News

NewComp League Structure Announced

Over the past few weeks, I have been working with the league management committee to develop a Canva document, to provide all of the factual information we have to date on NewComp. This document should act as the only point of reference with regard to news updates on our exciting new competition, until such time as we launch the official website for the league. This will be updated, as soon as more news becomes available.

NewComp League Structure Presentation!

This document has been created to provide all league operators, state associations, clubs, teams and most importantly, the players the most accurate and up to date information on the league, including timelines and FAQ’s.

As we all know, there is a lot of misinformation out there, I ask for your support in ensuring that when you see this, you point people back to this Canva document.

This landmark partnership between US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer takes a huge first step in a broader effort to strengthen soccer competition platforms among national organizations and local/state leagues. These are exciting times and I am looking forward to working with all of you as we begin the journey to unify the youth soccer pathway in this country.

Thanks,

Marc Frankland
NewComp Commissioner

A Unified Soccer Pathway: Why State Youth Soccer Associations Matter

U.S. Soccer’s Pathways Strategy responds to a long-standing challenge in American soccer: a fragmented system that is confusing for families, inefficient for clubs, and increasingly costly for participants. Today’s landscape includes overlapping leagues, inconsistent standards, and disconnected competition structures—often shaped by organizations with competing interests. The result has been higher costs, uneven player experiences, and limited connection to schools, communities, and local partners.

The future state envisioned by U.S. Soccer is a coherent, nationally aligned pathway that serves players of all ages, abilities, and ambitions. This model is grounded in clearly recognized divisions of play, consistent national standards, integrated competition architecture, and highly accessible programming. At the center of this system is the State Youth Soccer Association, which serves as the essential link between national governance and local delivery.

How the Pathways Strategy Relates to State Youth Soccer Associations

State Youth Soccer Associations are uniquely positioned to bring this vision to life. As direct members of both U.S. Soccer and US Youth Soccer, state associations are the only entities that consistently connect national strategy with grassroots implementation. This dual affiliation enables state associations to align competition structures, player development models, and administrative systems in ways that directly benefit their member organizations.

The Pathways Strategy’s focus on reducing redundancy, improving clarity, and modernizing competition aligns directly with the core responsibilities of state associations. By organizing leagues, enforcing standards, and coordinating programs across recreational, competitive, and pre-professional levels, state associations help ensure that clubs are not forced to navigate conflicting systems or incur unnecessary costs.

Value to Member Organizations (Clubs and Leagues)

For clubs and leagues, affiliation through a State Youth Soccer Association delivers clear and tangible value:

Clarity and Credibility: Clubs compete within nationally recognized divisions of play aligned with U.S. Soccer’s framework, reducing confusion about league purpose and competitive intent.
Consistent Standards: Coaching education, referee development, player safety, and competition rules are applied uniformly, strengthening trust and improving the overall participant experience.
Reduced Cost and Complexity: Integrated league structures and shared services help reduce administrative burden, excessive travel, and duplicated fees.
Access and Inclusion: State associations are positioned to support free or low-cost programming, community partnerships, and school-based initiatives that expand participation.
Pathway Connectivity: Players can move between recreational, competitive, and advanced environments without leaving the system or losing eligibility.

The Importance of Cooperation Across the Soccer Ecosystem

The long-term success of U.S. Soccer’s Pathways Strategy depends on deliberate cooperation among U.S. Soccer, US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and State Youth Soccer Associations. Each organization serves a distinct and valuable role, and alignment across these entities is essential to delivering clear pathways, consistent standards, and sustainable growth.

U.S. Soccer provides national governance, strategic direction, and alignment with the global game. US Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer contribute scale, competitive opportunities, and program expertise across multiple segments of youth participation. State Youth Soccer Associations function as the critical integrators, translating national vision into locally delivered programs, ensuring accountability, and maintaining accessibility for communities, clubs, and families.

When these organizations work in partnership rather than in isolation, the system benefits from reduced duplication, aligned incentives, and a shared focus on player-centered outcomes.

Cooperation enables integrated competition structures, consistent expectations, and more efficient use of resources, ensuring that the sport grows in a way that prioritizes participation, development, safety, and long-term engagement.

The Role of All Youth Soccer Organizations in a Shared Vision

A truly unified and effective soccer ecosystem also requires the engagement of all youth soccer organizations, including those that may not be structured as traditional nonprofit, membership-based entities or whose primary focus has not historically been player development. Regardless of business model or organizational mission, every entity operating within the youth soccer landscape influences the player experience and the perception of the sport.

