National League Arizona continued Saturday, as the 15U-19U Boys teams competed in the first National League P.R.O. games of the weekend at Bell Bank Park, Powered by Legacy Sports USA in Mesa, Ariz. Saturday also included the second day of action for the teams competing in showcase games in Arizona.
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 Arizona will directly impact which teams punch their tickets.
In 15U Group E of National League P.R.O., Azzurri Storm 07 Boys Premier (FL) came away with a thrilling 5-3 win against previously unbeaten SAC 2007B Pre-Academy (MD). The Florida side is in control in the group and on the verge of securing a spot at Nationals.
Aside from the professionalism of the league experience, Azzurri Storm coach Paul Williams said he and the team enjoy the competitive level that comes with playing on the national stage.
“From my perspective as a coach, the goal is to get our players playing in front of the best teams in the nation — to give them an opportunity to reflect on how good they are and things they need to improve,” Williams said. “It’s the best opposition they can face in the nation. It will give them an opportunity to look at the standard and see where they are. And it also gives an opportunity for them to showcase in front of college coaches."
Take a brief look at where some of the National League P.R.O. boys teams stand after Saturday’s matches…
- In 15U Group E, Azzurri Storm 07 Boys Premier (FL) held off a late surge from SAC 2007B Pre-Academy (MD) to win 5-3 and move to 5-0-0.
- West Pines United FC 2006B Ezzy (FL) broke through a stout FC Europa 06 Boys Elite (PA-E) defense to earn a 1-0 win and remain on top of the 16U Group D.
- In 17U Group E, LVSA 05 Boys Red (NV) secured a key 2-0 win against previously unbeaten Juventus - Zoff (FL) to move into first place.
- The competitive level of National League P.R.O. was on display in 18U Group F, where top side Downtown LVSC 04 Gold (NV) secured a narrow 3-2 win over eighth-place Paragon Futbol Academy 2004B Red (MD). The Nevada side remains on top in a tight race for the title.
- Strikers Miami FC Elite 2003 (FL) and Milwaukee Bavarian United (WI) having each secured every possible point thus far in their seasons in 19U Group D. The two sides squared off on Saturday and couldn’t be separated, as they played to a 3-3 draw. Strikers remain in first, having played an additional game, while Milwaukee is right behind in second place.
Showcase games will wrap up on Sunday, while the National League P.R.O. action will continue for its second of three days of play.
