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How Competitive Youth Soccer in Chicago Builds Game

Chicago parents know the drill: practice, tournaments, car rides, repeat. Competitive youth soccer in Chicago is about more than drills and game days — it’s about developing focus, resilience and a love for learning the game. But what separates a good youth soccer player from one who truly stands out?  According to Thomas Cahue, Director […]

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How Competitive Youth Soccer in Chicago Builds Game

Chicago parents know the drill: practice, tournaments, car rides, repeat. Competitive youth soccer in Chicago is about more than drills and game days — it’s about developing focus, resilience and a love for learning the game.

But what separates a good youth soccer player from one who truly stands out? 

According to Thomas Cahue, Director of Coaching at Paris Saint-Germain Academy Chicago, it’s not just about talent — it’s about mindset, structure and the right environment.

PSG Academy Chicago is part of the global Paris Saint-Germain Academy network, known for developing youth talent through a proven European training methodology. The Chicago program combines elite-level instruction with a strong focus on player growth, both on and off the field.

“There are a few things that can make a good player a great player,” says Cahue. “Definitely being in the right environment.”

Skills grow where players feel supported

Cahue says parents often feel pressure to move their child to a bigger or more prestigious club — especially when their child shows talent. But he cautions against chasing names or facilities at the expense of a player’s comfort and development.

“If a child is in an environment where they feel good, they will develop into the best they can be,” he explains. “That emotional comfort leads to growth.”

At PSG, coaches create structure while also prioritizing a healthy, fun atmosphere. Mistakes are expected — and even encouraged — because they’re opportunities to learn and get better.

PSG Academy Chicago coach speaking with a young player during a competitive youth soccer training session at night.
Photo credit: Paris Saint-Germain Academy Chicago

Concentration is a game-changer

Physical ability will only get players so far. What sets the best apart is how well they stay focused in the moment and think ahead.

“Concentration and awareness are two key words for us,” Cahue says. “You need to be aware of where your teammates and opponents are. If I get the ball, what am I going to do with it? Where can I drive it? Where can I pass it?”

To build this focus, PSG coaches start each session with an emotional check-in, asking players to rate their day from 1 to 5. This helps players leave stress behind and become mentally ready to play — a subtle but powerful tool in keeping kids engaged and present.

Structured training that builds real-world skills

At PSG Academy Chicago, training sessions follow a carefully designed format:

  • A quick “activation” game to help players shake off their day and get focused
  • Technical skills work with high repetition and lots of ball contact
  • Tactical small- and medium-group play based on a specific game scenario
  • A larger scrimmage to evaluate how well players understood and applied the day’s topic

This full-spectrum approach gives players the foundation they need to succeed in competitive youth soccer — both technically and mentally.  Players are expected to reflect on their own progress and development each session.

“A good coach always asks, ‘What did you learn today?’” says Cahue. “That keeps players on their toes.”

Young PSG Academy Chicago soccer player kicking the ball toward goal during a competitive youth soccer practice.
Photo credit: Paris Saint-Germain Academy Chicago

Exposure to different coaching styles prepares players for the next level

In elite training, players don’t just learn from one coach — they experience a range of coaching styles, feedback and expectations. This is no accident. PSG builds this into its program to help players build adaptability.

“We want players to be able to perform even when they’re with a different coach or new teammates,” Cahue explains. “That’s what it’s like at the college level, the national team level — and we want them ready.”

Real success stories, real opportunities

PSG Academy Chicago’s results speak for themselves. 

In just their second year competing in the PSG Cup, teams from the Chicago program won two out of five divisions, placed second in one and took two third-place finishes — a major leap forward from their first-year performance.

Beyond tournament wins, individual players are taking their skills to the next level. Some have gone on to play at the collegiate level, while others have pursued professional opportunities — both in the U.S. and internationally.

“It’s players that grew up at PSG and now they’re performing at a professional level,” Cahue says proudly.

