SANDUSKY, Ohio (April 14, 2024) — A busy weekend of soccer in Sandusky, Ohio, featured 76 National League teams competing in league games. Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center hosted all the games, which primarily featured Great Lakes division action from the Elite 64 Regional League (E64 RL).
The E64 RL teams are competing for division titles in each of the 15U, 16U, 17U and 19U age groups, and the 15U-17U teams are also contending for berths to the 2024-25 National League Quarterfinals — adding extra meaning to each contest in Sandusky and throughout the spring season.
“It gives our boys the opportunity to see not only what the region level is like, but the National League level,” said WNY Flash Erie 09B (PA-W) coach Jamin Bookhamer. “It’s a long winter in Erie, Pennsylvania, and it really gives the boys a reason to train hard because they know the nine games for this league are really important. We started 2-0, and it gives them the opportunity to have a good weekend here and then look at a national-level tournament.”
Spire FC (OH) has enjoyed a strong season across the board, as the club leads in three of the four age groups. After a busy early spring season, Spire continued its successful run with several wins in Sandusky.
“It’s great because this is our first year in E64 RL, so it’s great seeing how we’re able to succeed,” Spire FC 08B player Will Hallis said. “The team has been playing well, and I just love playing with the boys. It’s amazing seeing all the people out here watching, even if they’re not part of our club.”
Elite 64 Regional League (notes):
- BVB IA Pittsburgh 09B Premier (PA-W) picked up three wins over the weekend, including a 2-1 victory against previously unbeaten United FC 09B-GR (MI). BVB is now 5-0-0 and leads the 15U Boys age group.
- In the 16U Boys age group, Spire FC 2008 Boys (OH) won all three games in Ohio, including two shutouts, to remain in first place with a 7-0-1 record.
- Spire FC 2007 Boys (OH) had a strong weekend that saw it pick up three wins and maintain its place at the top of the 17U Boys age group.
- With three convincing wins over the weekend, Spire FC 2005 06 Boys (OH) moved to 8-0-0 and clinched first place in the 19U Boys age group.
Premier 1 (notes):
- An early-season matchup between the top two teams in the 17U Boys Premier 1 division saw Columbus United B’07 Lions (OH) maintain the top spot in the standings with a shutout victory against Michigan Jaguars CW3 07B (MI).
Premier 2 (notes):
- In the 15U Boys Premier 2 White division, OPFC 09 Boys Black (OH) is in first place, while North FC Hudson 2009 Boys Blue (OH) remains in striking distance with a couple games in hand. Both sides faced Legends FC 2009 Boys Black (MI), which had a strong start to its season by playing the top three teams in the standings to draws in Sandusky.
- Century United 08G Red (PA-W) secured two shutout victories in Ohio to move to 3-0-0 and take an early lead atop the standings in the 16U Girls Premier 2 White division.
