After three days of arduously competitive matches amongst over 100 of the highest-ranking youth soccer teams in the state, the pool play rounds of the 2024 Missouri Summer State Cup have come to a conclusion. With just four teams remaining in each age group, the stage now is set for the championship weekend, each team merely two wins away from lifting the trophy and being crowned a Missouri state champion.
The pool play weekend was a resounding success, having taken place June 1-3, 2024, with all matches being held at Creve Coeur Park Soccer Complex in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The event featured play from U13-U14 age groups for girls and U13-U19 age groups for boys.
It was a vibrant atmosphere as thousands of spectators gathered at the fields to watch as each team played a series of three matches, one per day, showcasing the passion Missouri holds for youth soccer. Between game-winning penalty kicks, underdogs prevailing and Missouri’s unpredictable weather, the weekend was nothing short of entertaining, keeping fans on their toes.
Despite Monday’s temperatures neighboring close to 90 degrees and afternoon thunderstorms causing a short lightning delay, all scheduled matches were able to be played.
Though there was a surplus of talent present at the tournament, only the highest-finishing teams in each bracket progressed to the next round. Four teams advanced from each age group with wild cards being awarded to the next highest-finishing team in age groups with less than four brackets. The ability for these teams to play in the next rounds of State Cup is a testament to their hard work, success and capability to perform under pressure.
All matches of the 2024 Missouri Summer State Cup semi-final rounds will be played at Creve Coeur Park Soccer Complex on June 7, 2024, as follows:
U13 Boys:
- St. Louis Stars SC 11 Boys Academy Red vs JB Marine Gold Gober 11B, 1:45 p.m., Field 2
- STLDA U13B Elite 64 vs SLSG MO B 2011 Elite, 1:45 p.m., Field 5
U13 Girls:
- CarShield FC 2011G Academy NL vs LFA Blue Star Championship 2011G, 9 a.m., Field 2
- LFA Blue Star Premier 2011G vs MO Rush 2011G, 9 a.m., Field 5
U14 Boys:
- SLSG MO B 2010 Elite vs SLSG MO B 2010 Premier Navy, 11:30 a.m., Field 3
- STLDA U14B Elite 64 vs St. Louis Stars SC 10 Boys Academy Red, 11:30 a.m., Field 4
U14 Girls:
- MO Rush 2010G United vs LFA Blue Star Premier 2010G, 6:15 p.m., Field 2
- SLSG MO G 2010 Elite Navy vs KC Athletics Academy Premier 10G, 6:15 p.m., Field 5
U15 Boys:
- STLDA U15B Elite 64 vs KC Legends 2009 Academy Black, 1:30 p.m., Field 4
- LFA Blue Star Premier 2009B vs SLSG MO B 2009 St Johnstone, 1:30 p.m., Field 3
U16 Boys:
- STLDA U16B Elite 64 vs SLSG MO B 2008 Celtic, 9 a.m., Field 3
- SLSG MO B 2008 Elite vs MO Rush 2008B Academy, 9 a.m., Field 4
U17 Boys:
- MO Rush 2007B Academy vs SLSG MO B 2007 Elite, 11:15 a.m., Field 2
- STLDA U17B Elite 64 vs Gunners 2007B BLUE, 11:15 a.m., Field 5
U18 Boys:
- JB Marine Academy McKeon 06B vs Sporting Columbia 06B, 3:45 p.m., Field 2
- LFA Williams 2006B vs Gunners 2006B BLUE, 3:45 p.m., Field 5
U19 Boys:
- STLDA U19B Elite 64 vs 026 Futbol Club 2005B Comesana, 4 p.m., Field 4
- SLSG MO B 2005/2006 Navy vs KC Athletics Academy Elite 05/06 NLMC, 4 p.m., Field 3
Of these elite squads that have earned the opportunity to continue competing for a state title, two teams have notably made history for their respective clubs. With CarShield FC 2011G Academy NL completely dominating their bracket, going 3-0 with no goals scored against them, they are the first team in the club to ever advance to the semi-final round of a Missouri State Cup. In a similar manner, 026 Futbol Club 2005B Comesana snuck their way into the next round, going 2-1 and putting 12 goals in the back of the net for a goal differential that grabbed them the wild card spot for their age group. They too will be the first team from their club to play a Missouri State Cup game beyond the initial pool play rounds.
The privilege to play in the second round is not a new feeling for some teams, however, as there are some seasoned state champions in the mix. SLSG MO B 2010 Elite, STLDA U15B Elite 64, JB Marine Academy McKeon 06B and MO Rush 2010G United all look to capture their second consecutive state title, while STLDA U16B Elite 64 is looking to add a third consecutive to their resume. One team in particular, STLDA U19B Elite 64, has controlled the success of the Missouri State Cup like no other, though. Moving on to the semi-final round with three consecutive state titles on their back, the boys will fight to continue their legacy with a fourth and final before they move on to college.
The teams that prevail in the semi-finals will then play on June 8, 2024, in the championship round. Winners from each age group earn the honor to represent the state at the 2024 Midwest Regional Championships in Overland Park and Olathe, Kansas on June 21-26, 2024.
As the pool play rounds of the 2024 Missouri State Cup conclude and players and coaches prepare for the upcoming semi-final rounds, it is important to note the seamless flow of the tournament is due to the hard work of the Creve Coeur Soccer Park and MYSA employees, the referees, the outstanding vendors, J&K Soccer Store, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, Kona Ice and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck and the cooperation of all players, coaches and spectators. Stay hydrated and see you next weekend!