2005 (19U) State Premiership

Familiar Foes Face-Off

Shadow Premier and Elgin Pumas face off in their respective third game of the season. Both teams come in with six points after their first two games and both have the highest scoring sides in the division. Shadow statistically has the best attack and defense, having an impressive 10 goals scored and zero scored against. Elgin Pumas are not far behind with eight goals in their first two games, and with said dangerous attack, they will surely feel they can be the first ones to find the back of the net against the Belvidere side.

Shadow Premier FC enter the Spring Premiership with experience in the competition. They are returning from Spring 2023 season where they were plagued with injuries ending in 4th place. They feel that this will be the year they can really show their true potential. They are also participating in the Presidents cup where they managed to win their opening game 5-0. They are undefeated and this puts them at 15 goals in all competitions thus far and still not a goal scored on. Shadow Premier is flying high on both ends of the field and look increasingly dangerous. They will look to keep the momentum going against a familiar foe.

Elgin Pumas is the reigning back-to-back State Premiership Champions and deserved the crown. They finished with 37 goals in 10 games played and finished undefeated, winning seven and drawing three in the Spring of 2023. Spring of 2022, the Elgin side finished in first place with 29 goals scored in seven games played and again finished undefeated, winning all of their games. Elgin Pumas has not lost a game in the Premiership in the last two years and have done it handsomely. They won’t want to start now.

Coaches’ Pre-Game Interview

Both teams come in undefeated. It is still early but what does that do to the confidence of a team?
Eno Obot – Shadow Premier FC
Elgin Pumas are a very talented side. It really requires that we are on top of our game. Our team is feeling pretty confident going into the next game, team camaraderie is at an all-time high.
Cristopher Sosa – Elgin Pumas SC
It has a positive effect on the team, the players are happy and very committed to doing their best, but the main objective is the development of the players and not only seeking victories, but always being undefeated is an extra motivation for the team.

It is a tight group with multiple teams being able to come out of the weekend with the same points. What is the message to the team to prepare them, knowing every point matters in this kind of division?
Eno Obot – Shadow Premier FC
My message to the team will be to continue to play our style of game, stick to the game plan, work as a collective and maintain our on and off the field discipline.
Cristopher Sosa – Elgin Pumas SC
Part of the player’s development in soccer is giving him the necessary tools to be able to handle different types of pressure, as in this case, the game plan is important but even more so it is the execution of the plans made by the players that will make the difference in this weekend.

What are some positives you have taken as you reflect and look over the last couple of games?
Eno Obot – Shadow Premier FC
I’m really proud of how supportive the boys have been of each other, team unity and coerciveness is at a season high.
Cristopher Sosa – Elgin Pumas SC
There are many positive aspects but if I had to choose two it would definitely be the teamwork and the personality that the team has shown.

Final Thoughts

Two teams without a loss will make for an intriguing confrontation. A Shadow Premier team that is playing lights out, against an Elgin Pumas side that has not seen a loss in this competition in the last two seasons. Both teams come in with great momentum and surely with great confidence. With PSG Chicago breathing down both teams’ neck in the 19U division, every point counts and they will come prepared. Friday, 7pm Shadow Premier vs Elgin Pumas will be one to watch.