In the 18U Premier I Division, Team Chicago SC 2004 Elite (IL) secured a 1-0 win against second-place KCSG Elite 04 G (KS) to secure the division title. In addition to the major conference implications, the match also counted toward National League P.R.O. standings.

“It was a double-meaning game. It was really important to get the three points to win the Midwest Conference and then to get the first win for National League P.R.O.,” said Team Chicago coach Matt Suggitt. “We’re excited for that in December. It’s a great start. We believe winning is a habit. We’ve been winning all year and want to keep it going it going.”

The win didn’t come easy for Team Chicago. Despite consistent attacking pressure, the Illinois side struggled to fully break down the KCSG defense and saw the opposing keeper make several athletic stops. And the competitive level of Sunday’s match will serve as a preview of what the teams can expect to see during the rest of the National League P.R.O. season.

“If you’re in National League P.R.O., then you’re a serious soccer player,” Suggitt said. “It’s going to be hard work to break teams down like we saw today. If you keep playing soccer the right way and doing the right things, then you’ll get your reward. And we got a reward today.”