FLORENCE, S.C. (March 23, 2021) — The US Youth Soccer Piedmont Conference’s 2020-21 season continued for the 13U Boys and Girls age groups over the weekend, as 15 North Carolina and South Carolina teams competed at Florence Soccer Complex in Florence, S.C.
All of the matchups saw teams put in strong performances while attempting to move up in the Piedmont Conference standings, as teams passed the midway point in the 13U Conference season.
In the 13U Boys age group, Tormenta FC 08 (SC) picked up a victory on Sunday to move to the top of the standings with 19 points after seven games played. The team has currently scored the most goals in the age group this conference season. Tormenta FC 08 coach Erik Robertello talked about what he attributes to his team’s win over the weekend.
“We had a strong showing defensively and did well moving the ball left to right, switching the point of attack, finding gaps and creating opportunities in the attacking third,” Robertello said.
Robertello also talked about what it means to his team to have the success they have had so far this season and what the team focuses on to prepare for the rest of the Piedmont Conference season.
“The overall feeling from the team, simply put, is just proud,” Robertello said. “The team trains very hard and continues to develop while maintaining a love for the game and most importantly each other, which is something we focus heavily on.
“There is still plenty of soccer to be played against competitive teams.”
In the 13U Girls age group, Charleston SC 08 Premier (SC) currently holds the top spot in the standings after picking up two wins over the weekend. The team currently has the highest goal differential this season with 15 goals scored and only three allowed after six games.
“The two teams we played this weekend were well-coached, solid clubs, so it was important for us to maintain purposeful possession and take advantage of scoring opportunities during the run of play,” Charleston SC 08 Premier coach Michael Petry said. “I was especially excited to see our defenders looking to get into the attack and our attackers looking to work to get the ball back when we lost possession. When all 11 players are willing attackers and willing defenders, it makes for some quality soccer.
“As coaches, we are proud of our girls for competing and finding ways to get results, but I'm more pleased with their continued development as players. It is fun to see our players confident enough to step outside their comfort zones and try new things.”
Petry also talked about what it means for his team to compete in the Piedmont Conference.
“I think there are a handful of teams that could secure the top spot in the standings by the end of the season, which is what you want out of a league,” Petry said. “The consistency of quality competition allows the players to be tested on a regular basis. I'm really enjoying watching the girls problem-solve on the field as they compete against a wide variety of playing styles.”
The next Piedmont Conference event will be on March 27-28 at MOBA Soccer Academy in Peachtree City, Ga. The event will feature 15 teams as the South Carolina teams travel in to compete against the Georgia teams.
For more information on the Piedmont Conference, including schedules, scores, and standings, click here.
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