Hollywood United Soccer in Final Four

It's been quite an inaugural campaign in the National Premier Soccer League for the Hitmen of the Hollywood United Football Club.

The team moved to the NPSL from the United Soccer League's Premier Development League in March and is now just two victories away from a championship, looking to become the fifth California side in six years and third straight to take the league title. 

Hollywood United defeated Santa Ana Winds 3-1 in its playoff opener July 9, then edged past defending champion Sacramento Gold, 1-0, one week later on a first-half goal by former Loyola Marymount midfielder Nick Blanco to claim the West Division title and earn a spot in the Final Four, starting Thursday in Madison, Alabama.

Thursday's first semifinal pits Hollywood United (13-2-1) against the Milwaukee Bavarians (8-2-2), while Jacksonville United (6-4-0) will take on the Erie Admirals (11-1-1) in the second semifinal. The two winners advance to Saturday night's championship game at Madison City High School while the losers play for third place Friday.  

Coached by former Los Angeles Galaxy striker Jose Botello and under the guidance of general manager Jason Mathot, the Hitmen finished first in the Northwest Conference and played teams from Lancaster, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Ana, Santa Rosa and Ventura County, including the last two NPSL national champions, Sonoma County Sol (2009) and Gold (2010).

The Hitmen were formed in 2009 and previously competed in the PDL, where they were the Southwest Division champions in their inaugural season and were runner-ups last season before losing to eventual national champion Portland in the playoffs.

The Hitmen are coached by former Los Angeles Galaxy striker Jose Botello and include former Chivas USA winger Brent Whitfield.