U.S. Soccer’s vision for the future depends on these organizations choosing collaboration over isolation and alignment over fragmentation. By participating in shared standards, transparent governance, and integrated competition structures, all providers—nonprofit and for-profit alike—can contribute to a system that prioritizes player welfare, clarity for families, and sustainable growth for the game.

Adapting State Associations for a New Era of Cooperation

It is also important to recognize that State Youth Soccer Associations vary significantly from state to state in size, structure, resources, competitive environments, and historical approaches to governance and service delivery. These differences reflect the unique needs of local communities and have played an important role in the growth of the game.

At the same time, achieving a truly integrated and nationally aligned soccer ecosystem will require state associations themselves to evolve. To lead in a new era of soccer development and cooperation, State Youth Soccer Associations must be willing to adapt their structures, align their practices with national strategy, and embrace collaboration across organizational boundaries. By doing so, state associations can preserve local flexibility while contributing to a unified system that better serves players, families, clubs, and the broader soccer community.

Thank you on behalf of Missouri Youth Soccer for your contribution to the game of soccer, we hope that you will be patient as the challenges and opportunities of a Unified Soccer Pathway are reviewed, developed and implemented not only in Missouri but across the United States.

Information will be distributed on a regular basis as the Pathway is built and we will keep you updated on the progress.

Sincerely,

The Staff and Board of Missouri Youth Soccer

Understanding the 2026-2027 Season Age Group Changes

Age groups are changing? …Again?

Following extensive review and discussion, US Youth Soccer, AYSO, and US Club Soccer have all made a collective decision. They will move to an age group player formation cycle that runs from August 1 to July 31. This change will start with the 2026/27 season/registration year. This change was based on additional critical feedback. It was also influenced by data and expert input. The goal is to better align players with their school-grade peers.

The August 1 to July 31 age group player formation cycle will be used for all USYS league and Cup competitions for the 2026-27 season/registration year. This includes the National Championship Series (State Cup), the Presidents Cup, National League / Midest Conference and the MADL.

US Youth Soccer CEO Tom Condone addressed the adjustment to the registration process: “At US Youth Soccer, our mission is to support the development of every player. After careful collaboration with our partners and listening to our membership, we believe this shift to an August 1 player formation cycle better aligns with school calendars, supports social and individual needs, and ultimately enhances the youth soccer experience for families across the country.”

When does this change occur?

This change will be enacted at the start of the 2026-27 seasonal / registration year, beginning August 1st 2026.
This will NOT impact the current, 25/26 season which runs through July 2026.

How does this change impact Missouri Youth Soccer Association players?

The simplest way to summarize the upcoming change is that on August 1st, 2026:

Players born January 1st through July 31st will progress to the higher age group for the 26/27 season.
Ex. Player born in April 2017;
25/26 Season: U9
26/27 Season: U10
Players born August 1st through December 31st will remain in the same age group for the 26/27 season.
Ex. Player born in September 2017;
25/26 Season: U9
26/27 Season: U9

Will there be exemptions for players born near the end of the cycle?

Unfortunately, we can NOT make any exceptions to the newly imposed age groups. MYSA do not have the authority to do so.
These new age groups are uniformly enforced at the national level. This guarantees that all states use the same standards.

Many players will be affected by the change in age groups. We have tried to give everyone plenty of time to make the necessary adjustments ahead of next season.

Teams are assigned to an age group based on the age of the team’s OLDEST player.
If you intend on keeping the majority of your team together through next season, please be prepared. Some players may then be required to play-up to a higher age group in order to keep their team together entirely.
However, MYSA roster rules prevent players from joining teams more than 2 age groups above their natural age.

New AGE MATRIX 26_27 Download

Helen L. Nkwocha joins the MYSA family!

Missouri Youth Soccer Welcomes Helen L. Nkwocha as Senior Technical Advisor and Girls ODP Lead

Missouri Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) is proud to announce the appointment of Helen L. Nkwocha as the new ODP Senior Technical Advisor and Girls ODP Lead. Nkwocha brings a wealth of international coaching experience and a strong background in player development to the Missouri ODP program.

“I am thrilled to have someone with Helen’s experience joining our ODP staff,” said MYSA Director of Coaching & Player Development, Chris McGill. “Her global perspective, coaching pedigree, and commitment to holistic player growth will make an immediate impact on our ODP girls program and help strengthen the technical foundation of our players across Missouri.”

