The top teams from around the Midwest are heading to the Badlands to see who will represent Region II at the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships. The Midwest Regionals begin Saturday in South Dakota.

Following is a breakdown of group play among older boys’ age groups.

U16

Some heavy collisions can be expected in Group A as Michigan champions Vardar face KC Wizards Juniors, Chicago Fire Juniors and Lexington FC. In Group B, Capital SA Gold (Nebraska wild card) will meet Heartland SC (Iowa), Team Ohio and Woodridge PFC (Ohio North), Group C includes Wisconsin champs Croatian Eagles, Indiana winners Westside United, Nebraska State Cup champs Arsenal Velano and South Dakota’s Great Plains Quest. In Group D, it’s MRL qualifiers Campton United (Illinois), Minnesota’s Shattuck St. Marys, St. Louis Scott Gallagher and KCFC Rangers.

U17

Ohio North champions Pacesetter Premier are in Group A along with Eagles (Ohio South), Javanon (Kentucky) and Great Plains Force (South Dakota). In Group B, KC Wizards Juniors will meet Eclipse Select (Illinois), Metro FC (MRL) and NFC Bellator of  Nebraska. EIU Blue represent Iowa at this age group and will be in Group C with Vardar West (Michigan), FC Evansville (Indiana) and Team Ohio (MRL). In Group D, St. Louis Scott Gallagher will face Chicago Fire Juniors, Valley United (Minnesota) and Elm Grove Premier (Wisconsin)

U18

Fort Wayne Fever represent Indiana in Group A and will face MSS Arsenal (Nebraska), Cincinnati United Premier (Ohio South) and Everest SC (Ohio North). In Group B, Lou Fusz SC (Missouri) will play EIU Blue (Iowa), United FC (South Dakota) and Michigan Wolves. Group C features United 1996 of Kentucky, who will play St. Louis Scott Gallagher, Minnesota Thunder and Croatian Eagles (Wisconsin). In Group D, KC Wizards Juniors meet Javanon (Kentucky), Springfield SC and Inter FC (Illinois).

Play begins Saturday, with group matches also taking place Sunday and Monday. Only group winners advance. Semifinals are scheduled for Tuesday and finals on Wednesday. The winners in U14 through U18 age groups advance to the National Championship Series Finals July 22-27 in Lancaster, Mass.

Also on TopDrawerSoccercom:

Region II Older Girls preview
Region II Younger Girls preview
Region II Younger Boys preview

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