What parents should know

Not every child will go pro — and that’s not the point. But if your child is passionate, coachable and ready for a challenge, the right competitive youth soccer program can help your child grow as a player, build confidence and love the game for life.

“The best thing you can do is find a program that’s structured, supportive and focused on long-term development,” Cahue says. “That’s where the real transformation happens.”

This content is sponsored by Paris Saint-Germain Academy Chicago. Learn more at psgacademychicago.com

College Sports

National champion Vermont men's soccer team returns to Maine roots

Vermont men’s soccer coach Rob Dow celebrates after the Catamounts beat Marshall 2-1 in the College Cup National Championship soccer in Dec. Dow played at the University of Maine for a program that no longer exists. (Ben McKeown/Associated Press) AP GORHAM — Rob Dow stood next to the University of Southern Maine’s Hannaford Field on […]

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National champion Vermont men's soccer team returns to Maine roots

Vermont men’s soccer coach Rob Dow celebrates after the Catamounts beat Marshall 2-1 in the College Cup National Championship soccer in Dec. Dow played at the University of Maine for a program that no longer exists. (Ben McKeown/Associated Press) AP

GORHAM — Rob Dow stood next to the University of Southern Maine’s Hannaford Field on Sunday afternoon, catching up with old friends and waiting for the bus carrying his University of Vermont men’s soccer team to arrive. The defense of the national title the Catamounts won last December took a side trip to Maine this weekend for an exhibition game against the University of South Florida on Monday night at Bowdoin College.

When Dow learned USF was holding preseason camp in Maine, it was an easy decision to rearrange his team’s schedule and set up the preseason match.

“It’s like coming home for me,” Dow said.

Arguably the top coach currently working in Division I men’s soccer, Dow owes his passion for the game to a team that’s a memory. Dow spent a year at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, not far from his hometown of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, before transferring to the University of Maine.

Every time Dow leads UVM on to the pitch, he also represents a college soccer program that’s been in mothballs for 16 years. Dow played for the University of Maine, graduating in 2003, and led the Black Bears in scoring twice. Maine dropped men’s soccer in the spring of 2009, citing budgetary reasons. In recent years, the women’s soccer team at the school has thrived, winning the last two America East titles and advancing to the NCAA tournament. Maine is the only full-time member of America East that does not field a men’s soccer team.

“The best days of my life, and the best decision I ever made,” Dow said of his college days. “I grew up as a person, made friends for life, and ultimately fell in love with college soccer and became a coach. It all stems from those days at Maine.”

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Dow’s wife Loren grew up in Hollis and graduated from Bonny Eagle High. His parents grew up in New Brunswick, not far from the Maine border. Dow has cousins sprinkled throughout Eastern Maine. Maine would be part of his makeup even without the diploma. Assistant coach Rory Twomey played his college soccer in Maine, too, at St. Joseph’s College.

“In 2023, we were ranked, and we made the tournament Sweet 16. Then last year was the big year,” Twomey said.

Soccer is enjoying a high point in Maine these days. The Portland Hearts of Pine are selling out every home game at Fitzpatrick Stadium. The University of Maine women’s team will begin play on a new field in October, as it tries to reach a third straight NCAA tournament. With no Division I men’s team in the state to support, why not leapfrog New Hampshire and send that love to the Catamounts? Dow is happy to have anyone from Maine jump on the bandwagon.

Kennebunkport native Max Murray helped the University of Vermont men’s soccer team win the national championship last season. (Photo by Alex Weiss/UVM athletics)

This is Dow’s ninth season at Vermont, and he hasn’t suffered a losing season yet. Last season’s championship-winning run was the fourth straight trip to the NCAA tournament for the Catamounts, who could feel it building. That team graduated a lot of leadership, though, including Kennebunkport’s Max Murray, a defender who days after the national championship was selected in the first round of the MLS Super Draft by New York City FC with the 17th overall pick.

