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While Eclipse Select’s U15 Boys team is a juggernaut in the Midwest, Milwaukee-area U15 Bavarian boys team is also a team to be reckoned with. At the moment, though, they’re being bullied by a much more unstoppable power – the weather.

The Midwest winter is shutting down the squad like no opponent can, but even it can’t keep us from recognizing Bavarian as a strong U15 boys team in the Midwest.

Besides being relegated to mostly indoor soccer, the team has undergone a few significant changes this season: they have eight new players and a new formation to implement.

Despite those new challenges, the team is sure to stay together, if for no other reason than logistics.

“This group comes from a close area – about a 10-mile radius; the whole team lives in close proximity which is rare,” said coach Tom Zaiss. “I think continuity wise it helps when things don’t go your way. These guys already interact with each other in and out of school so they know one another.”

If Bavarian is to mount a challenge to the likes of Eclipse Select, it’ll need immediate impact from the new guys.

Among them is Alan Miranda, a very good dribbler and one of the team’s most dynamic players; as well as Nick Gonzalez.

Among the returners, forward Quinn English and talented midfielder Jack Menard will loom large. So will captain center back Danny Jarosz, who keeps things organized for the group.  

And just wait until the weather lets up and Bavarian can actually return outdoors.

Shifting gears to the girls, the U17 Naperville Premier Fury is the kind of soccer team you’d almost pay to watch.

They attack. And attack. Then attack some more.

Holding down TeamRank’s top spot in their Midwest age group, the team is coming off U.S. Youth Soccer state cup and regional titles from a year ago.

Expect more of the same this season.

“They’re one of the fastest teams in the country, in terms of the entire team’s speed,” said coach Rade Martinovic. “We usually play a 3-5-2 and we play 100 percent attacking soccer.”

One other helpful trait of the group is its depth. Martinovic can look down his bench and feel confident putting any of his players in the game. Forwards Zoe Swift and Corinne Harris are two of the stars but the entire team stands out.

See all Midwest TeamRank Rankings - Boys| Girls