Tag Archives: Midwest Regional League

Springfield SC Win Opening Match

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Springfield SC 94/95 at Region 2 Championships

Springfield SC 94/95 at Region 2 Championships by JT Adams

Springfield SC - 2
Waukesha Pumas (WI) – 0
A pair of goals in the first half held up for the win in their first Regional game. Goals were scored by Jakob Neidig (Ozark) from Dallas Moses (Catholic) free kick and by Evan Craig (Catholic) from Mitch Moncada’s (Catholic) assist.

The boys will play against Galaxy (IL) on Sunday. Galaxy is the 12th ranked team in Region 2 and they defeated the #5 ranked Everest Black (OH) squad 1-0 this morning. SSC faced the Galaxy May 7th in Muscatine IA. The Galaxy won that game 2-1 enroute to a 1st finish in the Midwest Regional League Premier Blue Division with a 6-1-0 record. Springfield SC finished 3-3-1, finishing 4th. Galaxy’s one loss was to Vardar (MI) in their opening match April 8th. SSC defeated Vardar 2-0 two weeks later at a game in Rockford.

Looking at scenarios (is it ever too early?) would indicate that a tie Sunday and a win over Galaxy could put the boys through to the semifinals. Goal differential would be the key then, a dangerous place but a better alternative then a loss but the same scenario holds true for the Galaxy, a Chicago-area squad that made it to Regionals as a wildcard choice following their 3rd place finish in the MRL.

U17 Girls St. Louis Scott Gallagher – 4
Lexington FC 94 Premier (KY) – 0
Molly Brewer and her teammates had a strong opening game. They face off against the MN Thunder squad tomorrow. The Thunder won 1-0 over Cincinnati United (also known as CUSA).

U18 Girls St. Louis Scott Gallagher –
Carmel United Elite 93 (IN) –
4pm game

Springfield SC 94/95 Earn 2nd Season In Midwest Regional League Premier Division

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Nic Bauer, Springfield SC 94/95 (Glendale 2013)

Nic Bauer, Springfield SC 94/95 (Glendale 2013)

The Springfield Soccer Club hosted the Blue Valley SC (KS) this afternoon at the Greenwood Stadium field at the Cooper Soccer Complex. The final game of the regular season, the local boys needed a win or a tie to ensure they would remain in the top-flight of the Midwest Regional League for a second straight season. They ensured that with a shutout win today.

Springfield SC 94/95 - 1
Blue Valley SC – 0
The game was scoreless at halftime with limited opportunities as the teams played conservatively and controlled. That changed in the second half as both teams came out in a more aggressive attacking mode. SSC came close in the first five minutes when Nic Bauer (pictured) snapped off a quick shot from close range that the keeper was able to push over the crossbar. Soon after, a simple ball to the left side sent Bauer deep into the offensive end where he was able to beat his defender on the endline and move towards the box. As the defenders converged, his square ball was touched and redirected through the six yard box by his teammate ?. As the ball rolled across the face of the goal, all the BVSC GK could do was watch as Andrew Schenk (Nixa 2013) ran onto the ball and buried it at the far post for the game-winner.

The result was not ensured as BVSC pushed forward and were especially dangerous on set pieces but GK Evan Loyd (Greenwood 2013) was up to the challenge as was his defense.

The team, who are ranked 1st in Missouri in their age group, are ranked 21st in Region II. They advance along with the Eclipse Select (IL) who are ranked #4 in Region II and reached Regionals last year, Galaxy Blue (IL), MN Thunder Academy 95 Blue (MN) who were State Champions and Regional Finalists as well as Madison FC Gold (WI) who were State Champions, in the top flight next year.

