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USYS GIRLS SOCCER: Don’t Fear The Challenge: Nationals Union Black sure doesn’t, claims national championship



MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK: MSN NEWS: www.michigansoccernetwork.com/msnnews


(Editor’s Note: The Michigan Soccer Network will continue its series about an assortment of Michigan-based youth club teams that competed in various age groups at various regional and national tournaments and playoffs during the months of June, July and August for all levels of the youth soccer pyramid. Send all pertinent information including results, stats, photos, and coach’s contact information to MSN Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com a

dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com or call the news department at 248-525-2349.) 


BY DAN STICKRADT

WEB AND CONTENT EDITOR | DIRECTOR OF NEWS

Michigan Soccer Network | Premier Media Group and affiliates

BUSINESS LINE: (248) 525-2349

CELL PHONE: (248) 884-1051

TW/X: @msn_stickradt @LocalSportsFans @MiSoccerNetwork

 

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Henry Steinwascher laid out a simple challenge to his club soccer team earlier this year.


His team more than delivered.


The talented side finished off a brilliant 25-2-1 year by winning the USYS U18 National Championship title on July 28 at the Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Fla., just outside of Orlando.


“The thing we talked about all year was to ‘don’t fear the challenge,” beamed Steinwascher. “Don’t be afraid of it. Go after it. The soccer part of it we weren’t really worried about. These are all very talented players. They’ve done so well in high school or in club throughout the (past) year. It was just a matter of getting them back into the flow and used to playing with each other again.”


This is the first time this group has ever won a national championship together in youth club soccer. Several of these players have captured league, district and regional championships at the high school level and one player on the roster has also won a state championship in high school two years ago.


But collectively this group had come up short in previous visits to the national tournament in recent years.


“Our goal was to get one step further than the previous two years. We were able to do that through league play, state cup play, through the National League P.R.O. Then they went off to high school (spring season). We let them go to high school ball, be themselves as players and help lead their (high school) teams there. Some of them had great seasons in high school. Once we came back when the high school season was over June 15 right around tryouts we came back and went to work,” said Steinwascher. “They were asked to do different things fitness wise that they haven’t done in the past. Terri (Steinwascher) came in and basically ran the crap out of them to get them into even better shape.  We just got mentally tough enough to go down there. They were ready to go down there.”


At the national tournament, the team went 2-0-1 in the Group stage pool play with a 5-2 scoring edge and two clean sheets. That was enough to qualify for the semifinals at the national event. Nationals Union tied Lobos Rush 07G Lady Premier (2-2) followed by wins over Club Ohio Dayton 07G Green (2-0) and MS Futbol Club MS Rush 07G Premier (1-0).

In the semifinals on July 27, Nationals Union Black blanked St. Louis, Mo.-based AFA Fillies 2007 Ruthless (2-0) to set the stage for the finals in the U18 Division.


Nationals Union O7G Black went on to claim the national title with a 3-2 victory over Topsfield, Maine-based Aztec Soccer 2007G Impact. The game ventured into double overtime before Nationals picked up the eventual game-winning goal from Presley Jones.


It marked the second national championship team from the Nations SC umbrella this summer, as the Nationals SC 10G Girls Academy also took home a crown in the U14 Division earlier in July. The club also posted five different teams on the youth club soccer pyramid into the Final Four in their respective age groups and levels.


Nationals Union Black finished 4-0-1 overall at the national championships, posting three clean sheets and a 10-4 scoring edge over five games. Only two teams on the bookends were able to score on this talented side during the tournament.


“They had to win or tie (in group stage) to advance and they were able to do that,” said Steinwascher. “We had to win 1-0 (in the final game of group play) and after that they didn’t know what to expect.


“But we did a lot of team building stuff throughout the week and I think  that night and then the following day we stayed focused and we stayed on our plan with the team building plans and team meetings,” continued Steinwascher. “We were ready for the semis. We ended up winning that game 2-0. We won that game and were in complete control. The whole game. We ended up playing in the final and I would say that one was the game where we needed a little bit of luck and we got it. (the opposition) had the ball a little more than I would have liked. But they were doing a lot of things going side-to-side and not really going forward. We had another game earlier in the year at the NL P.R.O. when we played Libertyville (SC out of Illinois). So I really wasn’t nervous when they had the ball because they weren’t creating many chances. The finals (this time) were similar to that Libertyville game.


