Girls

Play began on Friday at USYS National League Florida, as the girls showcase teams kicked off their weekend of action at the Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay and Ellis-Methvin Park in the Tampa, Fla. area.

Friday's showcase games included many competitive matchups featuring teams from the 13 National League Conferences.

“It’s a great atmosphere to be in,” said Rockford Raptors Director of Coaching Frank Mateus after his 19U Girls team’s win on Friday. “We love the weather here this time of year, the environment, and the competition that we get to face at this showcase. We came from Chicago in the freezing rain and snow, so the kids were excited to be here in Florida and showcase themselves.”

Mateus referenced the unique opportunity that the Rockford Raptors have here in Tampa. "What I love about this atmosphere is that we get to play teams from around the country that we don’t normally get to play. Today we played a team from Athens, Georgia and I liked facing them because they have some skillful players and we had to work to find some good ways to capitalize on opportunities and get the win.”

19U Girls: @MichiganJaguars goes up 1-0 just before the half in the team's NL P.R.O. matchup against New York Surf SC! #EarnYourPlace pic.twitter.com/2sMGvRiDX1

— National League (@NationalLeague) February 5, 2022

Mateus also touched on what he learns about his players when competing in these types of showcases and what goals the club has for its players.

“I learn about their character, will, and desire. I’m happy today because they played very well as individuals and as a team, but this is a great environment to help them get ready to play at the next level. Our goal is to get our players to a point where they can continue to play the game they love and get an education at the same time. This kind of opportunity to play in showcases in front of college coaches takes them out of their comfort level and allows them to have success, and when they don’t have success, they will be able to pick themselves up and work through it.”

Showcase games will continue on Saturday, while the National League P.R.O. teams will compete in their first games of the event.

The action in Florida will feature half of the girls National League P.R.O. teams in the 15U-19U age groups. Top-finishing National League P.R.O. teams (12 per gender age group) earn direct advancement to the USYS National Championships, and many of the results in Florida will determine which teams punch their tickets. 

Boys

Play began on Friday at USYS National League Florida, as the boys showcase teams kicked off their weekend of action at the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, Fla.

Friday’s showcase games included many competitive matchups featuring teams from the 13 National League Conferences.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our players to be seen by college coaches but also to play different types of competition outside of the Midwest — teams we don’t know anything about,” said Indiana Fire Jrs. 06B Red (IN) coach Mark Castro following a 2-0 win against a Maryland side. “Being able to come down here this time of the year and get three quality games outdoors is really good. These guys are impressionable and eager and want to learn.”

Castro said his team is using National League Florida to see what the team can learn about itself. With the different challenges brought by the National League competition in the showcase, Indiana Fire Jrs. plan to be prepared for State Cup and USYS Regionals following experiences like the one they’re getting in Lakewood Ranch.

Touch Kings FC 07 Elite (MD) is in a similar position, as the team is looking to compete at a high level against top competition. Touch Kings coach Brian Davis said NL Florida and the conference season will give the players, part of a relatively new club, a chance to continue to make a name for themselves.

“I’m excited for the opportunity. We love the competition. The setup is here and now it’s up to the kids to perform and showcase their talent,” Davis said after a 1-0 win on Friday. “Last year, we won Maryland State Cup and went to Regionals and didn’t perform how we wanted. This is our second time on a big stage. We’re looking to take away some of those mistakes we made last year. We’re taking it one game at a time. Tomorrow is another day and we’ll be back work.”

Showcase games will continue on Saturday, while the National League P.R.O. teams will compete in their first games of the event.

The action in Florida will feature half of the boys National League P.R.O. teams in the 15U-19U age groups. Top-finishing National League P.R.O. teams (12 per gender age group) earn direct advancement to the USYS National Championships, and many of the results in Florida will determine which teams punch their tickets.