Report on K1 Youth Academy, Results from Last Weekend Tournaments

K1 Youth Academy
The inaugural K1 Youth Academy is off to a flying start! Nearly 80 young players are participating in the spring seasons Training Program/Developmental League held at the Metro Complex in Collinsville on Sunday afternoons. The innovative program which couples a half hour training program followed by a 26 minute game has been enthusiastically received by the players and parents. The program which is directed by Coach Zack Evans and Coach Blake Decker is staffed by Full Time Directors, Staff Coaches and members of the High School Boys and Girls SLSG Metro Programs. The first weekend of games saw heated battles in both the younger and older divisions between Chicago Fire and Sporting KC and between Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew. After the snow out last weekend, all are anxious for this Sundays program!

Past Weekend Tournament Results
United Cup-Louisville, KY-The U11G traveled to Louisville and earned two resounding victories before the tournament was canceled due to snow. The two lopsided victories led to hopes of a tournament championship but unfortunately the Sunday games could not be played due to unsafe field conditions. Congratulations to the girls for a great showing!

Sockers Nike Showcase-Schaumburg, IL-5 teams plus the Academy teams traveled to Chicago for a weekend Showcase. Games were played on turf fields in Schaumburg at Olympic Park. All teams showed well; Coach Burns 17s beat a very good Michigan Jaguars in their first game, Coach Nick Pavia's 14 Blue team beat FC Milwaukee on their way to a 1-1-1 record against some of the best teams in the region and the 14 Pre Academy beat Birmingham United in the second game of the weekend. Coach Ryan Neibur's 13 Boys won 2 games on the weekend including a 4-2 win over the Chicago Magic Pre Academy team. The 13 Boys Pre Academy also won two games avenging last years loss to Michigan Alliance with a 1-0 win this weekend. The results of the weekend is a true testament to the players and coaches hard work and commitment to players development. Congratulations boys for a great weekend.

Academy Starts 2nd Season
After training for over 3 months without a game, the SLSG Metro Academy traveled to Milwaukee and Chicago for key cross conference games. The 94s earned 4 points on the weekend with a 2-0 win over FC Milwaukee and a 1-1 tie with Sockers FC of Chicago. Mac Hassinger and Faik Hajderovic scored vs Milwaukee. Conner Carnduff scored vs Sockers but the Sockers scored late to draw even. The 92s win also 2-0 vs FC Milwaukee on goals from Brian Bement and Jarrett Smith. The Sockers games was played to a stalemate through 80 minutes but we gave up a late goal to go down a goal. The Sockers scored very late as we pushed players forward looking for the equalizer. The Academy is back in action April 9 and 10 at the Creve Couer complex vs Minnesota Thunder and Shattuck St. Mary's.