“We ended up going down 1-0 and I was looking at our demeanor out on the field and there was no panic, dropping of shoulders. ‘They were like we’ve been here before’ in earlier games. So, we ended up taking a 2-1 lead at halftime. We ended up winning 3-2,” added Steinwascher. “The girls found a way to win.”


Both Lauren DeJonckheere and Presley Jones – a pair of Division 1 All-State First Team honorees in June after the high school season – were two of the players that shined bright. Jones scored three goals in the finals and both Jones and DeJonckheere were standouts in the tourney, scoring or assisting goals and doing the dirty work on the offensive end. Defensively, Nationals Union Black posted a 0.80 team goals-against-average at the national tournament, much to the credit of a solid backline and midfield along with goalkeeper Ashley Miller.


But that final seconds of the championship match and the moments afterwards? It was something that the players will cherish forever as national champs.


Jones said there was no way the team was going to come up empty handed and return home without some championship hardware.


“We’re going all the way. I was like we’re not winning it. We had never gone this far before. It was really eye-opening now. We’re not stopping now. We’re going all the way,” recalled Jones of the national finals. “We ended up winning it all.


“I don’t really remember (the final minute of the finals). It was all so crazy. The whole last overtime I was so scared because we knew that team was able and willing to come back to score another goal against us and they weren’t going to give up,” offered Jones. “There was some panic. Especially because I didn’t learn to defend that style until the first half when Henry told me. But then coming back from that first goal (deficit) to the last few minutes of the game was crazy. I just wanted this game. But what am I supposed to do now? (After) the other games you knew you had another game coming up. But this one like, well now what? I didn’t know how to act.”


DeJonckheere always had a certain plan immediately after big games where the Nationals ended up winning.


“(After wins) I usually run to (goalkeeper) Ashley (Miller) right away. I had the Veo on and I thought I’d broke it. I was freaking out for a second. I thought I was going to have to pay for this and fix it.  And that happened and I was like, ‘oh gosh’. There was like two minutes left. Who am I going to run to first (if we hold on)? I always run to Ashley. There was only 10 seconds left and the ball wasn’t even near us. So, I started to walk towards Ashley. Then I started to run towards Ashley. I ended up missing the team picture (of the pile of players on the field).”


The Nationals Union 07G Black qualified for the national tournament thanks to their overall performances at the MSYSA state and USYS Midwest levels. The team also previously won their league and the Champions Pool at the National League P.R.O. Midwest event last February to solidify their spot in the 16-team field at the national event.


After some 11 months of training, playing games, taking three months off for high school soccer and then reconvening again to try to make a run at a title was more than worth it. All of the extra training, wind sprints, intense workouts and repetition added up being more than worth it.


“This is something that we’ll never forget” added DeJonckheere, who had played on a couple of district championships in high school at Troy Athens over the last three years. “This is incredible. Winning a national title. There’s nothing like it.”


Members of the team include Ashley Miller (Troy Athens), Jenna Moeller (Warren Regina), Presley Jones (Sterling Heights Stevenson), Abby Ellis (Waterford Mott), Bella Musachio (Birmingham Marian), Emma Rozek (Troy), Chloe Salo (Bloomfield Hills), Chiamake Okeke (Bloomfield Hills), Maya Saad (Troy), Tia Tonelli (Troy), Lexi Glowicki (Macomb Lutheran North), Lauren DeJonckheere (Troy Athens), Brooke Hotts (Troy), Emma Barker (Rochester) and Abigail Beardsley (Utica Eisenhower).Liliana Garza-

Kearsley high school, Morgan Wilcox- Lapeer, Morgan Perry- Birmingham Groves, Samantha Curtis - L' Anse Cruese North


 

(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the Michigan Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with Michigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com or dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com, or call 248-884-1051 or 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com and jonathan@thepremiermediagrp.com.)



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Michigan-based Premier Media Group is expanding ... don't miss out


SHELBY TWP., Mich. – The Premier Media Group is expanding its broadcast net.


And we want you.


The Michigan-based PMG, founded in 2022, its flagship production the Michigan Soccer Network and all other affiliates, is actively scheduling games in a wide variety of high school leagues and conferences, small colleges, amateur, pre-professional, youth club, and other avenues of the beautiful game in Michigan.


The schedule for the fall semester is starting to fill up across Michigan.

The daily connections are being made and the spreading of our brand has brought in great reviews.


Would the coaches, administration, student-athletes, players and fans like for us to broadcast a game near you?