The final challenge this season will be to take their ranking into the Missouri State Cup, scheduled for June 11-15, and win only the 3rd State Championship for a team from this region. They would join the SSC 90/91 squad that won two titles and included Devon Newport and Graham Basecke (SLU), Ryan Moses (Missouri State) and Ian Kennedy and Ryan Squires (Wm Jewell) among others.
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Springfield SC will be holding Tryouts June 20-22 this year.
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Springfield Soccer Photos

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Springfield SC Hosts Midwest Regional League Games

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MRL 9596: Tucker Brown, Springfield SC ((Logan Rogersville 2015) rises high

MRL 9596: Tucker Brown, Springfield SC ((Logan Rogersville 2015) rises high

UPDATED with game reports, photos and video – As the High School season comes to a close, so is the Club season. There are effectively three levels of competition now in the US with the highest level being the US Soccer Development Academies such as the JR Sporting KC program in KC. The next level are Regional Leagues such as the Midwest Regional League that is invitation-only, and has a promotion/relegation model similar to the English Premier League. Springfield SC is represented in the Premier level in the U16 age group and also has several teams that play in the First Division.

Teams that compete in the MRL are eligible to compete in State Cup Tournaments (unlike US Development Academy teams) and the League is seen as the primary method for preparing teams to pursue success in the State Cup – Regional Championship – National Championship competitions.

This weekend the U15 Boys (95/96) will be hosting three teams for their final weekend of games in the MRL 1st Division Blue West group. Here are the current standings. The Top two teams are promoted to the Premier Division next season.

Team | Wins – Losses – Draws | Points
St Louis Scott Gallagher Elite (MO) | 5 – 0 – 2 |17
Campton United Navy (IL) | 4 – 1 - 1 |13 (one game remains)
Springfield SC 95/96 I (MO) | 3 – 0 – 4 | 13
KCFC Celtics 95/96 (KS) | 3 - 4 – 0 | 9
St Louis Scott Gallagher Premier (MO) | 3 – 1 – 3 | 12
KC Legends World Cup 1 (KS) | 1 – 4 – 2 | 5
Kansas City Premier 95/96 Boys (KS) | 1 – 4 – 2 | 5
Inter FC (IL) | 0 – 6 – 0 | 0 (one game remains)

5/14/2011
St Louis Scott Gallagher Premier (MO) – 1
Springfield SC 95/96 I (MO) – 1

5/14/2011 Kansas City Premier 95/96 Boys (KS) lost to St Louis Scott Gallagher Elite (MO)

5/15/2011
St Louis Scott Gallagher Elite (MO) – 2
Springfield SC 95/96 I (MO) – 2
With an opportunity to earn promotion to the Premier Division with a win, the boys took the lead in the 5th minute via a penalty kick. The early game opened up play as Gallagher needed a tie to ensure promotion while SSC needed the win. Midway through the second half, forward Mark Segbers (Vianney 2014) was fouled in the box which led to a tying PK, well taken by Jacob Erwin (St Francis Borgia 2014). More important was when on the ensuing restart, Gallagher quickly regained control and Erwin’s run down the left took him straight into the box, allowing him to score from the edge of the 6 yard box less than a minute later, giving Gallagher the lead.

The boys were able to tie the game (see video below) despite significant off-field challenges but it wouldn’t be enough to gain promotion to the Premier Division.

Kansas City Premier 95/96 Boys (KS) lost to St Louis Scott Gallagher Premier (MO)

Kansas City Premier 95/96 Boys (KS) – 0
Springfield SC 95/96 I (MO) – 0
A game with no impact on the standings following the mornings tie against Gallagher, the local boys were unable to generate enough interest in their perfomance to achieve anything more than a scoreless tie.
PHOTO GALLERY

All of the games are being played on the Greenwood Stadium Field at the Cooper Soccer Complex. Come see some of the best 15 year olds (freshman and sophomores) in the region. The photo is from 3 years ago, of current U16 players.
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Springfield Soccer Photos

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Midwest Regional League – Springfield SC U17 Fall To KC Blaze

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Jackson Patillo (Willard 2011) battles KC Blaze (red)

Jackson Patillo (Willard 2011) battles KC Blaze (red)

Springfield SC – 1
KC Blaze Velocity – 2
In the final weekend of play for the MRL First Division, the local boys fell to the KC squad that is currently in the middle of the table with them. After a scoreless first half, the Blaze got a pair of goals in 10 minutes early in the second half from Conner Parrish (St Pius X) to gain the lead on the hosts. Springfield pushed up and scored a goal midway through the second half, by Austin Hart (Glendale) as he collected a loose ball in the box following a throw-in and dribbled across the face of the six yard box before slipping it inside the far upright. The team was unable to get a tying goal and only avoided a larger margin due a pair of quality saves by goalkeeper Levi Millsap (Catholic).

