2009 National Cup VIII Indianapolis Regional: Blog
JUNE 27-30
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TUE., JUNE 30 | 4:45 PM ET | AND WE'RE FINISHED
It was an exciting championship day here at the Lawrence Soccer Complex. In addition to several late-game goals in various games to secure regional championships, both games on Field 1 were decided by kicks from the mark, as winners didn't emerge after regulation and a pair of 10-minute overtime periods.
The complete list of Indianapolis Regional champions, as well as photos, can be found here.
We'll take you through the last moments of the Chicago Fire Juniors Red 11's championship:
The save
The initial excitement
The pile-on
It was an exciting championship day here at the Lawrence Soccer Complex. In addition to several late-game goals in various games to secure regional championships, both games on Field 1 were decided by kicks from the mark, as winners didn't emerge after regulation and a pair of 10-minute overtime periods.
The complete list of Indianapolis Regional champions, as well as photos, can be found here.
We'll take you through the last moments of the Chicago Fire Juniors Red 11's championship:
The save
The initial excitement
The pile-on
See you in Virginia Beach!
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TUE., JUNE 30 | 8:46 AM ET | 10 MORE CHAMPIONS TODAY
Ten games remain in the National Cup VIII Indianapolis Regional, all of which are championship matches. Action will kick-off here in just a few minutes (at 9 a.m.), while the final pair of games are scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.
FC Pride, which calls Lawrence Soccer Complex home, has two teams in the finals - their U-17 Boys Premier squad as well as the club's U-15 girls, representing in the age bracket's Super Group division.
Other notes about today's games:
*A pair of games feature local rivals from Chicagoland: Sockers Cup U13 will square off this morning against the Chicago G-Force in the U-13 Boys Premier Group, while Sockers FC will face the Chicago Fire Juniors Red 11 in the U-14 Girls Super Group championship.
*Both the St. Louis and Twin Cities areas have three teams participating in today's finals.
*Not to be outdone, nine teams from the immediate Chicago area are also looking to capture Indianapolis Regional championships today
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Ten games remain in the National Cup VIII Indianapolis Regional, all of which are championship matches. Action will kick-off here in just a few minutes (at 9 a.m.), while the final pair of games are scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.
FC Pride, which calls Lawrence Soccer Complex home, has two teams in the finals - their U-17 Boys Premier squad as well as the club's U-15 girls, representing in the age bracket's Super Group division.
Other notes about today's games:
*A pair of games feature local rivals from Chicagoland: Sockers Cup U13 will square off this morning against the Chicago G-Force in the U-13 Boys Premier Group, while Sockers FC will face the Chicago Fire Juniors Red 11 in the U-14 Girls Super Group championship.
*Both the St. Louis and Twin Cities areas have three teams participating in today's finals.
*Not to be outdone, nine teams from the immediate Chicago area are also looking to capture Indianapolis Regional championships today
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MON., JUNE 29 | 6:10 PM ET | FC PITTSBURGH TAKES TWO
FC Pittsburgh brought two teams to the Indianapolis Regional, and both squads will be returning to the Keystone State to prepare for the National Cup VIII Finals with championship trophies in hand.
FC Pittsburgh Sparks (white) faced Minnesota Thunder Academy in the U-15 Girls Premier championship game
The club's U-15 squad suffered a 1-0 loss to Minnesota Thunder Academy in a 9 a.m. game this morning, but results from the other teams in the age group resulted in a second showdown between the teams this afternoon. This time, however, FC Pittsburgh avenged its one-goal defeat with a 2-0 win, securing a spot in Virginia Beach, Va., later this summer.
Here is what Chet Gapczynsky, FC Pittsburgh's Girls' Director of Coaching, had to say about it:
"We knew we had the potential and the talent. We did face very good competition in both age groups. In both situations, the young ladies understood going in, different game plans from all the training and all the practice. And they applied them, and they were successful."