Regardless of the now-popular remote broadcast games, on-location broadcast games, on-location shows or in-studio daily shows, there is a simple process. Visit the website www.michigansoccernetwork.com or click below for details.



PMG will also be holding various “Win A Free Broadcast” contest at various parts of the fall, winter (indoor) and spring seasons.




"(Michigan Soccer Network) has does a great job making these kids feel special,” offered Michal Hatfield, girls soccer coach at Trenton High School who also coaches in the Detroit City FC youth club system. “The broadcasts were professionally done and we were very pleased when they did our games. They did a great job with (play-by-play), graphics and postgame interviews with the kids. And a lot of people saw it. We had uncles and aunts that have never seen their nieces play get a chance to watch them on YouTube). And all of the kids were able to jump on there (the YouTube channel) afterwards and watch the game.”


The MSN staff had the pleasure of broadcasting multiple games the last two school years for schools in the Oakland Activities Association and have received its fair share of feedback. The goal is to conduct broadcasts of games throughout the state of Michigan, especially in the larger populated regions.


“MSN has done a great job with broadcasts in our league (Macomb Area Conference),” said Trevor Foster, current head coach of the Romeo girls soccer program, goalkeepers coach for Oakland University’s soccer programs, and director at the Michigan Goalkeepers Academy. “I know the girls love it. And I know some of the parents were putting their earphones on and listening to the game when they were (in the stands) and it gives relatives a chance to watch games that they normally wouldn’t be able to.


“It’s as close to professional (broadcast) as any broadcast of high school soccer that you will see out there,” added Foster. “Plus, they do all types of (amateur and pre-professional) leagues out there (in Michigan).”



“We were very pleased, especially with the knowledge of high school soccer in the state of Michigan from the play-by-play announcers and color commentators,” said Todd Heugh, the current director of athletics at Troy Athens High School and a former coach at the school. “They put together a valuable (product) and the games are live on YouTube for everyone to watch, even if you are (a relative or an alumni) not in the area. I know coaches go on there (YouTube), too, to watch games of an upcoming opponent.”


The PMG staff has a goal of 100-plus games this fall from mid-August through November. The Michigan Soccer Network conducted a record 50 remote or in-person broadcasts during the month of June.


PMG also has contacts within Michigan, the Midwest and even in different parts of the U.S. and have become broadcast partners for more than 15 different leagues or franchises within those leagues over the past three years. PMG has multiple broadcasting rights for within the USL-League Two, USL-W League, UPSL, MWPL, NISA, WSPL and more and constantly expanding its web of coverage both on various YouTube channels and on our website at www.michigansoccernetwork.com. It has broadcasted more high school boys soccer and high school girls soccer at more than 75 high schools in Michigan.

“MSN has been a great media partner for the Bucks and AFC,” said Costa Papista, President of the Flint City Bucks and Flint City AFC of the USL-League Two and USL-W League, respectively. “The production and overall quality of our live broadcasts are professional grade. Flint City fans, sponsors and supporters greatly appreciate the MSN quality. We are always receiving excellent feedback and comments from our fans and visiting fans as well.”  


And now the busy season starts in earnest with high school, college and youth club team beginning the 2024-25 school year.




To schedule a game or to consult team members of our broadcast, reach out to the following persons in the PMG family of networks: Broadcast Director Jonathan Turner, 248-525-2083, jonathan@thepremeiermediagrp.com or new Director of Scheduling / Office Manager Alaina Gagnon, at agagnon@thepremiermediagrp.com and inquire about the broadcast options, packages, special packages and more.


For news on the soccer scene in Michigan, check out the MSN website at www.michigansoccernetwork.com for daily updates, game recaps, feature stories, previews and more for teams, players and coaches from a wide variety schools, amateur teams, colleges and youth club teams.


The PMG and MSN staff will continue to reach for its goal of providing quality broadcast on any network and in-depth coverage and content on it website.


INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE

Interested in internships in broadcasting, communications, journalism, public relations or sales and marketing in the sports world? The Premier Media Group is seeking applications for current college students or students entering their senior or junior years of high school that have a career interest in working in different capacity of a constantly-evolving media world.

Contact both Broadcast Director Jonathan Turner at 248-525-2083 or jonathan@thepremeiermediagrp.com and Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at (248) 525-2349 and dstickradt@thepremeiermediagrp.com.

 

(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the Michigan Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with Michigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com or dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com, or call 248-884-1051 or 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com and jonathan@thepremeiermediagrp.com.)



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