US Youth Soccer Great Lakes Conference Recap: March 13-14, 2021

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The US Youth Soccer Great Lakes Conference continued to progress smoothly this past weekend, with 29 games played across 19 divisions.

The 14U Boys Premier I Division included four games played over two days, hosted by Arsenal FC of Pittsburgh at the No Offseason complex in Russellton, Pa.

Team Challenger FC B07 Black (OH-N) and Arsenal FC of Pittsburgh 2007B Premier (PA-W) kicked off the weekend on Saturday afternoon with a 0-0 draw, followed by a 3-0 win for Pennine Utd B07 White (OH-N) over Century 2007 Gold (PA-W).

The following morning saw Century 2007 Gold (PA-W) get its first win of the season, a 1-0 result over Team Challenger FC B07 Black (OH-N). The weekend concluded with Pennine Utd B07 White (OH-N) making it two wins from two games with a 4-2 victory over Arsenal FC of Pittsburgh 2007B Premier (PA-W).

“Development at this age takes patience, and the team continues to grow and figure out how to be effective offensively and defensively,” said Pennine United coach Mike McLaughlin. “This weekend was a nice testament to all the work that’s been put in these winter months. We defended well and were able to take advantage of our opportunities.”

The Club vs. Club Divisions saw plenty of action over the weekend, as well, with the girls divisions getting underway. Kings Hammer Academy (KY) and Total Futbol Academy (OH-S) kicked off their series of games on Saturday in the 15U-17U age groups, with TFA G05 Elite (OH-S) defeating KHA G05 Red (KY) in the early game, and KHA G06 Red (KY) and KHA G04 Red (KY) winning their games in the afternoon.

• KHA G06 Red (KY) won, 4-3
• TFA G05 Elite (OH-S) won, 1-0
• KHA G04 Red (KY) won, 6-2

Century United (PA-W) traveled south to Cincinnati United (OH-S), where each club began its season in the Girls Club vs. Club Divisions. Cincinnati United won all four games across the 15U-18U age groups. CUP 06 Gold (OH-S) got a narrow 2-1 victory over Century V – Steel G2006 Blue (PA-W), while CUP 05 Gold (OH-S) saw off Century V – Steel G2005 Fury (PA-W).

This was followed by CUP 03 NL (OH-S) defeating Century 03 Gold (PA-W), and CUP 04 Gold (OH-S) defeated Century V – Steel G2004 Fire (PA-W) later in the afternoon. CUP 06 Gold’s win came on the back of them winning the National League Playoffs in North Carolina, where they punched their ticket to the 2021 USYS National Championships.

• CUP 06 Gold (OH-S) won, 2-1
• CUP 05 Gold (OH-S) won, 5-1
• CUP 04 Gold (OH-S) won, 5-1
• CUP 03 NL (OH-S) won, 5-0

“The games were very competitive, and we were happy with our players’ performances and results,” said Scott Rodgers of Cincinnati United. “Credit to US Youth Soccer, as all four teams received meaningful games at [the USYS National League Showcase & Playoffs in North Carolina], which were key to our preparation for the start of the Great Lakes Conference Club vs. Club season.”

To follow the Great Lakes Conference results and standings, click here.

Click here for more information on the Great Lakes Conference. For more information on all of the National League Conferences, the National League Showcase Series, and the National League Playoffs, click here.