The team is made up of boys from Glendale, Kickapoo, Catholic, Carthage, Joplin, New Covenant, Marshfield, Willard from the names I recognize. Coached by Mike Seabolt (Missouri State), the league is invitation only and offers a high level of competition against teams from Chicago, St Louis, Kansas City and Springfield, IL.

There are three more games on Sunday for anyone interested in seeing the level of play, all at Cooper Soccer Complex at Lake Country Soccer.
9:00 am – KC Blaze Velocity (MO) vs Lou Fusz-Red (MO)
9:00 am – Springfield SC 92/93 (MO) vs KC Fusion Dowling (KS)
2:00 pm – Springfield SC 92/93 (MO) vs Lou Fusz-Red (MO)

The games against Lou Fusz are always entertaining, considering a 2pm afternoon in the beautiful weather.

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Springfield Soccer Club U15′s Go Undefeated In Midwest Regional League

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Springfield SC U15 - 2010 MRL 1st Division Champions

Springfield SC U15 - 2010 MRL 1st Division Champions

This past weekend saw 3 Springfield SC teams travel to Overland Park, KS to play games in the Midwest Regional League (MRL). The 15I, 16, and 17 boy’s teams all currently play in the First Division. The weather was perfect for playing soccer. The 17 boys played their first game of the year against Springfield Fire (IL) and came away with a 4-1 victory. That’s a great way to start things off! The 16 boys played twice and came awaywith a split weekend. On Saturday they defeated KCFC (KS) 3-2 on a great goal right at the end of the game. Sunday saw things go the other way with a 2-1 loss to Omaha FC (NE). They played very well and were unlucky not to get 2 wins on the weekend.

The 15I boys played their last 3 games of the season. On Saturday they defeated NFC Qdoba (NE) 3-1 in the morning followed by a 4-0 win over Kansas City United (KS). Sunday saw the boys go up against the Kansas Rush (KS) and come away with a 5-0 win. That win put the boys at 6-0 on the season and a lock for first place. This marks only the 2nd time that a Springfield SC team has won the MRL First Division. This time around it also means that they are automatically promoted to the MRL Premier Division. In their six games, the boys scored 21 goals and while only giving up 2.

This is the 2nd team in SSC history to participate in the Premier Division, the other being the SSC 90/91 boys who went on to win the Premier League once in their two years as well as winning two State Championships in their age group.

“It’s a fantastic moment to win any league. It makes it even better that this time it is the Midwest Regional League and the boys are promoted into the Premier Division where every game will feel like a State Cup game. It feels wonderful to have Springfield SC once again represented among the elite. It speaks volumes to the work the boys have put in over the past months and years. We can enjoy this for a bit, before we get back into it and prepare for State Cup,” commented Eric Sorlie, Director of Soccer Operations. “I’m also looking forward to watching the other teams finish their MRL season on a strong note as there is still a lot to play for in both divisions”

Bottom Row L to R: Evan Loyd (Greenwood), James Straus (Catholic), Jesse Bihlmeyer (Nixa), Evan Craig (Catholic), Dallas Moses (Pershing Middle School), Turner Adams (Kickapoo), Matt Call (Glendale),

Middle Row: Aaron Strunk (Kickapoo)

Top Row L to R: Evan Garrad (Glendale), Hunter Durham (Kickapoo), Chase Grubb (Kickapoo), Josh McCutcheon (Kickapoo), Andrew Schenck (Nixa), Elliot Williams (Kickapoo), Braedyn Mitchell (Clever), Jakob Neidig (Ozark), Mitchell Moncada (Catholic), Head Coach Eric Sorlie

The photos below are from a game September 2008, the first season the boys played in the Midwest Regional League

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Springfield SC Begins Spring Midwest Regional League Play

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Eric Sorlie, Springfield SC

Eric Sorlie, Springfield SC

As the photo of Springfield SC Director Eric Sorlie shows, the weather may not have been cooperating but that didn’t stop most of the play throughout the region this weekend. The club has 3 teams competing in the league this year, all in the First Division.

