Soccer teams compete to be best in state

APPLETON - Soccer teams from around the state looked hit the pitch in Appleton over their holiday weekend. Group play for the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association’s state tournament was held at the USA Youth Soccer Complex.

Teams could qualify for next weekend’s state semifinals and finals with a good record; the semis and finals will be held in Fond du Lac. The teams were broken up by age group, players ranging from 13 to 18.

Win or lose, the travel teams enjoyed getting to test their skills against quality opponents from across the state.

“We don't know what they've got to bring, it's always great knowing how they play,” said Dan Robles, playing for FC Green Bay. “It's tough, we're the only green bay team moving on so far, so we're doing pretty good, I guess.”

The different styles of play present a challenge for the teams, all made up of top players from their areas.

“[The tournament is] kind of important for us,” said Luka Prpa from Muskego. “They get to see what we're like and how we play, and we get new competition.”

State champions advance to a US Youth Soccer regional tournament, where they will compete for a spot in the national tournament.