Nkwocha joins MYSA following her role with Albany Rush, where she served as Premier Director. Prior to that, she coached in Iceland with Throttur Reykjavik, working with the Women’s Academy and Women’s Second Team. Nkwocha made history as the first female to manage a men’s team at the highest domestic level when she led TB Football Club in the Faroe Islands.

A UEFA A Licensed coach, Nkwocha has also held numerous positions within youth and professional academies in both the United Kingdom and the United States, focusing on technical development, player pathways, and leadership in coaching.

“I’m excited to be joining Missouri Youth Soccer and to work with the talented athletes in the ODP program,” said Nkwocha. “Player development and education have always been at the heart of what I do. I look forward to helping our players grow on the field and supporting their journeys toward collegiate and professional opportunities.”

Nkwocha’s appointment reinforces MYSA’s ongoing commitment to elevating the Olympic Development Program and ensuring Missouri’s youth have access to the highest quality coaching and development opportunities.

Welcome to the team, Coach Nkwocha!

New Referee Abuse Prevention Policies

Introducing Stronger Policy To Protect Our Referees

EFFECTIVE MARCH 2025

Join U.S. Soccer in creating a better future for our game. Our updated Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (Policy 531-9) is designed to make youth and amateur matches safer, more fun, and more empowering for everyone involved. Referee abuse will not be tolerated. We’re asking everyone to do their part by knowing the rules, reporting referee abuse, and embodying behaviors that represent the best of us.

STAY IN THE GAME! WATCH OUR POLICY VIDEO ABOVE TO MAKE SURE YOU KNOW THE RULES

The Policy

Clear Rules & Consequences For A Winning Experience

U.S. Soccer is standing firm to protect referees and restore respect to the game. The updated policy includes stronger sanctions for any form of physical or non-physical abuse towards referees. We encourage every player and coach to learn what behaviors cross the line, so they can avoid penalties and help create a better culture for the future of soccer.

Download our Complete Policy for the U.S. Soccer Version, or Customizable Version for adding your team or tournament logo.

Download U.S. Soccer Version

Download Custom Version

Key Takeaways

Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience soccer without risking his or her well-being. We must protect those in service to the game.

Both Physical and Non-Physical Abuse Have No Place In Our Game.

Suspensions will be for a number of games or time-based (or sometimes both) depending on severity and circumstance.

Players, coaches and spectators are all encouraged to report abuse.

Download our Penalties Summary and One-Sheeter for more information.

Download U.S. Soccer Version

Download One Sheeter

Did You Know

It’s Time To Bring Awareness To This Systemic Problem

Referee abuse is an issue that’s on the rise. We need more productive dialogue about what is happening, and how we can prevent it. The bright future of soccer depends on creating a safer, more inclusive environment, where no one ever feels that his or her well-being is at risk.

We All Have a Role To Play

The game belongs to all of us. To ensure that soccer remains a positive experience for everyone, we need your help to stop referee abuse. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Coaches

Lead by example. Set the tone for good sportsmanship with your players.

Players

Respect your referees, whether you agree with their calls or not.

Parents & Spectators

Cheer for your team, not against the referee. Help create a positive environment.

Referees

Know that your voice matters. Report abuse and keep the game safe.

Find all toolkit assets here

2025/26 Season Tryout Information

Clubs, Coaches, Parents, and Competitive Players,

It is getting to be that time of year again that causes the most stress and confusion in competitive soccer…tryouts. Tryouts are for Competitive players only…Recreational players may participate in as many activities and teams as they choose and cannot be restricted.

As noted on our website, clubs are allowed to have ID Sessions or “Kick-Arounds” or whatever they want to name them, and these can be attended by anyone. These sessions must be communicated as general sessions and CANNOT target certain players, teams, etc….targeting is recruitment and is illegal in Missouri. Player recruitment is a serious issue at any age and any coach, club representative or parent can be found guilty of recruiting and sanctions on those involved could include fines or suspension.

Some clubs may ask that you pre-register for an ID Session or Tryout, this is NOT a commitment by the player or the club for placement, offers of spots in the club cannot be offered to players from outside the club until the District Tryout date unless otherwise specified by the District. Offers within a club can be made to their existing players at any time but players are still able to attend tryouts before accepting should they choose. Some clubs will require you to pay a fee to attend their ID Session, if you would choose to pay this expense you should expect it to be non-refundable.

