After three days of arduously competitive matches amongst over 100 of the highest-ranking youth soccer teams in the state, the pool play rounds of the 2024 Missouri Summer State Cup have come to a conclusion. With just four teams remaining in each age group, the stage now is set for the championship weekend, each team merely two wins away from lifting the trophy and being crowned a Missouri state champion.The pool play weekend was a resounding success, having taken place June 1-3, 2024, with all matches being held at Creve Coeur Park Soccer Complex in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The event featured play from U13-U14 age groups for girls and U13-U19 age groups for boys.It was a vibrant atmosphere as thousands of spectators gathered at the fields to watch as each team played a series of three matches, one per day, showcasing the passion Missouri holds for youth soccer. Between game-winning penalty kicks, underdogs prevailing and Missouri’s unpredictable weather, the weekend was nothing short of entertaining, keeping fans on their toes.Despite Monday’s temperatures neighboring close to 90 degrees and afternoon thunderstorms causing a short lightning delay, all scheduled matches were able to be played.Though there was a surplus of talent present at the tournament, only the highest-finishing teams in each bracket progressed to the next round. Four teams advanced from each age group with wild cards being awarded to the next highest-finishing team in age groups with less than four brackets. The ability for these teams to play in the next rounds of State Cup is a testament to their hard work, success and ability to perform under pressure.