Very few teams from the Quad-Cities area have ever competed in the USA Cup, let alone won a trophy there. The annual tournament in Blaine, Minn. features teams from around the world and is only open to the top-ranked squads from states across the country. Some of the top soccer players from around the globe meet up to compete, trade pins, hang out and talk soccer with each other, knowing full well that many of the athletes taking the pitch will be crossing the endlines in professional games before a decade passes. These are kids that take the sport seriously, work hard, practice, and dedicate their time and lives to the highest in competition.

The East Moline Silvis Soccer Club U13 Renegades were one of those teams, ranked in the top 15 in Illinois, that made the trek up to Minnesota this past weekend, and, given the competition, being there could’ve been reward enough.

But not for the Renegades.

Led by coach Alex Sandoval, the team went 5-0-1 to win its bracket and take the 2019 USA Cup.

The squad busted out to two shutout wins on Saturday, 2-0 and 3-0, before tying and winning their last two games of the day to go on to the semifinals Sunday morning. There, they fought to a 1-1 tie against Barcelona Elite, before winning the game on penalty kicks and advancing to the final, where they won in convincing fashion, taking the gold.

The boys will have a few weeks off to enjoy and savor the victory, and the inevitable jump in their ranking, possibly even to the top five in the state, given the level of competition, before starting their fall season.

EMSSC is the only Quad-Cities soccer club to have two teams ranked in the top 15 in Illinois at their respective age levels. The U13 Renegades are joined by the U11 Spartans, who have been ranked in the top 15 since spring.

For more information see www.emssc.org.