“We definitely talk about (Murray) a lot, how he was vital for us in set pieces and how he was such a tall and physical player for us,” said Connor Thompson, a Kennebunk native and grad student midfielder on UVM’s roster. “That’s something we have to try and find. We’re trying to. I think we’ve got the right guys for the team.”

That necessary team building begins with trips like this short one from Burlington to Maine, and a bigger one the team took earlier this summer. Eighteen players return, but the 11 newcomers need to incorporate into the team.

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“We went to Germany in June, and we got to take a lot of our newcomers with us. So we started the gel and chemistry process with some games against top German teams. It feels like we’re a little ahead of schedule, but at the same time, you can’t replace so much of the leadership we had last year, guys who had been around five years,” Dow said.

When ESPN’s 50 States in 50 Days tour hits Vermont on Friday, it will highlight the Catamounts. Dow’s team is ranked No. 1 in the preseason United Soccer Coaches poll, just ahead of last year’s runner-up, Marshall. The season begins Aug. 21 against Sacred Heart.

“It was a really busy offseason, with media appearances and all those types of things. It’s the best type of (busy), when you can elevate the stars of your program, and this season is going to be a really hard season,” Dow said. “Everyone wants to beat us. For everyone, it’s going to be a big game. We’re going to take the pressure as a privilege and look at how that can make us better.”

A couple days back in Maine, where Dow feels at home, is the perfect way to train a little, play a game, and recharge for the upcoming season. The road to Dow’s first national championship, everything he’s accomplished as a coach, really, went through Maine. The road to the title defense brought him back.

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College Sports

Change aplenty as 2025 season gets underway for UMass men's soccer team

Daily Hampshire Gazette – Change aplenty as 2025 season gets underway for UMass men’s soccer team Fans watch the UMass men’s soccer team defeat Boston College during the 2022 season. THOM KENDALL/UMASS ATHLETICS By RYAN AMES Staff Writer Although recent temperatures throughout the Pioneer Valley would suggest otherwise, the college fall sports season is just […]

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Change aplenty as 2025 season gets underway for UMass men's soccer team



Daily Hampshire Gazette – Change aplenty as 2025 season gets underway for UMass men’s soccer team


























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Fans watch the UMass men’s soccer team defeat Boston College during the 2022 season.

Fans watch the UMass men’s soccer team defeat Boston College during the 2022 season.
THOM KENDALL/UMASS ATHLETICS

By RYAN AMES

Staff Writer

Although recent temperatures throughout the Pioneer Valley would suggest otherwise, the college fall sports season is just around the corner as the UMass men’s soccer team kicks off its 2025 campaign with its first of two exhibitions, starting with a trip to Boston on Saturday against Northeastern.

The Minutemen made waves in the college soccer world a year ago as they advanced all the way to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament in serendipitous fashion. Five of the previous six seasons saw UMass string seven wins together, so the Minutemen’s NCAA Tournament run in 2024 was rather unexpected, to say the least.

However, UMass will not be sneaking up on anyone this season as it was recently slotted into the No. 8 spot in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll among the top-10 teams in the country.

“The top-10 ranking is off the back of what we accomplished last year, which was a terrific season,” Minutemen head coach Fran O’Leary, who’s entering season 11 at the helm, said after practice on Friday. “But many of the guys who played last year will now be anxious to defend their national ranking and put on competitive displays right from the start of the season.”

UMass concluded the 2024 season 13-4-5, its most wins since 2017 when it went 15-4-3.

The team that knocked the Minutemen out of the NCAAs last year, Denver, will now be a conference foe as UMass joined the Summit League following the school’s departure from the Atlantic 10 on July 1.

Starting this season, the Minutemen will now regularly matchup with the likes of Denver, Omaha, Kansas City, Oral Roberts, St. Thomas and Delaware within Summit League action.