As a point of clarification, “Commitment Dates” should not be part of any offers that are extended to returning competitive players from your club. If you offer a spot for the 2025/2026 season to one of your players, you should not tie a date to their acceptance other than the official tryout date. If the player/family knows that they are returning and they would like to start their payment process prior to the official tryout date that is designated for their Missouri District, that is fine, but not essential or required.

IMPORTANT: Every parent should carefully review all club documents before signing. These are financial contracts with potentially large monetary impacts and once signed binding agreements for payment whether you continue for the entire seasonal year or not. Once a player has registered and signed up for a competitive club there are very limited opportunities to change clubs past June 15^th and then during the seasonal year and those opportunities may be at an additional expense. It is essential that you understand the club’s policies on transfers, guest play, primary & secondary registration before you commit for an entire seasonal year. Missouri Youth Soccer Association is not part of any financial transaction between a club and a player/parent…it cannot collect fees owed by parents or force a club to reimburse fees that are previously agreed to by the parent/player.

The official tryout date within MO Youth Soccer Association along with any other instruction are determined by District per the MYSA By-Laws. Everyone is urged to review the full policies to be better equipped to navigate the tryout process and understand what recruitment is considered in Missouri.

Dates and additional information can be found on our website:

Tryout Dates

MO ODP Announces Region ID Camp Nominees

With June marking the conclusion of the 2023-2024 ODP season, Missouri continues their record-breaking narrative with the announcement of 182 nominees that will compete at the Midwest Region ID Camp in July, opening the door for new opportunities in the players’ soccer journeys.

Missouri ODP hosted a total of over 625 of the state’s top youth soccer players this season, the most in program history. The 182 athletes selected for the Region ID Camp follow in similar fashion, being the highest number of nominees the state has ever had.

These players were selected based on their performance in ODP trainings, friendlies, showcases and matches throughout August 2023-June 2024. The determination is a cumulative ongoing process by all ODP coaches and staff, but ultimately it is the head coach of each team that nominates the attendees for their respective age group.

Not only is the Region ID Camp a stage for growth and development as the players are exposed to high-level competitors and coaches, but it is an opportunity to be selected for the Midwest Region Team.

The Missouri ODP nominees will join the top players from the other 13 programs in the region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio North, Ohio South, South Dakota and Wisconsin) for the camp in Rockford, Illinois, girls on July 8-10 and boys on July 13-15, where they will compete in a combination of a minimum of five training sessions and match-like competitions.

Upon evaluation at the camp by ODP coaches across the region, the top-performing 18 players from each age group are identified and chosen to comprise the Midwest Region Team. The team then moves forward to take on ODP’s East, South and West Region Teams at the Interregional Championship in Florida in January 2025.

Each advancement to the next level of ODP is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the player and comes with unparalleled advantages. The athletes gain further exposure to showcase their skill and talent in front of collegiate, professional and national team coaches while also receiving quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches.

Beyond the regional stage, the opportunities for success continue to progress. At the Interregional Championship, the 18 highest-performing players from each age group are again selected to build ODP National Teams, the highest merit a player can accomplish in the program. The national teams have the privilege of traveling internationally with ODP to play clubs from other countries.

The ability for Missouri ODP to provide 182 deserving players with the chance to continue on this path of development and discovery is an indicator of growth and success for the program and the state is excited to see what they accomplish.

“The Region ID Camp is the next step in their journey to get exposure to some of the top players from around the region and play alongside them for a chance to be on the national team,” said Missouri ODP Director Jeff Muhr. “It is a huge honor, and we are all very proud of them.”

The Missouri nominees for the 2023/2024 Midwest Region ID Camp are as follows:

2006/2007 Girls:

Alyssa Beasley
Caroline Carr
Zoe Cole
Peyton Duffing
Amelia Lawrence
Mallory McWillie
Katelyn Milligan
Kloey O’Connell
Khiyah Perkins
Caroline Pingel
Kendra Roberts
Ellie Schroeder

2006/2007 Boys:

James Berry
Nikolas Besack
Tyler Fischer
Damian Hervi
Alonso Monroy
Carson Pohl
Conner Shaar
Omari Shabani
Mateo Switzer

2008 Girls:

Elyana Cerna
Madalyn Finder
Shaelee Franck
Matilynn Harvey
Chloe Knese
Isabella Knese
Samantha McClain
Gracelynn Milam
Mia Nikodem
Khloe Pehl
Analisa Rodriguez
Brooklyn Schulte
Kennedi Sims
Morgan Smith
Madison Stockwell
Irelynn Stover
Tori Straub
Jacqueline Tighe

