US Youth Soccer Great Lakes Conference Weekend Recap: October 10-11

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The US Youth Soccer Great Lakes Conference continued the fall 2020 season this past weekend, with a total of 13 games being played a crossed five different State Associations.

As the season creeps closer to its conclusion, teams are working to solidify themselves toward the top of the table in hopes of maintaining a place in the Premier I Division for the spring 2021 season.

In the 14U Girls Premier I Division, four games between four clubs took place at Trinity Sports Park in Noblesville, Ind. On Saturday, Indy Premier SC (IN) got off to a hot start with a 3-0 victory over Cleveland Force SC (OH-N). The win put Indy Premier in first place with 15 points. Team Challenger FC North (OH-N) was also able to secure a win on Saturday, as it defeated United Elite FC (IN) by a score of 3-1.

On Sunday, the matchups flipped with Cleveland Force SC taking on United Elite FC, and Indy Premier SC lined up against Team Challenger FC North. United Elite FC earned a 4-3 victory in its Sunday contest. Meanwhile, Indy Premier saw its unbeaten streak end after seven games, it dropped a close game to Team Challenger, 1-0.

Team Challenger Coach Matt Kutner mentioned that his players had to step up and lead, but he also believes that trust and confidence played a big role in his team’s win.

“We’ve spent a lot of time focusing on the trust that they need to have in each other, and to not pass up your chance when it comes,” Kutner said. “I think that trust and confidence is starting to come through and is reflective of the weekend as a whole — four goals scored and four different scorers.”

Kutner said that the game against Indy Premier was just one example of the level of play that is present each time teams take the field in the Great Lakes Conference.

“Anyone can beat anyone in this division, it’s a testament to the quality of the competition,” Kutner said. “[Indy Premier] are a quality team and it was truly a 70-minute battle back and forth.”

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.