“In the country, I think the ACC is first, the Big 10 is second and the Summit is third,” O’Leary said regarding the competition level of the Summit League. “The fact that you’ve got three teams within the top-20 preseason, sort of tells you what a top conference it is. We obviously lost in the quarters to Denver, they went to the Final Four, we went to the Elite Eight, Kansas [City] went to the Sweet Sixteen, so we’re going to have our hands full to be competitive in this conference.”

The Pioneers picked up the No. 4 spot in the preseason poll while the Roos found themselves at No. 18.

Despite the stiff competition expected, UMass should be able to rely on its backfield as it brought back key pieces such as Matt Fordham and Brad Moccio, plus goalie Alex Geczy–who are all graduate students–and they intend to keep opposing offenses at bay once again this season.

“I think we always try to make sure we’re solid defensively,” Fordham said. “We make sure that we provide the strikers with as much grace as possible. One goal should win a game, as long as we’re solid back there. They give us as much grace by coming back and helping us to defend and we try to do the same in return.”

Aidan Kelly, A.J. Cucinotta and Alex Brown round out the seniors the Minutemen will be able to rotate through on the backline and O’Leary expressed confidence when asked about his defenders.

“We finished the season I think ranked second in the country in shutouts,” O’Leary said. “There’s 212 Division I teams so to finish second in clean sheets is very impressive. We’re delighted to have them all back, but last season is history, now we’ve got to do it again.”

Up front, UMass will look to fill a sizable hole left by Alec Hughes, who was drafted in the first round (22nd overall) by Los Angeles FC in the MLS SuperDraft this past spring following an remarkable career with the Minutemen.

Hughes tallied more than 100 career points at UMass and was the first-ever player to be awarded the A-10 Offensive Player of the Year Award three years in a row.

Matt Cence and Kelly count as two of the top returning point-getters from last season’s squad as the duo each netted 10 points.

Among the new faces the Minutemen brought in, Magnus Ingi Halldorsson and Shun Murasawa have looked good so far, according to Fordham, and the pair will likely get an opportunity to make an impression during Saturday’s friendly against the Huskies.

Although, O’Leary cautioned that the lineup in August is hardly ever the same as the lineup in October.

“We’re excited about them all, but it’ll take a little bit of time to sort itself out,” O’Leary said. “Some settle in a little quicker than others.”

Quinn Belt, Thomas Wadas, Gavin Brummer, J.P. Mbuthia, Harry Clapham, Taylon Gayle, Kwame Adu-Gyamfi, Jalen Belong and Crew Hartlage are the other UMass newcomers.

“A lot of new guys up front so we’re excited to see what they’re going to do, we have high hopes for them,” Moccio said.

The Minutemen still have about two weeks before they welcome Sienna on August 21 for its regular-season opener, but will get a couple tune-ups against Northeastern, then UAlbany next weekend, in the meantime.

A little later down the line, UMass will get a chance to avenge its loss against Denver when the Pioneers come to Amherst for a regular-season bout at Rudd Field on Oct. 4.

At this point though, the Minutemen are focusing on developing chemistry with the hope that the 2025 slate will be another triumphant one on the pitch.

“Obviously with a new group of guys coming into the starting 11, we want to make sure that everyone’s on the same page,” Fordham said on the upcoming exhibition. “We’re using it as an opportunity to get better, opportunity to figure things out, whether it’s set pieces, whether it’s how we want to set up as a team. It’s a chance to get better and we really got to use it to our advantage.”

“Getting weaknesses exposed is honestly not a bad thing, just because we can build on that and get ready for the start of the season,” Moccio said.

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Two Aztecs Named "Midfielders to Watch" By United Soccer Coaches

SAN DIEGO – Terence Okoeguale and Carson Ballagh of the San Diego State men’s soccer team were one of 31 players named “Midfielders to Watch” by the United Soccer Coaches. The Aztecs were one of six schools in the nation to have two players recognized. Last season Okoeguale (Cologne, Germany) led the Aztecs 17 points […]

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Two Aztecs Named "Midfielders to Watch" By United Soccer Coaches

SAN DIEGO – Terence Okoeguale and Carson Ballagh of the San Diego State men’s soccer team were one of 31 players named “Midfielders to Watch” by the United Soccer Coaches. The Aztecs were one of six schools in the nation to have two players recognized.