FC Pittsburgh brought two teams to the Indianapolis Regional, and both squads will be returning to the Keystone State to prepare for the National Cup VIII Finals with championship trophies in hand.
FC Pittsburgh Sparks (white) faced Minnesota Thunder Academy in the U-15 Girls Premier championship game
The club's U-15 squad suffered a 1-0 loss to Minnesota Thunder Academy in a 9 a.m. game this morning, but results from the other teams in the age group resulted in a second showdown between the teams this afternoon. This time, however, FC Pittsburgh avenged its one-goal defeat with a 2-0 win, securing a spot in Virginia Beach, Va., later this summer.
Here is what Chet Gapczynsky, FC Pittsburgh's Girls' Director of Coaching, had to say about it:
"We knew we had the potential and the talent. We did face very good competition in both age groups. In both situations, the young ladies understood going in, different game plans from all the training and all the practice. And they applied them, and they were successful."
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MON., JUNE 29 | 3:33 PM ET | CHAMPIONSHIPS AND NIKE
Five Indianapolis Regional championship teams have already been determined this far, with one more to be crowned on Day 3 after the 3 p.m. time slot. The remaining winners will be crowned tomorrow, on the fourth and final day of the event. Players from those U-13 through U-17 championship-winning teams have just one thing on their minds: Virginia Beach, Va., site of the 2009 National Cup VIII Finals. And understandably so.
The event is held on the top-notch fields of the Hampton Roads Soccer Complex and the adjacent Princess Anne Athletic Complex. National championships will be awarded. Hundreds of college coaches will be in attendance, and many additional off-the-field offerings will be available. And it's a vacation destination, so players, parents, coaches and fans will have the opportunity to spend some time at the beach.
Nike is a big sponsor and supporter of US Club Soccer, and we look forward to what they will have in stock for all of us at the National Cup VIII Finals. But don't forget about what they have available here in Indianapolis. In addition to the infamous shoe trial, kill some time on the soccer tennis court:
In this intense game of soccer tennis,
Springfield SC defeated Springfield SC.
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MON., JUNE 29 | 9:02 AM ET | STATES VS. STATES DAY 2 RECAP
Yesterday we brought you a state-by-state listing of how teams from those states fared after Saturday's games. Here is an updated list with Sunday's results included:
Indiana: 7-15-4
Illinois: 42-37-13
Kansas: 0-4-0
Kentucky: 1-3-0
Minnesota: 12-6-2
Missouri: 13-4-1
New York: 1-5-2
Ohio: 6-10-2
Pennsylvania: 4-0-0
West Virginia: 0-2-0
In a change from Saturday's standings, Missouri has pulled ahead of Minnesota - at least for the time being - and Illinois moved above the .500 barrier.
Also on tap for today is the awarding of several Indianapolis Regional championships, while many other semifinal contests will take place. First to be crowned champions will be a team from the U-14 Girls Premier bracket after the 9 a.m. time slot today.
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SUN., JUNE 28 | 9:30 PM ET | DAYLIGHT?
The majority of the East Coast-based US Club Soccer crew were surprised when we walked outside from dinner at 9:30 p.m. and there was still daylight! Chalk one up for Indy, that's good stuff.
Turning towards the tournament at hand, day two has officially concluded and most teams are now looking ahead to what is usually the most exciting part of the event - when championships are awarded.
One bracket to note is the 10-team U-13 Boys Premier Group. With each team having played two games to date, seven squads remain in the hunt for two open spots in Tuesday's 11 a.m. championship game. Campton United Navy currently leads the pack with 6 points, but three teams are tied with 4 points and another trio are tied with three, making for an exciting day of games on Monday.
We'll keep track of that bracket, as well as all the results, over the next two days as the 2009 National Cup VIII Indianapolis Regional winds down.
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SUN., JUNE 28 | 4:41 PM ET | SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR
Mixed emotions resulted here at the Lawrence Soccer Complex when the final whistle blew on the U.S. Men's National Team this afternoon against Brazil. While many people were obviously pleased that the Americans advanced to their first-ever final of a FIFA competition, the overwhelming majority of people were disappointed at the loss of a two-goal halftime lead.
