BLACK DIVISION
There is very little separating the 14U Girls Black Division teams as they prepare for their games in Las Vegas. The top five teams are all within three points of each other, and no side has more than a plus-two goal differential through four games. All matches played in Boca Raton were nail-biters, and it should be a fun fight for the division title if that continues during the games in Las Vegas.
FC Dallas 06 (TX-N) is currently alone in first place with nine points, as it won its first three games of the season — all by one-goal margins. The North Texas side doesn’t have much breathing room, as MRM Academy Coyotes Blue 06 (MD) and 06 Lady Lobos Rush Premier (TN) are each two points back in the standings, as they both secured two wins and a draw in Boca Raton. A 2-0 win by the Coyotes in their second game of the season was the lone match featuring any of the top three teams that was decided by more than one goal — an indication of the competitive level within the division.
Legends FC 06 (CA-N) and FC Copa Academy 06 NL Black (NJ) also played several tight games, as they each came away with two wins from their four contests in Boca Raton. With six points apiece, they’re each just one win away from potentially moving to the top of the Black Division standings.
Game to Watch
March 20, FC Dallas 06 (TX-N) vs. MRM Academy Coyotes Blue 06 (MD)
FC Dallas already owns a win over 06 Lady Lobos Rush Premier (TN), which is tied for second with the Coyotes. If the North Texas side can secure three points against MRM Academy, it would strengthen its hold on the top spot and give it wins against two of its closest challengers. However, if the Coyotes can secure a win or draw in this matchup, it would bring FC Dallas back toward the rest of the pack while allowing the Maryland side to move into the driver’s seat heading into the final two days of play.
BLUE DIVISION
Four of the teams in the 14U Girls Blue Division have at least seven points in the standings after their first four games of the season. No single team managed to separate itself from the pack during the games in Boca Raton, and the close results from many of the games suggest the standings may remain tight throughout the weekend in Las Vegas.
CEFC Cleveland FC Royal 06 (OH-N) is currently on top of the division, as it picked up three wins and a draw — conceding five goals in those games while conceding none. That goal differential currently gives it a slight edge over CFJ South 06 Premier (IL), which also has 10 points in the standings. With a three-point edge over the next closest teams, Cleveland FC and CFJ South are in the best position to compete for the division title entering the final weekend of play.
However, the rest of the Blue Division won’t sit back and let it be a two-team race. PSA Princeton National (NJ) and LVSA 06 Girls NL (NV) each have seven points and are just one win away from potentially moving into a tie with the leaders. Princeton has the chance to build off of a 3-0 win in its last game in Boca Raton, while LVSA will have the advantage of playing in its hometown. Nationals Union 06 Girls Black (MI) is also just five points back of the leaders, as it thrived in low-scoring matches — totaling just one goal for and one against in its first four games.
Games to Watch
March 20, CEFC Cleveland FC Royal 06 (OH-N) vs. PSA Princeton National (NJ)
March 20, CFJ South 06 Premier (IL) vs. LVSA 06 Girls NL (NV)
There are several good Blue Division matchups to choose from across the whole weekend, but the first day of play in Las Vegas will see the top four teams facing off against each other. Each matchup features one of the teams tied for first place playing one of the teams tied for second. There are several possible combination of results that could take place. Simply, this offers the co-leaders with an opportunity to separate themselves from the rest of the division, while the second-place teams have a chance to move themselves closer to the top of the standings.
RED DIVISION
Three teams in the 14U Girls Red Division came away from the opening week of play with multiple wins. Those performances in Boca Raton have created a bit of a gap between the top trio and the rest of the field. However, there is still a chance for several teams to ultimately finish the season at the top of the standings.
CUP 06 Gold (OH-S) is currently at the top of the table, as it secured three wins from its first four games of the season. The Ohio South side has, by far, the best goal differential in the division, with 15 goals scored and just four conceded. That goal spread was boosted by a big win on the final day in Boca Raton against FC Dallas 06G West (TX-N), which is tied with CUP at nine points in the standings. FC Dallas shut out its first three opponents before falling to CUP, and it will need to regain that early form to try and overtake CUP for the top spot in the group.
As the lone undefeated team in the division, Chicago Inter Soccer 2006 Red (IL) is one point behind the co-leaders. The Illinois side played four defensive battles in Boca Raton, as it come away with two 1-0 wins to go along with a pair of scoreless draws. It has matches remaining against both CUP and FC Dallas, so the opportunities are there to move to the top of the Red Division.
With four points in the standings, 06 CSA South Elite (NC) is in shouting distance of the leaders. It already played each of the top three teams in the standings, so it will have to take care of its own games and hope for some help in Las Vegas.
Game to Watch
March 22, Chicago Inter Soccer 2006 Red (IL) vs. CUP 06 Gold (OH-S)
This matchup could decide who wins the Red Division, and it’s possible both teams will still be in contention when they meet on the final day of the season. CUP has a one-point edge over Chicago Inter in the standings heading into the Las Vegas event, so it’s possible that one side or the other manages to create some separation prior to this Sunday match. However, if they’re still within three points of one another, this game will decide who finishes higher. Time will tell if that means the division title comes with it.
WHITE DIVISION
The 14U White Division features a pair of unbeaten teams who are sitting in the best positions to claim the title. Real JFC 06 (NJ) is currently alone in first place after winning all four of its opening matches in Boca Raton. The New Jersey side put forth strong efforts in all areas, as it scored 15 goals and conceded none during its four victories. Its advantage in the standings — with points and goal differential — put Real JFC on the inside track to division title as it heads to Las Vegas.
After beginning its season with a scoreless draw, Sporting STL 2006 Academy (MO) strung together three straight wins. The Missouri side is just two points back of Real JFC and enjoyed several impressive all-around showing of its own in Boca Raton — scoring 12 goals and allowing just one. Sporting STL will look to carry over that momentum to the games in Las Vegas.
GSC Prima Green 06G (NE) and Century Gold 06 Girls (PA-W) are the other teams in the division with multiple victories. GSC Prima secured seven points, as it added a tie to its two wins in Boca Raton. Meanwhile, Century has already faced the top teams in the group and will aim to pick up some wins in Las Vegas to make up some ground in the standings.
Game to Watch
March 21, Real JFC 06 (NJ) vs. Sporting STL 2006 Academy (MO)
The top two teams in the standings entering the Las Vegas weekend will meet on the field on Saturday. Both sides have been strong going forward and defending, so there’s little evidence to suggest an edge for one team over the other. If Real JFC can maintain its lead in the standings entering this match, it will have the advantage of benefiting from a tie. On the other hand, Sporting STL may need to push for a win, which could open things up and lead to an exciting game.