Last season Okoeguale (Cologne, Germany) led the Aztecs 17 points (6 goals & 5 assists) and was named to the All-WAC First Team and to the United Soccer Coaches Far West All-Region Second-Team. His six goals and five assists both tied for the team lead, and he also led the team in shot on goal percentage (58.3%, 14-for-24).

Ballagh (Lake Orion, Michigan) transferred to San Diego State after two seasons at Oakland University. Last season as a sophomore he was named to the All-Horizon First Team and United Soccer Coaches All-North Region Third-Team after dishing out a league-high five assists in conference play. Those five assists came in a four-match span and three assisted game-winning goals. Ballagh helped Oakland win the Horizon League regular championship both years he was there and was named to the Horizon League All-Tournament Team on both occasions.

The Watch List is compiled and released by the Division I All-America Committees to promote college soccer leading up to the official start date for the regular season later this month. The lists include United Soccer Coaches All-Americans and All-Region players from 2024 who are scheduled to return for the 2025 season.

“Entering the 2025 season, these previous honorees represent some of the best at their positions,” said Ralph Polson, Senior College All-America Administrator. “As pre-season training opens, we are pleased to recognize these outstanding student-athletes from our member schools.”

The Aztecs host two friendlies this week: Tuesday against UC San Diego and Friday against UC Santa Barbara. Both matches start at 7 p.m. and both are free to attend. They officially kick off the 2025 season Aug. 21 at Virginia.

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College Sports

College football betting

Yahoo Sports’ Jason Fitz and senior sports betting analyst Ben Fawkes take a look at how the sportsbooks are ranking certain teams for this season – including Alabama, Colorado, North Carolina and Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video Transcript With college football finally here, that means we get to take a look at some notable team […]

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College football betting

Yahoo Sports’ Jason Fitz and senior sports betting analyst Ben Fawkes take a look at how the sportsbooks are ranking certain teams for this season – including Alabama, Colorado, North Carolina and Michigan.

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Video Transcript

With college football finally here, that means we get to take a look at some notable team totals out there for some of the programs you love paying attention to.

Let’s go through some of them, Ben.

Where are we on Colorado right now?

Because it feels like everybody used to talk about Colorado, but this year it’s kind of quiet so far.

Yeah, quiet everywhere except the betting market, I, would say.

So Colorado opened very early at 6.5 at Bet MGM.

They’ve been 5.5 for their over under for a while.

You don’t see this very often, but they have the most tickets or the most bets of any under and the most tickets of any over, right?

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And just to show you how close this is, 49% of the bets on the over, 51% on the under.

So essentially 50/50, meaning a lot of people have a lot of opinions about Colorado.

Somebody’s going to be right, somebody’s gonna be wrong.

Uh, this also is the most under money of any.

Win total, so at least a couple big bets on the under as well.

All right, what about rolling tide?

Where are we on Alabama?

Are we rolling up, we rolling down?

What’s it look like?

Yeah, Alabama.

This opened 8.5 with a lot of juice, minus 190 at that MGM.

They did move it up to 9.5, 70% of the bets and 80% of the money so far on the over.

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Uh, so again, the over 8.5 and then some of the over 9.5, not 8.

Not the best first season for Kaylin DeBoer in Tuscaloosa, but Alabama has a lot of talent.

They returned 19 defenders who had at least 200 snaps, and their defense was ranked by Bill Connolly, #8 overall last season.

So a good team, obviously questions that quarterback, but there’s still a ton of talent at Alabama in a very difficult conference, but to have a number, Alabama 8.5 is a very low number to open, certainly for that team.