2008 Boys:

Graham Bartek
Dunia Eca
Jack Garst
Samson Gibli
Davis Graham
Jack Kemp
Keaton Spore
Wyatt Voelkerding
Charles Zoeller

2009 Girls:

Claire Benoist
Grace Bower
Remy Brawner
Anna Bushnell
Kinley Cogswell
Alice Dempsey
Tatum Douglas
Delani Edling
Mackinley Gossett
Ella Miller
Holly Roberts
Madison Schepis
Kayla Sellers
Isabella Shew
Sierra Thomas

2009 Boys:

Porter Allen
Jaylen Anderson
Bita Aochi
Dexter DiTore
Colson Evans
Parker Johnson
Collin Kircher
Brady Locker
Samuel Merkey
Kylan Monroy
Seti Monroy-Madsen
Thierry Ngabonziza
Daniel OConnor
Armel Omerovic
Dylan Parish
Alexander Ponce-Zamudio
Henry Schrock
Amimu Shabani
Bodie Shjandemaar

2010 Girls:

Ava Bertel
Morgan Callender
Nora Gale
Layna Graham
Wytnee Herrman
Katelyn James
Mila Jordan
Katen McColgan
Emmersen Melhus
Kate Mutzbauer
Alexis Saunders
Delaney Smyser
Analia Tornez

2010 Boys:

Carter Berry
Max Brown
Cameron Burke
Noah Byers
Dieume Byiringiro
Luke Gardner
Leonel Gonzalez-Angel
Cole Good
Joseph Lester
Mac Marlowe
Sam Ramsey
James Shepley
Carter Smith
Hadley Thompson

2011 Girls:

Sophie Andersen
Parker Bahr
Kaylynn Barker
Emaline Black
Bethany Boyne
Ava Carter
Gretchen Crittenden
Aubrie Dempsey
Madelyn Duey
Jordan Duffing
Makayla Gail
Brynley Heeren
Hannah Henry
Sydney Levy
Grace Matthews
Eliza Miller
Kensie Nguyen
Aurora Rice
Karsyn Ruether
Summer Santoya
Elsie Shjandemaar
Stella Steffes
Kennedy Steinkamp
Karleigh Stover

2011 Boys:

Weston Alden
Excel Atadoga
Excellence Atadoga
Henry Bricker
Matthew Carr
Simeon Casey
Calvin Cronin
Carson Getchman
Jude Gintz
Andrew Hasamear
Jalen Johnson
Henry Kingsbury
Walter Luther
Matthew McCallum
Jose Mendoza
Mateo Pizarro
Brandon Roxas
Django Scherr
Finnegan Tilford
Elijah Van Order
Mason Walter

2012 Girls:

Bryn Brazer
Katherine Bringas
Quinn Egan
Emma Gavin
Kyndal Gundaker
Makenzie James
Allison Johnson
Kennedy Moore
Kateryna Schupp
Delila Shapiro

2012 Boys:

Jace Babb
Wyatt Bauman
Jayden Boyer
Gael Donjuan
Jake Hines
Tristan Johnson
Noah Leighton
Blaine Munzlinger
Andrew Novak
Elonzo Perez
Hagen Sanders
Dylan Sondrol
Henry Williams

2013 Boys:

Brian Francis
Ben Woodruff

STLDA U19 Boys Capture Fourth Consecutive State Title

In the inspiring sports classic “Miracle on Ice,” U.S. Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks was selecting his squad for the 1980 tournament and said, “I’m not looking for the best players; I’m looking for the right ones.” This phrase has served as more than just a memorable movie quote for longtime Missouri youth soccer coach Jim Wipke, but rather the words have backboned his St. Louis Development Academy U19B Elite 64 (STLDA) team, leading them to capture their fourth consecutive Missouri State Cup championship.

The stakes were high for the boys this year.

On Friday, June 7 at Creve Coeur Soccer Complex in Maryland Heights, Missouri, they were set to face 026 Futbol Club 2005B Comesana in the semi-final match, a first-time State Cup playoff team hungry for the opportunity to lift a championship trophy. Despite the glaring three-time champion target on their back, STLDA dispatched a poised 5-1 win.

STLDA U19B Elite 64 celebrate after their State Cup win. — STLDA U19B Elite 64 celebrates after their State Cup win on June 8, 2024.

