Pre-ECNL 2025 Midwest Cup Recap

ByBeau Bridges Published on
Pre-ECNL 2025 Midwest Cup Recap

Over 130 youth soccer teams battled it out in Lebanon, Ohio, this past weekend to become the first champions of the Pre-ECNL Midwest Cup.

TL;DR:

  • 72 girls teams and 64 boys teams competed across three age groups (U10-U12)
  • Teams played in 18 different championship flights over two action-packed days
  • Winners earned their spot in the upcoming Pre-ECNL Champions Cup later this season

What is the Pre-ECNL Midwest Cup?

The Pre-ECNL Midwest Cup is a brand-new soccer tournament for younger players aged 10-12. It’s designed to give kids tougher competition and help them improve their skills in a fun, regional tournament setting.

This event supports the growing Pre-ECNL leagues across America, which create better playing opportunities for young athletes, their coaches, families, and referees.

How the Tournament Worked

The competition took place at Warren County Sports Park over an exciting weekend. Teams played three group stage games—two on Saturday and one on Sunday morning. The top teams from each group then faced off in championship matches Sunday afternoon.

Younger U10 players competed in 7v7 games with 25-minute halves. Older U11 and U12 players played 9v9 games with 30-minute halves.

What Comes Next?

This tournament is just the beginning! The Pre-ECNL Midwest Cup is the first of four regional cups happening during the 2025-26 season. All the winners will get invited to the first-ever Pre-ECNL Champions Cup in late spring, where the best young teams in the country will compete for ultimate bragging rights.

Championship Winners

After two days of hard-fought matches, 18 teams earned championship trophies. Here are all the winners:

U12 Boys

  • Phantom Division: Potomac Soccer
  • Mercurial Division: Crystal Lake Force
  • Tiempo Division: St. Croix

U11 Boys

  • Phantom Division: Indiana Elite FC
  • Mercurial Division: Roadrunners SC
  • Tiempo Division: Ohio Premier

U10 Boys

  • Phantom Division: Roadrunners SC
  • Mercurial Division: Nationals SC Oakland Black

U12 Girls

  • Phantom Division: Pittsburgh Riverhounds
  • Mercurial Division: Michigan Hawks
  • Tiempo Division: GTFC Impact Premier
  • Premier Division: Liverpool FC IA Central

U11 Girls

  • Phantom Division: Michigan Hawks
  • Mercurial Division: Nationals SC Oakland Blue
  • Tiempo Division: Michigan Hawks Magic
  • Premier Division: Chicago Inter Soccer II

U10 Girls

  • Phantom Division: Nationals SC Oakland Black
  • Mercurial Division: Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Congratulations to all the teams who competed and especially to the champions who will represent the Midwest at the Pre-ECNL Champions Cup!

Written By: Beau Bridges

Beau is the founder of SoccerNovo, dedicated to helping players and parents navigate the youth soccer landscape. As a former youth coach and soccer parent, he shares insights on player development, recruiting, and the ever-evolving soccer scene in the U.S.

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