2007 (17U) State Premiership
A Presidents Cup Final Rematch
Bolingbrook SC and Aurora Juventud FC face off in a rematch of the Spring 2023 Presidents Cup Final. The final was played on neutral grounds then, this time around, the Aurora side will travel to Bolingbrook for the highly anticipated clash. Bolingbrook SC come into the game having tied Synergy SC 1-1 away from home. Aurora is coming off a 2-0 win against North Shore FC. Bolingbrook will look to bounce back from a draw as they know every point matters and Aurora will look to continue their good start using the positive momentum.
Bolingbrook SC did not have the hottest of starts in the Presidents Cup last season, drawing twice and winning one game in the group stage. With great grit and determination, Bolingbrook SC was able to win their Quarter Final 4-0 and eventually get a 1-0 win over Aurora Juventud to become 2023 Presidents Cup Champions. It is not always about how you start but instead how you end, and Bolingbrook showed just that. They will be looking to take things to new heights as they aim to add the Premiership to their trophy cabinet.
Aurora Juventud FC will be looking at this game as just any other, however, a loss in a final where they could have had a double for the year will be hard to forget. Being promoted to Premiership I after winning the Premiership II Blue division last 2023 season, they too have tasted glory. They finished undefeated, winning their division with 14 goals and only four scored against. The Premiership II Champions won’t fear the challenge the promotion will bring, they know well what they have to do to find success.
Coaches Pre-Game Interview
How do you manage the emotions that can come with this game?
Jesus Cerda – Aurora Juventud FC
You handle the emotions that come with this game by trusting the process of development. As a club, we challenge our teams to play at the highest levels, so our teams are used to playing tough competition.
Justin Capp – Bolingbrook SC
We treat each game the same and put our attention to focusing on our style of play. Helping players learn to focus on the current play and prepare for the next play allows them to stay in the moment. Our thoughts can’t linger on last year run to nationals or the last play in a match because it will prevent us from accomplishing even greater things this year.
Amy Balas – Bolingbrook SC
Continue to reinforce that when we play calmly and keep each other in check, we are able to play possession soccer. We need to play our game. Last season is behind us. We have set our goals. One game at a time.
What does the preparation on the field look like for a game with this magnitude?
Jesus Cerda – Aurora Juventud FC
The preparation for the game is similar to any other game. I believe that staying positive and encouraging throughout the week can help us execute our game plan. We want our kids to feel good for a game of this magnitude.
Justin Capp – Bolingbrook SC
Illinois has such good soccer, that we have to prepare for all teams in the same manner. They are all big games vs talented teams. Over the years of playing Aurora, we have developed a respect for them. They are a strong team and well coached.
What is the message to get your side mentally prepared for a new season?
Jesus Cerda – Aurora Juventud FC
Our message to start this season is to play with discipline and to execute when given a chance and or opportunity.
Amy Balas – Bolingbrook SC
Remind the boys how they were able to accomplish what they did last year. Playing consistent and as a unit. We win and lose as a team. This is a new season where we can accomplish even more.
Final Thoughts
Both coaches emphasize how necessary it is to handle the emotions that can come from this game by staying true to their style of play. The more they concentrate on that versus the occasion, the better they will perform. The idea of staying in the moment, thinking of the now verse the yesterday is what all coaches believe can help ensure the emotions are at bay.
The clubs have respect for each other and know each other well now, but a year is a long time in youth soccer. Things change and both teams will surely have a bit of difference to them that make this a mouthwatering encounter. Very early in the season, but in a division stacked with talented teams, every game is a must-win. The message to get their side mentally prepared for a new season has to be important for the kids, as they need to start the season high. Aurora Juventud emphasized discipline, while Bolingbrook empathized consistency to their respective teams. Both addressing great needs to find success in this competition, and we’ll have a front row at the confrontation come Sunday, April 21st.