U14 Juniors at SLSG Fall Classic

The Sporting Kansas City U14 Juniors faced three of the top 5 teams in the region over the weekend in the Pre-Academy Division of the SLSG Boys Fall Classic but were left shorthanded against some of the Midwest's top teams after suffering a series of injuries.

Their tournament got off to a strong start with a 1-0 halftime lead in their opening game against Chicago Magic PSG Pre-Academy, the only goal the team from Illinois allowed in the tourney, but the eventual group winners capitalized on the loss of two SKC defenders in the second half en route to a 6-1 victory in the two teams rematch of the 2010 regional final.

The U14s second game on Saturday came against Carmel United, the state champions from Indiana. After hitting the crossbar twice and forcing their keeper to make several superb stops, Sporting suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat. Finishing the weekend with just 13 available players, the U14s fell 3-0 on Sunday to hosts St. Louis Scott Gallagher Elite.

"It has been a struggle but hopefully one that is making us stronger once we get everyone back," said head coach Dustin Otteson. "The boys are still working very hard but we are ready for a little luck and good health."

The U14s will travel to Chicago this weekend to face Sockers FC Chicago and FC United in the National Premier League.