With less than a 24-hour turnaround, they were back on the pitch for a grueling championship matchup against SLSG MO B 2005/2006 Navy (SLSG). STLDA went up quick off a free kick that secured a 1-0 lead through the entire first half of the match, but SLSG responded about 20 minutes into the second with a set piece of their own. Playing the ball quick after the whistle, they were able to put one in the back of the net to even the score to ones.

It was not long after, however, that STLDA sent a cross into the box for a brisk tap-in goal that cemented their title as State Cup champions with a 2-1 win. This season being the last before many of the boys graduate high school and move on to play in college made this victory all the more bittersweet.

Following in similar fashion to the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey squad, the STLDA boys have been a ‘miracle’ team of their own. They accomplished something most youth soccer teams merely dream of, winning not just one, but four uninterrupted State Cup titles.

And according to Wipke, they were able to do so because they had the ‘right players.’

When a team has the right players, they may not necessarily be the best ones, but they have the ability to be the best team. STLDA has certainly shown that. They are more than just a chaotic mix of the best athletes in the area, but a talented group of boys with the right mindset and work ethic that has emblazoned a trail of success on the pitch.

“They’re unbelievable players. They’re awesome,” said Wipke. “But in terms of character and people, these are some of the best kids I’ve been around in my entire life.”

Wipke shared that what has been central to their success is maintaining a culture of discipline based on the idea that “the players understand that their actions impact their teammates around them, and they need to care about the person next to them more than themselves for results to come.”

After essentially rebuilding almost an entire team over COVID and having boys float in and out each year, that is the message every player has bought into. Even this season, after losing many 2005 players to colleges the year before, the boys have been playing for each other, nonetheless.

“This year has been really special because we had a lot of new kids coming in, and we wanted them to be able to get their first state championship too,” said midfielder Tyler Bouckaert. “We wanted them to be able to have one even more than the rest us that had maybe had one, two or three already.”

The apple does not fall far from the tree in terms of character, Wipke shares, contributing a portion of the team’s tremendous accomplishments as an extension of the families they come from. Being a parent-coach alongside Kyle Kocher and Ron Boschert, who does not have a player on the team, he emphasizes that “the sport of soccer is all about life lessons.” It is rewarding for him to see the team the learning from their parents and coaches, and in turn, they too are setting an example of their own.

“I am so grateful that I have had the privilege to coach the right ones,” said Wipke. “They have made me both a better coach and a better person.”

Moving forward, STLDA’s vision for their season is far from over. Finishing as a finalist in the regional championship last year, the team snuck their way into nationals as their opponent had already qualified. The goal is to be back on that stage again. Avid for another shot at regionals and the chance to chase a national title, the group has been working tirelessly day in and day out to get there.

“Right now, we are really focused and have been working really hard at our recent practices,” said Bouckaert. “I think it is in everyone’s head to get to that regional championship because last year at nationals we were one game away from moving on and we fell short. We all know we can get back to that position and we’re just working hard to get back there.”

Joining STLDA in seizing a 2024 Missouri State Cup championship and earning the opportunity to compete in the Midwest Regional Championships June 21-26 in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas are the following teams:

U13 Boys: St. Louis Stars SC 11 Boys Academy Red
U13 Girls: CarShield FC 2011G Academy NL
U14 Boys: SLSG MO B 2010 Elite
U14 Girls: LFA Blue Star Premier 2010G
U15 Boys: SLSG MO B 2009 St Johnstone
U16 Boys: STLDA U16B Elite 64
U17 Boys: SLSG MO B 2007 Elite
U18 Boys: JB Marine Academy McKeon 06B

Winners from each age group will head to Orlando, Florida July 23-28 for the 2024 National Championships at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

2024 Summer State Cup Pool Play Recap

After three days of arduously competitive matches amongst over 100 of the highest-ranking youth soccer teams in the state, the pool play rounds of the 2024 Missouri Summer State Cup have come to a conclusion. With just four teams remaining in each age group, the stage now is set for the championship weekend, each team merely two wins away from lifting the trophy and being crowned a Missouri state champion.

The pool play weekend was a resounding success, having taken place June 1-3, 2024, with all matches being held at Creve Coeur Park Soccer Complex in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The event featured play from U13-U14 age groups for girls and U13-U19 age groups for boys.