Either way, the game provided for sheer entertainment as FC Pride's Brent Paulson hooked up a 26-inch flatscreen television for all to watch. The crowd included staffers, volunteers, referees, parents, coaches and also players that were finished with their games today or those looking forward to a 5 p.m. kickoff.
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SUN., JUNE 28 | 11:30 AM ET | COLLEGE COACHES
Attention aspiring intercollegiate student-athletes: You never know who may be watching your games here at the Indianapolis Regional.
A plethora of college coaches have stopped by the admin tent in just the past day and a half...so many that we ran out of toner from printing player profile books and had to make a quick run to Staples to finish the job!
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SUN., JUNE 28 | 9:04 AM ET | STATES VS. STATES
As we kick off the second day of action here at the Indianapolis Regional, let's have a look back at how teams from each of the 10 states fared in yesterday's games:
Indiana: 3-7-3
Illinois: 20-20-6
Kansas: 0-2-0
Kentucky: 1-1-0
Minnesota: 7-3-0
Missouri: 6-3-0
New York: 0-3-1
Ohio: 5-4-0
Pennsylvania: 2-0-0
West Virginia: 0-1-0
As you can see, there is quite a bit of parity among the states. Minnesota, Missouri and Pennsylvania seem to be at the top of the pack, but we'll see how the standings change after today's games.
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SAT., JUNE 27 | 3:03 PM ET | ACTION PHOTOS INDY
US Club Soccer is pleased to have partnered with Action Photos Indy for all of your tournament photography needs. Action Photo Indy's team of photographers are busy taking action shots of participating teams as they compete for regional championships here at the Indianapolis Regional.
Five Indianapolis Regional championship teams have already been determined this far, with one more to be crowned on Day 3 after the 3 p.m. time slot. The remaining winners will be crowned tomorrow, on the fourth and final day of the event. Players from those U-13 through U-17 championship-winning teams have just one thing on their minds: Virginia Beach, Va., site of the 2009 National Cup VIII Finals. And understandably so.
The event is held on the top-notch fields of the Hampton Roads Soccer Complex and the adjacent Princess Anne Athletic Complex. National championships will be awarded. Hundreds of college coaches will be in attendance, and many additional off-the-field offerings will be available. And it's a vacation destination, so players, parents, coaches and fans will have the opportunity to spend some time at the beach.
Nike is a big sponsor and supporter of US Club Soccer, and we look forward to what they will have in stock for all of us at the National Cup VIII Finals. But don't forget about what they have available here in Indianapolis. In addition to the infamous shoe trial, kill some time on the soccer tennis court:
In this intense game of soccer tennis,
Springfield SC defeated Springfield SC.
______________________________________________________________
MON., JUNE 29 | 9:02 AM ET | STATES VS. STATES DAY 2 RECAP
Yesterday we brought you a state-by-state listing of how teams from those states fared after Saturday's games. Here is an updated list with Sunday's results included:
Indiana: 7-15-4
Illinois: 42-37-13
Kansas: 0-4-0
Kentucky: 1-3-0
Minnesota: 12-6-2
Missouri: 13-4-1
New York: 1-5-2
Ohio: 6-10-2
Pennsylvania: 4-0-0
West Virginia: 0-2-0
In a change from Saturday's standings, Missouri has pulled ahead of Minnesota - at least for the time being - and Illinois moved above the .500 barrier.
Also on tap for today is the awarding of several Indianapolis Regional championships, while many other semifinal contests will take place. First to be crowned champions will be a team from the U-14 Girls Premier bracket after the 9 a.m. time slot today.
______________________________________________________________
SUN., JUNE 28 | 9:30 PM ET | DAYLIGHT?
The majority of the East Coast-based US Club Soccer crew were surprised when we walked outside from dinner at 9:30 p.m. and there was still daylight! Chalk one up for Indy, that's good stuff.