It feels like it was a lifetime ago they won a national championship.

Now, where are we on Michigan?

Yeah, Michigan’s over/under is 8.5, uh, a lot of wagers on the under so far at Bet MGM, 70% of the money as well.

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This is the second most under, uh, team total of all the college football teams.

So a lot of people going on the under from Michigan.

They are missing their top two rushers from last season.

They lost a lot on the offensive line.

And again, quarterback questions in a tough Big 10.

10.

What about the fighting Belichicks?

We are, we’ve got to pay attention to North Carolina this year.

This year.

North Carolina, uh, I’m in the process of reporting a piece on this.

I think they’re one of the most fascinating teams, you know, uh, teams in college football.

Obviously Bill Belichick there.

This is also one of the biggest movers.

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So they opened with a win total of 7.5, still 7.5, but it opened -130 to the over at Bet MGM.

They’re now -165 to the under, so a ton of movement to the under.

60% of bets, 70% of the money at Bet MGM on under 7.5, the third most total bets on the under of any team.

Talking to a handicapper, he had a great line.

He said, Look, Tom Brady ain’t walking through that door in Chapel Hill.

And one oddsmaker said this is a lot of movement based off of sharp action.

He’s already moved UNC’s power rating from where he had it early on to now down 4.5 points.

And week one, they opened as a 2.5 point favorite against TCU in their first game.

They’re now a 3 point underdog, right, just based off of betting and some public perception.

So a lot of movement for UNC, not all of it good right now for Belichick.

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Format and schedule announced for 2025

RICHMOND, VA – ECNL Girls announced the 2025-26 schedule of the ECNL League Cups, featuring more than 50 clubs and more than 400 teams from seven conferences battling for more than 20 playoff qualification positions in ECNL and ECNL Regional League. Every ECNL League Cup features two stages: a group stage and a knockout stage. […]

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Format and schedule announced for 2025

RICHMOND, VA – ECNL Girls announced the 2025-26 schedule of the ECNL League Cups, featuring more than 50 clubs and more than 400 teams from seven conferences battling for more than 20 playoff qualification positions in ECNL and ECNL Regional League.

Every ECNL League Cup features two stages: a group stage and a knockout stage. Participating clubs are placed into groups based on geographical location for the group stage, and following the group stage, qualifying teams advance to the knockout stage of each League Cup. In nearly every Cup, the winners will receive an automatic bid to the postseason playoffs in June and July.

Each ECNL League Cup has a unique format and structure based upon geographic demands, club preferences, and age groups involved. Those formats are below.

2025-26 ECNL League Cup Formats

ECNL Mid-Atlantic League Cup (U15-U18/19): Four groups of three, with each group winner advancing to the knockout stage. ECNL Mid-Atlantic League Cup U15-U17 winners receive automatic qualification to ECNL Girls National Playoffs. Group stage play is Sept. 13-14, 2025. Knockout play will be announced at a later date.

ECNL Midwest League Cup (U13-U14): Four groups of four, with each group winner advancing to the knockout stage. There is no postseason qualification for ECNL Midwest League Cup. Group stage play is Aug. 30-31, 2025, and knockout play is May 2-3, 2026.

ECNL North Atlantic League Cup (U15-U17): Two groups of five, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage. ECNL North Atlantic League Cup U15-U17 winners receive automatic qualification to ECNL Girls National Playoffs. Group stage play begins in Dec. 2025, and knockout play is May 7-8, 2026.

ECNL Texas League Cup (U15-U18/19): Four groups of four, with each group winner advancing to the knockout stage. ECNL Texas League Cup U15-U17 winners receive automatic qualification to ECNL Girls National Playoffs. Group stage play is Aug. 23-24, 2025, and knockout play is Nov. 1-2, 2025.

