U13 Boys Travel Takes Silver at Emerald Cup Tournament

Northern Missouri Futbol Club (NMFC) U-13 boys, under the direction of coaches Elijah Elmlinger and Reed Dent, showcased exceptional teamwork and skill during their recent participation in the Emerald Cup Tournament held March 22-24, 2024 in Overland Park, KS.  The tournament drew in teams from Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.    

The tournament kicked off with NMFC securing a resounding 6-0 victory against Virtus FC, of Grain Valley, MO. Subsequently, they battled to a 1-1 draw against VSA 2011 Boys Competitive, of Waukesha, IA, and triumphed 5-0 against KC Fusion Chowning, of Kansas City, MO. In an intense championship game against KC Athletics IP Warriors, NMFC demonstrated unwavering determination despite trailing 3-0 at halftime. The team rallied together, scoring three goals in the second half to make it a fiercely competitive match, ultimately securing second place with a final score of 5-3.

Coach Elmlinger emphasized the team's collective effort, highlighting their commitment to playing smart, competitive soccer rather than focusing solely on individual achievements. He stated, "We play as a team, and as long as we score and play smart, competitive soccer, I believe we win at the end of the day."

Looking ahead, NMFC U-13 Boys are gearing up for upcoming games scheduled for March 30th in Boonville, Mo. Coach Elmlinger shared his confidence in the team's development, stating, "For us, it’s not about wins but more about learning the game of soccer and the different ways it can be played. Our goal is to always give effort and play smart competitive soccer!"