UNPRECEDENTED!

FC Wisconsin wins FOUR age groups at NPL Regionals and will send FOUR teams to the National Championships!

 

6.13.17 – For immediate release

 

FC Wisconsin had 6 teams qualify for the NPL Regionals held at Sportscore Turf Fields in Rockford, IL.  In order to qualify the six age groups had to finish in the top two of the League.  All six teams either won the Midwest Development League or finished second and qualified for the prestigious NPL Regional Championships.

 

At stake, a trip to the National Championships held at Grand Park in Westfield, IN from July 13^th – 17^th.

 

The weekend saw the U13’s, U14’s, U15’s, U16’s, U17’s and U19’s all battling for a place in Indiana.  The only club to send ALL six age groups to Regionals an incredible feat in itself!

 

The NPL was created to elevate and change the competitive youth soccer landscape by extending developmental principles espoused by U.S. Soccer into more age groups and clubs, by linking competition with player development and identification platforms, and by providing meaningful weekly competition culminating in the NPL Finals.

 

The games would take place Saturday, Sunday and Monday at the Sportscore facility which has 5 turf fields and one full size indoor turf field.  Very conducive to all to sharp/skilled technical teams that try to play. The weather was definitely a factor as it was extremely hot, and the teams needed depth on each roster and team efforts to have a chance to accomplish a Regional Championship.

 

“Firstly, we want to thank US Club Soccer, Leo Garcia, and Dave Schureck for all their help throughout the NPL season and playoffs.  Their willingness to help and work with the clubs and the coaches displays true professionalism. The facility, the set up, the resources were all first class. 

 

Next, to our teams who really put together team efforts in order to accomplish this feat.  Without all members contributing, this would have been difficult to accomplish given the heat and conditions.  We couldn’t be more proud of ALL our teams, how they played, and their focus.  Congrats to all our players!”  said – Co-DOC Billy Solberg. 

 

The weekend consisted of each age group playing three games against the other member qualifying teams who finished first or second in their division.  It was a great testament to all groups there who had to sustain success in their Division both home and on the road to reach the NPL Regionals.  The teams with the most points at the end of the 3 games would win Regionals and qualify for NPL National Championships!

 

“Last year we were extremely excited when we were the only club in the state to get a team to a National Championship.  This year, to get four teams speaks volumes to the commitment of not only our players and parents but also of all our coaches working with these teams.  Its is more clear than ever before that when you put multiple professional coaches around every team, the players get immediate feedback, coaching and development!  All our players and teams have significantly improved this year.  We couldn’t be happier for our club, players, coaches and families”  -- said Co-DOC Ben Shepherd.

 

The 13’s coming off their massive USYS State Cup championship had their hands full all weekend with Minnesota Thunder who won the NPL division and Cincinnati United.  Despite playing two excellent teams the group were in both games until late into each 2^nd half eventually running out of steam. However; as a staff the club is extremely proud of their development over the course of the season. The good news for this group is that they will have a second chance in South Dakota for USYS Regionals.

 

The 14’s would go undefeated on the weekend and advance on goal differential.  They would get wins vs Ohio Elite and Internationals, and would tie Minnesota Twinstars.  The undefeated weekend put them through to National Championships.

 

The 15’s would have a hugely successful weekend, and yet narrowly missed out on winning Regionals by one goal.  The group would beat Internationals, and Cincinnati United but would fall to Minnesota Twinstars on the last kick of the game.

 

The 16’s would go undefeated on the weekend as well.  They would advance with 7 points having tied Cincinnati United and beating Internationals and Minnesota Twinstars.  This undefeated weekend would lead to an NPL Regional Championship and a chance at a National Championship.

 

The 17’s, another group going undefeated on the weekend.  This group really came together and got great results vs St Louis Scott Gallagher Metro, Vardar, and Ohio Elite!  Regional Championship number 3 for the club and a trip to National Championships

 

Finally, the U19’s won their group by winning all 3 games vs Sockers, Derby City and Internationals to become the 4^th team from FCW to win the NPL Regional and move on to the National Championship. 

 

“I was so impressed at the serious commitment as a group collectively to get the job done.  There was this massive commitment from the players to winning games to get to a National Final.  Really happy for all the players and their work.  Really fun weekend to be a part of” said Coach Adlard. 

 

An UNPRECEDENTED weekend by any club in the history of the state to send FOUR teams to compete in the National Championship. 

 

“Its great to see what these boys have achieved not only this weekend but over the course of the NPL season.  The success of all our teams this year is a result of the quality training environment and the culture within the club.  These boys work hard in every training session trying to reach their potential as players and teams and this success is a direct reflection of that commitment.  It’s a proud moment for the club to be sending FOUR of our teams to a National Championship. Now its time to get back into training as we focus and prepare for the next challenge” said Coach Jaime Bladen.

 

ON TO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS!