FRISCO, Texas (Nov. 17, 2021) — US Youth Soccer National League P.R.O. hosted its first event of the 2021-22 season, as all boys and girls teams in the 14U age group competed in their first event at the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex in Round Rock, Texas.
RECAPS: Nov. 12 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 14 | Nov. 15
PHOTOS: Nov. 12 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 14 | Nov. 15
VIDEOS: Nov. 12 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 14 (1) | Nov. 14 (2) | Nov. 15
Each team played at least three games over the course of the weekend, as the players got their first taste of league play on a national stage. The games featured high-quality play and intensity, as the top finishers in each of the National League P.R.O. groups will earn direct qualification into the 2022 USYS National Championships.
Each team in the 14U age group has now played either three or four National League P.R.O. games. Those teams will take another step in completing their seven-game seasons when they meet again at National League P.R.O. ChampionsGate, which takes place Jan. 7-10 at the ChampionsGate Sports Complex in the Orlando, Fla., area.
A brief look at where the boys teams stand after the games in Texas…
Group A – There are a pair of New Jersey sides at the top of the standings, as Ironbound SC 08 United (NJ) and PSA National 08 Boys (NJ) each won all three of their games in Round Rock. The two sides will meet in their seventh game, which could go a long way in deciding the group winner.
Group B – Thanks to a local game victory prior to coming to Texas, Las Vegas Diversity FC 08 NL (NV) sits alone atop the table with 12 points from four games. Barca 2008B Garnet (TN) is just behind Las Vegas, as the Tennessee side also won each of its games this weekend.
Group C – Chicago Magic 2008 MCL (IL) concluded a hot start to its season with a 2-0 win on Monday — giving it four wins from four games while conceding no goals and scoring 16. YMS 2008 Boys Celtic NL (PA-E) has also gained the maximum points thanks to three wins in Texas.
Group D – Tigres FC 08B Premier (TX-S) won all three games this weekend, as well as its previous local game, to give it all 12 points from its first four matches. DSC Elite Boys 2008 (FL) also won all its games in Texas thanks to a potent attack that netted 13 goals.
Group E – All but one local match as been played in Group E, as the standings are pretty clear ahead of the second event in Florida. Nationals Union 08 Boys Black (MI) and LVU 2008 Boys Black (PA-E) both have 10 points after each picked up seven points in Texas to go along with prior victories. DKSC 08B Lopez (TX-N) is close behind with nine points from its four games.
A brief look at where the girls teams stand after the games in Texas…
Group A – Michigan Tigers 2008 Girls Gold (MI) and NJ Premier G2008 (NJ) each lead the group with seven points following two wins and a draw in Texas. Each team in the group has four games left to play in the P.R.O. season.
Group B – Seventh-game pair Galaxy 2008 Girls Blue (IL) and KC Fusion Academy 08 (KS) are co-leaders after playing four games apiece. The two Midwest Conference sides tied their local match and won all three games in Round Rock to move to 10 points in the standings.
Group C – Team Boca SABR 08 Girls White (FL) is the lone side with an unblemished record in the group, as it scored nine goals while conceding none in its three victories.
Group D – New England Surf State Navy (MA) and BFC 2008 Girls Premier (MS) each won all three of their games in Texas to move into a three-way tie with Germantown Lady Legends 08 Black (TN) at the top of the table. However, New England has one game in hand on its co-leaders and an opportunity to move to the top of the pack.
What some of the participants had to say…
Nationals Union 08 Boys Red (MI) coach Rich Ludwig following a win on the final day in Texas…
“It’s been great competition. The fields, the atmosphere, the weather. The refereeing is absolutely quality. We’ve had great games. [To have success at National League P.R.O.], it takes a complete team. It takes every member of the team playing for each other.”
Lancaster Elite Atoms (PA-E) coach Chau Nguyen after his girls team’s opening win…
“This is a big stage. We play locally, we play regionally, but when you get to come together here at National League to play against other states and other great like-minded teams — it’s amazing. For the girls to be able to come here and play on this beautiful surface and bring it all together, we’re very fortunate.”