SLSG Metro 13 Classic Great Lakes Soccer Challenge Champions

The SLSG Metro U13 Classic team traveled to Chicago on September 17th to face some Northern competition in the Great Lakes Soccer Challenge. The boys had a tremendous weekend going 4-0 and bringing home their first tournament title of the year. The 13s opened up the weekend with a flying start against tournament host, Galaxy Soccer Club from Naperville, scoring just 5 minutes into the match. Following their first goal, the boys created numerous other chances, but were unable to convert. Just before the halftime whistle, the Galaxy jumped on a misclearance in the SLSG Metro penalty box and found the equalizer. The Galaxy took that momentum into the 2^nd half finding the first goal in the second half to go up 2-1; however, the SLSG Metro boys quickly regrouped and started playing as they did in the first half. With 10 minutes remaining in the match, SLSG found, in quick succession, the 2^nd and 3^rd goals. A well earned come from behind win gave the team an important boost heading into the final two matches of group play where they were able to jump on both of their opponents early winning 6-0 and 7-0 over Galaxy Black and LTSC, respectively. Both opponents were outplayed from the beginning.

After going undefeated in group play, the boys advanced to the tournament final where they would face Team Chicago. SLSG Metro continued their quality play creating numerous scoring chances through combinations, long balls and hard work. While the SLSG Metro 13s outshot Team Chicago by a substantial margin, they were unable to put one in the back of the net and, therefore, went into half time with score 0-0. It would not be long before SLSG Metro found the goal which they had sought in the first half. After a well earned a corner kick and a dangerous service resulted in confusion for Team Chicago and, eventually, an own goal to put the boys up 1-0. Still reeling from the confusion of the own goal, SLSG Metro pounced on Team Chicago scoring a second goal shortly thereafter, thus securing the victory and the Great Lakes Soccer Challenge Championship. Congratulations to Coach Van Buskirk and the SLSG Metro 13 Classic team. Great job, boys.