WESTFIELD, Ind. (May 6, 2022) — The USYS National League’s Grand Park College Showcase kicked off Friday, as teams from the Great Lakes Conference and Midwest Conference competed in exciting league games at the Grand Park Sports Campus.
The action at Grand Park features boys and girls teams from the Great Lakes Conference, along with boys teams from the Midwest Conference. In all, more than 160 teams from the top-tier divisions (Premier I and Club vs. Club) of both conferences are playing in meaningful games this weekend in Indiana, with spots in the 2022 USYS Midwest Regional Championships and qualification for the 2022-23 season of National League P.R.O. on the line.
Take a look at few storylines from Friday’s action…
Great Lakes - 15U Boys Premier I Division
Hoosier FC 2007 Elite Wolves NL (IN) moved to 4-0-0 and jumped to the top of the standings with a key 2-0 win against MI Stars 07B Elite (MI), which entered the game 2-1-0.
The Indiana side scored on either side of halftime to grab the advantage, and it held strong to secure the shutout. Hoosier’s back line has been a strong point through the first half of its conference season, as it as conceded just one goal in four games.
Hoosier FC 2007 experienced playing in National League P.R.O. this season, and coach Tom Keenan said his team enjoys having a chance to earn its way back to that point through a challenging conference schedule.
“That’s what’s great about the Great Lakes Conference. Every game means something,” Keenan said. “Michigan Stars was a great opponent. It was a difficult game with the weather delay, and I was proud with how the boys came back and responded.”
Great Lakes 16U Girls Premier I Division
In a matchup of unbeaten teams, Club Ohio 2006G Green 1 (OH) secured a 2-1 win against CUSA G06 Elite (OH) to move to 4-0-0 in the division. Century V - Steel G2006 Blue (PAW) is currently in second at 3-0-0 and has a pair of games later this weekend.
Following the win, Club Ohio’s Kaitlyn Rogowski said the team is pushing to get the berths to Midwest Regionals and National League P.R.O.
“We knew it was a really big game, and we knew a lot was on the line,” Rogowski said. “We got together as a team and tried to figure out what we needed to do to win. We know all the steps we take will get us to the next level. I think was the biggest thing — just working together and getting that team connection.”
Great Lakes 15U Girls Premier I Division
Club Ohio Dayton 07G Elite (OH) and Team Challenger FC G07 Black (OH) met in a game that also counted toward National League P.R.O. standings — with each side having a chance to clinch a spot at Nationals with a win.
Club Ohio opened the scoring when a forward followed up her own shot that hit the post and finished into the open net. Midway through the second half, Club Ohio doubled its lead. The left winger got to the end line and cut back a pass that was hit first-time into the far side-netting.
In addition to securing its Top-2 finish in National League P.R.O., the 2-0 Club Ohio victory moved it to 2-1-2 in the Great Lakes Conference 15U Premier I division.
The Grand Park College Showcase will continue all day on Saturday, with the first games kicking off at 8 a.m.