2025-26 ECNL RL League Cup Formats

ECNL RL Heartland League Cup (U15-U18/19): Three groups of five and one group of four, with each group winner advancing to the knockout stage. ECNL RL Heartland League Cup winners receive automatic qualification to ECNL Regional League Girls Playoffs – Central. Group stage play is Aug. 16-17, 2025, and knockout play will be at the ECNL STL national event on Sept. 13-14, 2025.

ECNL RL North Atlantic League Cup (U15-U18/19): Two groups of five, with each group winner advancing to a championship match. ECNL RL North Atlantic League Cup winners receive automatic qualification to ECNL Regional League Girls Playoffs – East. Group stage play is Dec. 2025, and the championship matches are May 7-8, 2026.

ECNL RL Texas League Cup (U15-U18/19): Four groups of four, with each group winner advancing to the knockout stage. ECNL RL Texas League Cup winners receive automatic qualification to ECNL Regional League Girls Playoffs – South. Group stage play is Aug. 23-24, 2025, and knockout play is Nov. 1-2, 2025.

“We are thrilled to continue the ECNL League Cup, powered by Discount Tire, and adapt these competition formats to the needs and desires of the participating clubs,” said ECNL Girls Commissioner Chris Leahey. “Last year, the competition breathed extra excitement into the regular season calendar, and the heightened stakes with playoff qualification on the line resulted in fantastic moments for coaches, athletes and spectators.”

“Players and teams in these conferences are looking forward to another year of competition in the League Cup, powered by Discount Tire,” added ECNL RL Girls Commissioner Mikayla Hampton. “It will be particularly impactful to have the knockout stage of the ECNL RL Heartland League Cup run side-by-side with the ECNL St. Louis national event, one we hope we can expand and replicate in other areas in the future.”

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Boston Legacy FC sign midfielder Aleigh Gambone

Sports News Gambone joins Boston from Scotland’s Glasgow City F.C. Aleigh Gambone playing for Glasgow City. Via Boston Legacy FC By Hayden Bird August 11, 2025 | 1:04 PM 1 minute to read The Boston Legacy FC midfield continues to take shape, with the club announcing another versatile acquisition on Monday. American Aleigh Gambone has […]

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Boston Legacy FC sign midfielder Aleigh Gambone



Sports News

Gambone joins Boston from Scotland’s Glasgow City F.C.

Boston Legacy FC sign midfielder Aleigh Gambone
Aleigh Gambone playing for Glasgow City. Via Boston Legacy FC

The Boston Legacy FC midfield continues to take shape, with the club announcing another versatile acquisition on Monday.

American Aleigh Gambone has signed with the Legacy through 2027, and will join Bundesliga club FC Nürnberg Frauen until the end of the year.

Gambone, 24, is originally from Virginia, and played her college soccer at the University of North Carolina.

She began her professional career on short term deal with Danish Women’s League club Fortuna Hjørring in 2022 prior to signing with Scottish Women’s Premier League side Glasgow City F.C. in 2023. In Scotland, Gambone flourished.

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She won both the Coaches Player of the Year and the Players’ Player of the Year in the most recent season, notching four goals with seven assists across 28 games in Scotland’s top league.

“Aleigh joins the NWSL having gained valuable experience in Europe, both domestically and at the UEFA Women’s Champions League level. She has a solid foundation to build on having experienced four years at UNC,” said Legacy FC general manager Domè Guasch in a club statement. “Aleigh is a hardworking and versatile midfielder that brings a strong physical presence and ability to cover ground effectively. Finishing the year in the Bundesliga will further prepare her for the 2026 NWSL season.”

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Legacy FC will not formally begin work on the field until preseason starts in early 2026 (with the club’s debut league campaign to follow). Gambone is part of a growing list of Boston signings as Guasch continues to assemble an expansion roster.

Joining her in midfield for Boston will be Alba Caño (signed from Barcelona) and Annie Karich (signed as a free agent following a stint with SC Freiburg).

Hayden Bird

Sports Staff

Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.

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