Turning towards the tournament at hand, day two has officially concluded and most teams are now looking ahead to what is usually the most exciting part of the event - when championships are awarded.
One bracket to note is the 10-team U-13 Boys Premier Group. With each team having played two games to date, seven squads remain in the hunt for two open spots in Tuesday's 11 a.m. championship game. Campton United Navy currently leads the pack with 6 points, but three teams are tied with 4 points and another trio are tied with three, making for an exciting day of games on Monday.
We'll keep track of that bracket, as well as all the results, over the next two days as the 2009 National Cup VIII Indianapolis Regional winds down.
______________________________________________________________
SUN., JUNE 28 | 4:41 PM ET | SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR
Mixed emotions resulted here at the Lawrence Soccer Complex when the final whistle blew on the U.S. Men's National Team this afternoon against Brazil. While many people were obviously pleased that the Americans advanced to their first-ever final of a FIFA competition, the overwhelming majority of people were disappointed at the loss of a two-goal halftime lead.
Either way, the game provided for sheer entertainment as FC Pride's Brent Paulson hooked up a 26-inch flatscreen television for all to watch. The crowd included staffers, volunteers, referees, parents, coaches and also players that were finished with their games today or those looking forward to a 5 p.m. kickoff.
______________________________________________________________
SUN., JUNE 28 | 11:30 AM ET | COLLEGE COACHES
Attention aspiring intercollegiate student-athletes: You never know who may be watching your games here at the Indianapolis Regional.
A plethora of college coaches have stopped by the admin tent in just the past day and a half...so many that we ran out of toner from printing player profile books and had to make a quick run to Staples to finish the job!
SUN., JUNE 28 | 9:04 AM ET | STATES VS. STATES
As we kick off the second day of action here at the Indianapolis Regional, let's have a look back at how teams from each of the 10 states fared in yesterday's games:
Indiana: 3-7-3
Illinois: 20-20-6
Kansas: 0-2-0
Kentucky: 1-1-0
Minnesota: 7-3-0
Missouri: 6-3-0
New York: 0-3-1
Ohio: 5-4-0
Pennsylvania: 2-0-0
West Virginia: 0-1-0
As you can see, there is quite a bit of parity among the states. Minnesota, Missouri and Pennsylvania seem to be at the top of the pack, but we'll see how the standings change after today's games.
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SAT., JUNE 27 | 3:03 PM ET | ACTION PHOTOS INDY
US Club Soccer is pleased to have partnered with Action Photos Indy for all of your tournament photography needs. Action Photo Indy's team of photographers are busy taking action shots of participating teams as they compete for regional championships here at the Indianapolis Regional.
Action Photos Indy on-site set-up
Action Photos Indy boasts a wide variety of photo offerings as well as a full on-site set-up, with special on-site pricing, although all photos are also available online. In addition, there is a minimal turnaround from the time teams' games end to the time their pictures can be viewed.
"Within 10 to 15 minutes after the end of the game, the photos are up on the computers [on-site]," said Chris Williams of Action Photos Indy.
Computers are available for quick and easy viewing
That is a big camera...Action Photos Indy does not mess around!
Have a look for yourself! The Action Photos Indy set-up is on Field 14 (yes, ON Field 14), and their Web site can be accessed at http://www.actionphotosindy.com.
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SAT., JUNE 27 | 9:14 AM ET | 10 GAMES AT 10
Everything is falling into place for what promises to be a quality event, and we're set to start the 2009 National Cup VIII Indianapolis Regional with a set of 10 games at 10 a.m. here at the Lawrence Soccer Complex.
The fields are looking nice
Teams from 10 states - Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia - have traveled to The Circle City for a chance to capture a regional championship and for the U-13 through U-17 teams, to advance to the National Cup VIII Finals in Virginia Beach, Va., later this summer.
In a small field change made this morning, all games originally scheduled for Field 16 will now be played on Field 20.