It was a vibrant atmosphere as thousands of spectators gathered at the fields to watch as each team played a series of three matches, one per day, showcasing the passion Missouri holds for youth soccer. Between game-winning penalty kicks, underdogs prevailing and Missouri’s unpredictable weather, the weekend was nothing short of entertaining, keeping fans on their toes.

Despite Monday’s temperatures neighboring close to 90 degrees and afternoon thunderstorms causing a short lightning delay, all scheduled matches were able to be played.

Though there was a surplus of talent present at the tournament, only the highest-finishing teams in each bracket progressed to the next round. Four teams advanced from each age group with wild cards being awarded to the next highest-finishing team in age groups with less than four brackets. The ability for these teams to play in the next rounds of State Cup is a testament to their hard work, success and capability to perform under pressure.

All matches of the 2024 Missouri Summer State Cup semi-final rounds will be played at Creve Coeur Park Soccer Complex on June 7, 2024, as follows:

U13 Boys:

St. Louis Stars SC 11 Boys Academy Red vs JB Marine Gold Gober 11B, 1:45 p.m., Field 2
STLDA U13B Elite 64 vs SLSG MO B 2011 Elite, 1:45 p.m., Field 5

U13 Girls:

CarShield FC 2011G Academy NL vs LFA Blue Star Championship 2011G, 9 a.m., Field 2
LFA Blue Star Premier 2011G vs MO Rush 2011G, 9 a.m., Field 5

U14 Boys:

SLSG MO B 2010 Elite vs SLSG MO B 2010 Premier Navy, 11:30 a.m., Field 3
STLDA U14B Elite 64 vs St. Louis Stars SC 10 Boys Academy Red, 11:30 a.m., Field 4

U14 Girls:

MO Rush 2010G United vs LFA Blue Star Premier 2010G, 6:15 p.m., Field 2
SLSG MO G 2010 Elite Navy vs KC Athletics Academy Premier 10G, 6:15 p.m., Field 5

U15 Boys:

STLDA U15B Elite 64 vs KC Legends 2009 Academy Black, 1:30 p.m., Field 4
LFA Blue Star Premier 2009B vs SLSG MO B 2009 St Johnstone, 1:30 p.m., Field 3

U16 Boys:

STLDA U16B Elite 64 vs SLSG MO B 2008 Celtic, 9 a.m., Field 3
SLSG MO B 2008 Elite vs MO Rush 2008B Academy, 9 a.m., Field 4

U17 Boys:

MO Rush 2007B Academy vs SLSG MO B 2007 Elite, 11:15 a.m., Field 2
STLDA U17B Elite 64 vs Gunners 2007B BLUE, 11:15 a.m., Field 5

U18 Boys:

JB Marine Academy McKeon 06B vs Sporting Columbia 06B, 3:45 p.m., Field 2
LFA Williams 2006B vs Gunners 2006B BLUE, 3:45 p.m., Field 5

U19 Boys:

STLDA U19B Elite 64 vs 026 Futbol Club 2005B Comesana, 4 p.m., Field 4
SLSG MO B 2005/2006 Navy vs KC Athletics Academy Elite 05/06 NLMC, 4 p.m., Field 3

Of these elite squads that have earned the opportunity to continue competing for a state title, two teams have notably made history for their respective clubs. With CarShield FC 2011G Academy NL completely dominating their bracket, going 3-0 with no goals scored against them, they are the first team in the club to ever advance to the semi-final round of a Missouri State Cup. In a similar manner, 026 Futbol Club 2005B Comesana snuck their way into the next round, going 2-1 and putting 12 goals in the back of the net for a goal differential that grabbed them the wild card spot for their age group. They too will be the first team from their club to play a Missouri State Cup game beyond the initial pool play rounds.

The privilege to play in the second round is not a new feeling for some teams, however, as there are some seasoned state champions in the mix. SLSG MO B 2010 Elite, STLDA U15B Elite 64, JB Marine Academy McKeon 06B and MO Rush 2010G United all look to capture their second consecutive state title, while STLDA U16B Elite 64 is looking to add a third consecutive to their resume. One team in particular, STLDA U19B Elite 64, has controlled the success of the Missouri State Cup like no other, though. Moving on to the semi-final round with three consecutive state titles on their back, the boys will fight to continue their legacy with a fourth and final before they move on to college.

The teams that prevail in the semi-finals will then play on June 8, 2024, in the championship round. Winners from each age group earn the honor to represent the state at the 2024 Midwest Regional Championships in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas on June 21-26, 2024.

