New name, same pedigree.

The St. Louis Scott Gallagher Boys Fall Classic, formerly the Metro United Boys Fall Classic, may have a new title but rest assured it retains all of the qualities that have made it the preeminent youth event in the region.

Mainly, the unprecedented number of top teams who take part in this prodigious tournament.

When the 18th edition of this annual event plays out on Oct. 10 and 11, the deserving winner will have successfully waded through more than a few worthy opponents.

Tournament Director Mitch Bohnak put it simply: “If you come to our event, you will not be disappointed with the competition.”

That’s an understatement.

In typical top level fashion, last year’s Fall Classic, which features age groups of U14 to U18, brought out more than half of the top 40 teams in the Midwest and the U14 final featured two teams who had just met a few months before in the US Youth Soccer Region II final.

Expect much of the same this October when more than 170 teams from 20 states come together for this nationally recognized extravaganza. And while the majority of powerhouse clubs present will be from Region II, the classic does draw teams from states like Alabama and Colorado, an important aspect of what makes it so special.

“When you come to this event – unless maybe if you’re a team from Chicago – you won’t see a team you’ve recently played against,” Bohnak said. “Our diversity is a huge part of what makes the event unique. There are top teams from all over the country and the quality is so strong. It really is tough for teams to make it out of their brackets.”

The games themselves will be contested in top facilities like the O’Fallon Sports Park, a giant complex located in O’Fallon, Missouri; and in Maryland Heights, Missouri, Sportport – a 95-acre multi-purpose facility with 12 full-size fully-lighted natural grass fields.

“This tournament started small and has grown into something that has a big reputation,” said Bohnak, who has been running it for the last nine years. “This is traditionally the top tourney in the region – we’ve had national champs compete here recently, and it’s very well organized. It’s just gotten better and better.”

The Boys Classic isn’t the only big tournament offered by St. Louis Scott Gallagher. Two other fall events are making big waves in the Midwest and across the country.

St. Louis Scott Gallagher Girls Fall Classic & College Showcase (Formerly Metro United Girls Fall Classic and College Showcase), Oct. 30-Nov. 1: A national event featuring college coaches along with 340 teams, this gathering of top girls teams from ages U8-U19 brings together some of the brightest players and teams across the country.

Gallagher Friendlies, Sept. 4-6: The newest edition to the rotation of tournaments, this event is a pressure-free showcase that doesn’t record standings or points. There are no champions crowned, only players showcased.