Missouri sent teams in every age group this weekend and I’ve been doing my best to stay up-to-date on their efforts across the board. That means four games Saturday and Sunday, and I even caught most of the Des Moines Menace game on Saturday. They hosted the Thunder Bay Chill with 4100 in attendance, winning 5-2. What a show that was!
U13 Girls - Molly Brewer is playing with the St Louis SC and the girls have not given up a goal in their two games to-date. I’ve got pictures from today’s 3-0 win that included a goal by Molly. She was sent into the right side of the box and got around two defenders before she slipped a left-footed shot to the near post as the keeper was frozen. They play the Internationals (OH) Monday, another team with a pair of wins. The winner will advance to semifinal play.
15 Boys - Skyler Russell and his Gallagher teammates had a tough opener, losing 0-3 to the Chicago Magic. They shook it off and came out strong in this mornings 8am game. I arrived with 10 min remaining in the 1st half and it was 0-0 and both teams were having a difficult time creating. Skyler came on early in the second on the left half and things picked up almost immediately as he was able to reliably move the ball down the wing in concert with his teammates. The first goal was scored from a corner kick he earned while he got the second. His anticipation allowed him to come forward and pick up a ball off a challenge. His run into the box drew defenders, the initial shot from his square ball at the top of the box was blocked but he buried the rebound. Pictures forthcoming.
They face FC Pride (IN) Monday at 4:00 pm. Pride lead the group with a 2-0 record and +6 goal differential so the challenge will be great.
U17 Girls - Chealsey Russell, the Southwest Region Player of the Year, has central defensive responsibilities with her St Louis SC squad, National Champions as U15’s. I’ve seen both early games, both textbook examples of how to score goals. Wins of 5-1 over Ohio Eclipse and 6-1 over Louisville Mockingbird send them to the final group game well-positioned. The Sockers (IL) split their two early games. Photos will be added later.
U18 Boys - Tyler Williams is still suffering from a late season injury that kept him from playing in State Cup. His Scott Gallagher teammates, defending Regional Champions, opened with a hard fought 1-0 win over KC FC Alliance on Saturday. Today’s game against Cincinnati United Premier (CUP) was a 1-2 loss. Their game Monday is against group leaders, the Chicago Wind, who won both games and have a +2 goal differential. I think Gallagher must win by two and CUP would have to lose or win by less then two for the boys to advance.
A shout out to some of the Regional college coaches - Jesse Miech of Missouri State, Ryan Swan of Drury, Chad Flanders of Central Arkansas (UCA), Joe Burger of Drake, Jefferson and Lincoln Roblee of William Jewell and Benedictine respectively have all been regular visitors for the SSC games. I even met Chris Brunt this afternoon, former SMSU/MSU and Minnesota Thunder (USL) player who is now working as a coach. And who can name the coach in the photo?
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