As the pool play rounds of the 2024 Missouri State Cup conclude and players and coaches prepare for the upcoming semi-final rounds, it is important to note the seamless flow of the tournament is due to the hard work of the Creve Coeur Soccer Park and MYSA employees, the referees, the outstanding vendors, J&K Soccer Store, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, Kona Ice and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck and the cooperation of all players, coaches and spectators. Stay hydrated and see you next weekend!

The Unconventional Rise of Missouri Soccer Star Sam Cary

Sam Cary’s path to becoming a professional soccer player was anything but ordinary or predictable. Unlike many elite athletes who were earmarked as prodigies from a young age, Sam readily admits she was never the star player growing up. “I was literally picking daisies on the field when I started playing at age 6,” she says with a laugh. “No one would have thought that girl was going pro one day.”

However, what Sam lacked in natural talent from the start, she made up for with an incredible work ethic and hunger to improve her skills. She fell in love with the feeling of finally mastering something difficult after hours of practice. This mindset of relentless self-improvement shaped her entire soccer journey.

As an under-the-radar high school recruit, Sam committed to the University of Iowa, a program that was far from a powerhouse at the time. But she saw it as an opportunity to elevate the team through her trademark hard work and competitiveness. Sure enough, over her five years at Iowa, the Hawkeyes went from a Big Ten bottom-dweller to a conference champion.

Sam had a stellar senior season in 2023, earning numerous accolades. She was an All-Big Ten Second Team honoree, a United Soccer Coaches First Team All-North Region selection, a Scholar All-American, and took home Defensive Player of the Big Ten Tournament honors. She anchored Iowa’s defense to program records for shutouts (13) and goals against average (0.76).

In her final season in 2023, the payoff came when Sam helped Iowa win the Big Ten tournament title while earning Defensive Player of the Tournament honors herself. It was a crowning achievement and validation of the audacious goal she had set as a high school sophomore years earlier. “Leaving with those titles gave me the most resolved feeling I’ve ever had,” Sam said.

The hardest transition, however, was going from college to the professional ranks in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). “It hit me that soccer is my life and job now – I have to perform at the highest level,” she explains. But Sam characteristically embraced that responsibility, implementing strict routines and habits to optimally prepare herself mentally and physically before each match.

Her unique pre-game routine involves managing her “zones” – a blue zone for relaxation, a red zone for high energy and intensity, and a green zone that is her ideal competitive state. “You can’t ‘go’ all day, it’s exhausting,” Sam says. “When you first wake up, that’s the blue zone. I’ll drink coffee, watch TV, and just try to be at peace.” As game time nears, she’ll crank up music to get amped into the red zone before finding her sweet spot in the green zone – locked in but not overhyped.

Having a consistent routine and doing the same pregame meal of salmon, rice and veggies allows her body to recognize it’s game day. “My body knows when it’s game time because of how I prepare it,” Sam explains. “Confidence comes through preparation.”

Looking to share the wealth of knowledge she gained through her successful college career, Sam called upon teammates, friends, and competitors to create a book to help the next generation of college athletes. The book covers just about every aspect of the college experience, from choosing your school; to preseason and postseason; academics; mental health; injuries and even a section to give parents a way to understand what their expectations can and should be.

One of her biggest strengths is understanding what motivates each of her teammates individually. “You have to figure out how someone best receives feedback and coaching, even if it’s different from your own style,” she explains. This emotional intelligence has allowed her to be a great teammate always looking out for how to help others maximize their potential.

Despite her success, Sam doesn’t take anything for granted. She vividly remembers the immense pride of getting drafted into the NWSL, becoming the first ever Iowa Hawkeye player selected, a moment crystallizing all the sacrifices made by her family, coaches and others who supported her dream over the years. “It reflected so many people’s journeys that helped me get to that point.”

Now playing professionally in Sweden’s top league, Sam hopes her story can inspire young players who may get discouraged if they aren’t an overnight sensation. “You don’t have to be the best player on the field. It’s about how badly you want it and how much you’re willing to work for your goals.”

With her perseverance, self-awareness and team-first perspective, Sam Cary is an exemplary role model for anyone chasing ambitious dreams through dedication and self-belief. Her unconventional journey proves that greatness can blossom from humble beginnings.

You can read Sam’s book, The Do’s and Don’ts of College Soccer here : https://girlssoccernetwork.com/product/the-dos-and-donts-of-college-soccer-e-book/