
Several girls teams from around the Midwest competed Oct. 28-30 as part of the Cave State Showcase at the Creve Coeur Soccer Complex in St. Louis, Mo.
The Cave State Showcase represented the first the USYS National League Regional Showcases, which give teams an opportunity to face a variety of competition and are focused on providing localized recruiting opportunities.
For many of the girls teams in the 15U-19U age groups that competed in St. Louis, the Cave State Showcase represented one of the final opportunities to take the field as the Midwest Conference fall season nears its conclusion.
Toca FC 2006 MLS (KS) coach Trent Remmich said his team came away from the weekend in St. Louis feeling energized, thanks to some key results that will help its push to remain in the 17U Girls Premier I Division. After earning promotion last year into this season’s top division, Remmich said the competition has been a good fit for his players.
“The teams are extremely deep and well coached,” Remmich said. “It has shown that if you do not have your best stuff week in and week out, these teams will punish you for it. We have enjoyed all seven of these [conference] games, as each one has been a battle both tactically and physically.”
Other teams are finishing their fall season schedules with an eye on National League P.R.O. competition and a chance to compete on a national stage with berths to the USYS National Championships on the line.
SCOR Meulensteen 07 Black (MI) is one such team, and the Michigan side is closing in on a top-half finish in the Midwest Conference’s 16U Girls Premier I Division before it heads to Orlando, Fla., to kick off its National League P.R.O. schedule.
After competing in St. Louis, SCOR Meulensteen coach Lizzie Hornack said her team is in a good place as it prepares to wrap up the conference schedule and look toward National League P.R.O.
“I am very happy with my team heading into the final game,” Hornack said. “I am confident in their ability to have a successful game. Overall, our season was a huge success… We are currently in a very good position to compete at our best during NL PRO season.”
With talented teams across the region, many of the conference weekends provide a challenge and test every player in lineups — creating chances for both individual and team growth. That was the case for Toca FC 2006, and the players are looking forward more opportunities in the future.
“These Midwest Conference weekends are a lot about who can sub players in and out and keep the level high,” Remmich said. “All of these P1 teams have strong benches and can maintain a high level all the way down their lineup. We have really enjoyed our inaugural season in Premier I, and the Cave State Showcase capped that off. We are excited to get after it again next season.”