For some background, the Midwest Regional League is an extension of elite team competition for US Youth Soccer affiliated teams in each Region II State Association (13 states). The top teams from State Associations qualify to participate in the regional league. The MRL, in conjunction with each State Association, provides the opportunity for top teams to enter the highest level of competition in youth soccer outside of the USSF Development Academy program.

With games on Saturday and Sunday this weekend, here are the results:

Springfield SC 94/95 I (MO) – 3
SLSG Blue-Kavanaugh (MO) – 1
After giving up a goal midway through the first half, the boys tied the game within two minutes before getting two more goals for the win in a cold drizzle at the Gallagher facility in Creve Coeur.

Springfield SC 94/95 I (MO) – 3
SLSG Illinois-Blue (IL) – 0

The 94/95 boys, primarily High School freshman, compete in the First Division, Blue West against Eclipse Select North 94-95 (IL), Kansas City United 94/95 (KS), Kansas Rush Nike (KS) and NFC Qdoba (NE) as well as the two Gallagher teams they played this weekend. You can follow their efforts here.

Springfield SC 93/94 (MO) – 1
MSA Armory (IN) – 0
A goal in the first half by Luke Strauss is enough to open the season with a win

Springfield SC 93/94 (MO) – 0
Rockford Raptors (IL) – 1
A defensive breakdown midway through the second half allows Rockford to get past Springfield SC. Goal scored by ODP National pool player Victor Zamora. SSC played well throughout the match but were unable to connect for a goal.

The 93/94 boys, primarily High School sophomores, compete in the First Division, White West against FC United Select (IL), KCFC United (KS), Omaha FC Elite 1 93/94 (NE) and St Louis Scott Gallagher Premiere (MO) as well as the two Region II foes they faced this weekend. The seasons results are available here.

The weather did lead to cancellations for the Boys U-17 First Division West White games at Mueller Field in St Louis, which were rained out. The other games were played on artificial surfaces in the St Louis area, including SLUH and the St Louis Scott Gallagher SC facilities.

By the way, Coach Sorlie and his wife Timaree are expecting their second child any day, stay on the lookout for that announcement.

Midwest Regional League Games In Springfield MO

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The Midwest Regional League (MRL), who’s mission is to provide the highest standard of competitive play for youth teams in US Youth Soccer Region II (the Midwest Region) and to assure the continued growth and development of elite level players, brought the Boys U-16 First Division West Red to town. Hosted by Springfield SC, the games are being played at Plaster Sports Complex at Missouri State University.

The Springfield SC squad is essentially a HS sophomore select squad that currently sits in 2nd place. First place is currently held by Lou Fusz Kaver which is coached by recent Missouri State graduate Andy Cooper, pictured in blue below before the start of their game this morning.

Pictures can be purchased here.

    Saturday May 2, 2009

Euro Premier – 1
KCFC Alliance – 1

MRL Soccer: Springfield SC hosts FC UnitedFC United (North suburbs, Chicago) – 1
Springfield Soccer Club – 1
SSC took an early lead on a corner kick in the 11th minute. The corner kick was knocked out by FC United but Taylor Arens collected it and put it back in. Alec Martinez (Glendale) took the high ball off his chest, settled it in front and was allowed to make a run into the box where he buried his shot to the far side. Unfortunately for the home side, United came back 4 minutes later on a wonderful goal by Miguel Cortez. The striker (#18) caused problems throughout the game with his tricky play and he made them pay this time. He made a run down the right before being able to cut inside and shake his defender before scoring against the run of play.

While SSC had the majority of play in the first half, it was United that came out and established the tempo in the second. Except for a goal line clearance by Joe Curti (#20) for SSC, there would have been no point from this game. SSC had two good opportunities, one in the first with Martinez missing an open header from a set piece that found him unmarked at the back post. In the 2nd, a square ball through the six yard box, after an excellent individual effort by #8 on the left side, somehow went through untouched.

