2009 (15U) State Premiership

FC Stars vs Wizards FC Meet Again!

Wizards FC will visit FC Stars in matchup of undefeated teams and their second matchup already this season! This division is made up of five teams total, meaning they will play each other twice for a total of eight games. While only two games have been played respectively, their previous confrontation on April 12th where they finished 1-1 will surely make this game more enticing.

FC Stars is not coming from their best season in the Premiership last year, however, they did find success in the Spring 2023 Illinois Cup Gold division. FC Stars managed to go undefeated in group play, winning all three games and scoring an astronomical 12 goals and having only one scored on. They played CSA for the final where they fell 1-0. Still this team knows what it takes to get the win. FC Stars come into their second matchup against Wizards FC having tied them away from home 1-1 and beating North Shore FC 3-1 in the first game of the season.

Wizards FC also, has Cup experience and heartbreak. They lost to Chicago Rush Oswego in the Fall 2023 Presidents Cup Quarter Final. This is a new year however, and they come into this game atop of the standings, having the same number of points as FC stars but beating them on goal differential. They took the three points against Chicago Rush North Shore 3-0 on April 21st. A very good win against a tough opponent, the Oak Brook side will be coming in with high spirits and high expectations.

Coach’s Pre-Game Interview

Both teams are coming in undefeated having just played each other, does this change the method of preparation?
Sarrah Ludwig – Wizards FC
Our team steps onto the field for every training and every game with the same mindset each time, we are locked in and focused on how we are going to improve since the last one. We don’t dwell too much on our past games, but we do take the positives and negatives from them and see how we can take all of that to be better. We focus on the next game up and what we will have to do to be successful.

Second game against each other in the season. Drawing 1-1 what did this show you about your opponent and what to expect?
Sarrah Ludwig – Wizards FC
FC Stars was a good team with good skill and competitive edge. We expect it to be a fun environment at their home field on a Friday night, & competitive against a good opponent.

3rd game of a long season, what has impressed you most about your squad thus far?
Sarrah Ludwig – Wizards FC
The grit and passion they continue to have for their teammates and the game to improve every day.

Sal Grimaldi – FC Stars
They have adjusted quickly playing together as a team. We have kids playing in the fall on different teams. The spring team is combination of 2009 and 2010.

Final Thoughts

They know each other now but that won’t change how they approach the game. It is about reflecting on their own performance and working on improving for the rest of the season. While the game against each other was less than a month ago, both cannot expect the exact same team as every game is different and at this age, progression and development is constant. The winner will see the top of the table for the 15U State Premiership Division. The State Premiership Game of the Week will be played on Friday, Aprill 26th.