided 6-1 win over South Dakota United Manchester on Saturday in pool play.

"This week has been a stepping stone for me, coming off having an injury," Snider said. "I've been playing about 65 to 70 minutes a game and I think I've shown I'm back in shape.

"Tyler got the shutout today and has been playing well all week and so has Matt Guy. (Coach) Jacob told us it's important to celebrate this, but our job is not done yet."

For more coverage, go to the Region II website