MRL Soccer: U16 Lou Fusz Cooper vs Euro PremierEuro Premier – 0
LF Kaver – 1
Lou Fusz came out strong to start the game, getting a goal in the 4th minute from forward Brett Steer (#19) who received a long ball from the right side and put it down confidently before being allowed to make a run into the box. He touched the ball wide of the on-rushing keeper to give the current leaders an early lead.

Hoffman United – 5
LouFusz Red – 1

FC United – 2
KCFC Alliance Blues – 1

Hoffman United – 0
Springfield SC – 0

    Sunday May 3, 2009

10am KCFC vs. LF Kaver

Springfield SC – 1
Lou Fusz Red – 0

Euro Premier – Northwest Chicago

Springfield SC U18 Boys Open Midwest Regional League Season With 3 Shut Outs

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With April showers comes the start of Midwest Regional League (MRL) play for the 2-time defending state Champion Springfield SC U18 boys squad. The boys will face three familiar foes this weekend in St Louis, and I hope to see one or more of the games while also enjoying Easter weekend with Mom.

MRL Soccer: U18 Premier - Springfield SC vs Chicago Sockers

Sockers FC Chicago U18 (IL) – 0
Springfield SC 90/91 (MO) – 3
Sunday saw the third straight shut-out for SSC as they defeated the Sockers through the air, on a fine run and finish (pictured above) and from the penalty spot. The first goal was scored by Ryan Moses as he rose above the defense to nod Tyler Bennett’s cross from the right side into the goal. That was in the 7th minute, shortly after Tim Griffin sent him in alone on goal and a shot that went just wide left. Late in the half, Devon Newport’s direct kick from 25 yards out went off the left upright but shortly afterwards, Griffin took it upon himself to expand the lead. Collecting a ball 40 yards out, he turned and beat his first defender. Continuing his run straight down the middle, with teammates making diagonal runs and calling for the ball, Griffin slid between two defenders as he ran into the box and calmly slotted his shot to the far side netting (pictured above) to make it 2-0.

SSC expanded their lead late in the 2nd half when Devon Newport was pulled down in the box. The PK was taken by Ryan Moses who buried it underneath the keepers diving attempt to stop the ball.

Saturday 3pm – Springfield SC 90/91 (MO) shut out their opponent, United 1996 International (KY) by the score of 2-0. Goals were scored by ?



Springfield SC 90/91 (MO) – 2
Fort Wayne Fever (IN) – 0
The boys look well prepared for their MRL season as the unspoken, and spoken, teamwork was working at a high pace this evening. Facing a familiar foe (I still remember that 1st game win against the Fever at the Region II tournament in Des Moines in 2007) they came out fast and hard. It led to a direct kick from 30 yards out in the 17th minute that was converted by Ryan Moses (SLU/Kickapoo) as shown in the video above. Ian Newport (SLU/Glendale) scored from the spot in the 61st minute for the final margin.

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A good weekend results-wise for the boys but I know Coach Cory Carr would have liked to see more. I’m going to dig into the USSF Academy program sometime in the next few weeks. This was not the same team I saw in June 2007 when the boys beat the Sockers 3-1 to get into the Regional semifinals, as the Sockers have moved many of them into the Academy team. And if the boys are going to go beyond the Regional semifinals this year, they can’t be pulling back now. I’ll have more photos, including a Socker’s album, later this evening. For now it’s time to go enjoy Easter with my family. Happy Easter to all!

All games are played at the new Scott Gallagher facility in Maryland Heights. Other scheduled games include:
United 1996 International (KY) v St Louis Scott Gallagher
Sockers FC Chicago U18 (IL) v St Louis Scott Gallagher
Fort Wayne Fever (IN) v St Louis Scott Gallagher

Springfield S.C. U15 Boys Represent At Midwest Regional League Playoffs

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PRESS RELEASE

Springfield Soccer ClubThe Springfield Soccer Club 92/93 I (U15) Boys team recently qualified for the Midwest Regional League (MRL) 1st Division Playoffs June 14-15, 2008 to be held at the Hallmark Convention and Sports Complex in Lowell, IN. The team finished with a record of 4-2-1, in 3rd place behind the Madison (WI) 56ers and KC Wizards Juniors.

