FRISCO, Texas (Oct. 11, 2022) – The US Youth Soccer (USYS) Mid South Conference held another busy successful weekend of play in Tennessee and Mississippi, as numerous teams continued their push for a conference title.
Teams in the Premier I Division are looking to capitalize on their strong seasons with the opportunity to advance to the 2023 USYS Southern Regional Championships and earn automatic qualification for the 2023-24 season of National League P.R.O.
Some notes on the girls’ season:
Mississippi Rush United 06G Premier (MS) started its quest to repeat as conference champions with two decisive wins in the 17U Premier I Division. The Mississippi side earned a 4-0 win over Union 10 FC 2006 Girls (TX-N) on Saturday and followed that up with an emphatic shutout victory over North Alabama SC Gravity Girls 06 (AL) on Sunday.
“We have a great group of kids and parents who are dedicated to what we are doing – and love each other,” said Mississippi Rush coach Murry Noble. “They have helped change the mold of Mississippi Rush soccer in the way we operate on a day-to-day basis. I’m very happy to see them rewarded for their hard work over the past 18 months.”
Noble also talked about the competition level his team has faced.
“The Mid South Conference is always great competition, especially in the 2006 group,” he said. “Last year it proved to be an extremely competitive group, with only a few points separating the teams top to bottom. It’s been a great experience for the girls to get high level games to help us grow collectively.”
Mississippi Rush United 06G Premier (MS) will have a break before its next Mid South Conference matchup in late November.
Some notes on the boys’ season:
Germantown Legends 05 Black (TN) continued its impressive start to the season with another strong performance in the 18 Boys Premier I Division. The Tennessee side had picked up two wins to start its campaign in early September and made sure to continue that momentum with a 1-0 win over Mississippi Rush United 05B Premier (MS) on Sunday.
“The Mid South Conference is a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against some of the top teams in our region,” Germantown coach Phil McDonnell said. “Over the years of playing in Mid South Conference, we’ve become familiar with many of these teams and so it’s created some competitive rivalries. These matches challenge us as players and coaches and help us continuously improve.”
Germantown Legends 05 Black (TN) sits one point behind group leaders Tennessee SC Murfreesboro 2005 (TN) with a game in hand — and the two sides will square off this week in a pivotal matchup.
McDonnell said the quality of play in the Mid South Conference helps prepare teams for other competitions, such as State Cup, Regionals and National League P.R.O. This year’s Germantown 05 team is taking it one game at a time and focusing on details, but excited for what the future may hold.
“This is a very special season for us,” McDonnell said. “Over the past four years, we’ve sent six players to MLS academy teams and lost another to an illness. Five of those seven players have returned to our team for this last year together, so we are playing with a lot of confidence and cohesion.
“Every time we step onto the field, we know we can compete with anyone. This is a selfless group of guys who have bought into our system and it’s really coming together.”
The Mid South Conference is one of 13 conferences in the USYS National League. Action in the Mid South Conference will continue throughout the year with teams inching closer to earning qualification into National League P.R.O. or a spot at the 2023 USYS Southern Regional Championships.
For more information on the Mid South Conference, including schedules, scores, and standings, click here.