Top NPL teams ring in New Year at Girls Showcase
PALM COAST, Fla. (Via US Club Soccer) – Nearly 60 top National Premier Leagues (NPL) girls teams from around the country converged on Palm Coast, Fla., for the 2014-15 NPL Showcase (Girls), Dec. 31-Jan. 2.
The event provided quality competition, as teams formed new rivalries with opponents from different regions of the United States, in an environment conducive to collegiate recruiting.
“This was an opportunity to see playing styles from all over the country in one event,” NPL General Manager Leo Garcia said. “We’re confident it was a valuable commodity for not just college coaches but also in the development of these clubs and players.”
Players endured cold temperatures, blistering breezes and horizontal rain on the opening day of the showcase. Nevertheless, the event got off to a great start with a bevy of collegiate scouts watching inspired play at Indian Trails Sports Complex.
On Thursday, the weather improved and participants continued to grind against opponents they don’t usually get opportunities to play against. By the end of the event, 37 games were decided by one goal or fewer.
Friday proved to be a memorable conclusion. Three games live streamed by StreamSports was one of the highlights of the day. FC Stars of Massachusetts (Mass.) defeated Space City FC (Texas), 4-0, in a U-17 match that kicked off the live streaming trio. Afterward, Jacksonville FC Storm Elite (Fla.) dropped a 3-0 decision to FC Stars of Massachusetts (Mass.) in a U-15 matchup. Lastly, Crossfire United Onyx (Ore.) rallied to tie New York SC (N.Y.), 2-2, in a thrilling West Coast vs. East Coast U-16 matinee.
Each day, college coaches (list) populated the complex, keeping a close eye on potential future members of their collegiate programs. These NPL teams return to their leagues with valuable experience against teams from other regions of the country, hoping this event foreshadows a run at an NPL Finals championship in July in Indiana.