The Midwest Regional League is the highest level of league play offered in the Midwest Region. Consisting of teams from the fourteen state associations that make up Region II, the MRL gives teams a quality league where each game is of a state cup level. The MRL is comprised of the Premier Division (U17, U18 Springfield S.C. teams compete in this level) where teams can compete for a wildcard entry into the Region II Championships June 20-25, 2008 held in Rockford, IL. Teams from the 1st Division compete for the opportunity to earn promotion to the Premier Division for the 2009 season through the MRL Playoffs.

“This is the third year in a row that the Springfield Soccer Club has had a team represented at the 1st Division Playoffs. This is quite a statement from our teams, to go and play against the best competition in the Midwest Region and do well. The attitude of these teams is that if you play in the MRL 1st Division you are expected to qualify for the MRL Playoffs and earn your way to the Premier Division.” said Jeremy Alumbaugh Director of Soccer Operations for the Springfield Soccer Club.

Teams in the Southwest Division of the MRL 1st Division consisted of; Blue Valley Stars SC (KS), Kansas City Wizards Juniors (KS), Madison 56ers (WI), Mequon SC (WI), Heartland SC (IA), St. Paul Blackhawks (MN), and Elm Grove Academy (WI). “The players and parents of this team have shown a high level of commitment to play in this league. There were some long weekends in Illinois and Wisconsin, but in the end the perseverance and training habits of this group have paid off. Everyone associated with the club is proud of this team.” said Alumbaugh.

Contact the Springfield Soccer Club Office at 417-832-1552 for more information.

Editors Note: The Midwest Regional Games I have seen over the past three years have only been exceeded by the Region II Tournament I attended last June in Des Moines (a facility that is probably under water right now). The competitive pressure is significant but that is what builds teams, as this article in the Globe Mail about current European Champions host Austria notes. I’ll provide updates as they arrive. Good luck boys, Represent!

Southwest Missouri Soccer Updates

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There has been lots happening, I’ve had a hard time keeping up quite frankly although I also try to balance how much I put on the site. What do you think? Need more or have I found a good balance? While you ponder that question (share your thoughts here) here’s the latest:

Carthage School Board Approves Girls Soccer for 2009

At least 30 girls had signed up to express an interest in the program, and most appeared to be on hand at the board meeting. “We support the proposal to add girls soccer,” he said. “Kids do better in school when they’re involved in activities. They do better in their studies and attendance, and they’re more likely to graduate.”

Reed after the meeting said that Carthage has had a boys soccer program since 1989. He said a first-year budget for the program will be between $20,000 and $25,000, a higher total the first year because of uniform purchases.

UPDATE – the Carthage Press chimes in with this additional tidbit

Carthage is entering the Central Ozark Conference (COC) next year and all but one school will have girls soccer – Webb City doesn’t have the sport and Republic will introduce it in the 2009-2010 school year.

In addition to soccer, the Ozark Tigers are out working to support hungry kids in Haiti.

Ozark Lady Tiger soccer players donated their time and energy on Thursday to help the Springfield organization Kids Against Hunger package food for children who are currently starving in the island nation of Haiti. The organization’s current goal is to package and send 100,000 meals to the children of Haiti.

Kickapoo Chiefs vs Ft Zumwalt West Jaguars - Class 3 QuarterfinalSkyler Russell (pictured – Kickapoo Chiefs) has been playing for the Scott Gallagher U16 US Academy team and they just returned from a Florida tournament where they faced off against the US U16 National Team, losing 1-0. The Academy is the highest level of play in the country, designed to provide a model similar to the International Clubs that develop youth players for their adult teams. It has also been designated as the way USSF will identify future National Team players.

Just down the road in Joplin, Max Duncan (Joplin) has been traveling North to play for the KC Wizards Juniors who have just been accepted into the USSF Academy program beginning next year. Max’s U16 squad currently plays in the Midwest Regional League, in the First Division that includes the Springfield SC squad.