2026-08-26, 09:45 PM - Word count:
The 25th edition of the SSL Cup saw Celtic have their best performance in the tournament to date. Because Celtic finished 5th in the s24 D1 table, they were given a bye to the round of 16 and were placed in the bottom, half of the braket
Round of 16
0 vs. 
2
Celtic started their run with a match against a team that finished 5th in the Minors D2 standings in s24 and made quick work of Cairo City. Celtic was a dominate force, significantly out shooting the opponent 18-6. This is the type of game that instill confidence in the players and organization in the belief that can can win the SSL Cup. As the tournament goes on the games will get tougher, so having that confidence is a huge plus
Quarterfinals
3 vs. 4 (a.e.t)
This was a much tougher test for Celtic as they had to play against their own minor affiliate. Even though Rova finished 5th in the s24 Minors D1 table, they put up one hell of a fight against their majors counterpart. Both teams were about equal statically in this one and it's no question why it had to go to extra time. Rova has a 2-1 lead at halftime, but Celtic tied it up in the 78th minute. 2 goals in 7 minutes from Celtic gave them a 4-2 advantage. While Rova got to within 1 goal, they could get closer and Celtic held on for a hard fought win. Celtic needed a grind it out type win as it's not getting any easier with 2 rounds left
Semifinals
4 vs. 
2
I know Romana finished 4th in the Majors D2 standings in s24, but I was expecting them to put up more of a fight. Instead Celtic once again had a dominant performance. To be fair Romana they did put up a fight in the first half and trailed 1-2 at halftime and they tied it at 2 early in the 2nd half. Celtic did pull away later in the 2nd half and just cruised to the win. The run continues and they have a chance to capture their first SSL Cup in their young history as the team has been in the league for 3 seasons by this point
Final
5 vs. 3 (a.e.t)
This is the final stop and Celtic had to play the team that won the Mjaors D1 title in s24. Despite USP having the advantage in the stats, Celtic put up one hell of a fight and made USP work for the SSL Cup. Celtic was leading 2-1 at halftime in this game, but USP scored 2 unanswered in the 2nd half to take a 3-2 lead. An own goal allowed Cetlic to equalize and force the game to extra time. USP scored 2 goals in 5 minutes and Celtic just couldn't find any answer and they lost the Cup. Still this was an amazing run from a team that was competing in the Majors D2 for the season. Now that the team has reached the final, the next thing to do is hoist the trophy
Round of 16
0 vs. 2Celtic started their run with a match against a team that finished 5th in the Minors D2 standings in s24 and made quick work of Cairo City. Celtic was a dominate force, significantly out shooting the opponent 18-6. This is the type of game that instill confidence in the players and organization in the belief that can can win the SSL Cup. As the tournament goes on the games will get tougher, so having that confidence is a huge plus
Quarterfinals
3 vs. 4 (a.e.t)This was a much tougher test for Celtic as they had to play against their own minor affiliate. Even though Rova finished 5th in the s24 Minors D1 table, they put up one hell of a fight against their majors counterpart. Both teams were about equal statically in this one and it's no question why it had to go to extra time. Rova has a 2-1 lead at halftime, but Celtic tied it up in the 78th minute. 2 goals in 7 minutes from Celtic gave them a 4-2 advantage. While Rova got to within 1 goal, they could get closer and Celtic held on for a hard fought win. Celtic needed a grind it out type win as it's not getting any easier with 2 rounds left
Semifinals
4 vs. 2I know Romana finished 4th in the Majors D2 standings in s24, but I was expecting them to put up more of a fight. Instead Celtic once again had a dominant performance. To be fair Romana they did put up a fight in the first half and trailed 1-2 at halftime and they tied it at 2 early in the 2nd half. Celtic did pull away later in the 2nd half and just cruised to the win. The run continues and they have a chance to capture their first SSL Cup in their young history as the team has been in the league for 3 seasons by this point
Final
5 vs. 3 (a.e.t)This is the final stop and Celtic had to play the team that won the Mjaors D1 title in s24. Despite USP having the advantage in the stats, Celtic put up one hell of a fight and made USP work for the SSL Cup. Celtic was leading 2-1 at halftime in this game, but USP scored 2 unanswered in the 2nd half to take a 3-2 lead. An own goal allowed Cetlic to equalize and force the game to extra time. USP scored 2 goals in 5 minutes and Celtic just couldn't find any answer and they lost the Cup. Still this was an amazing run from a team that was competing in the Majors D2 for the season. Now that the team has reached the final, the next thing to do is hoist the trophy
