2021 Fall Summary

The TKO Premier 2004 Girls Blue team had one final State Cup run in them and they certainly made the most of it.

The team reached the U18 Elite Division State Cup finals in Brighton, Mich., this past weekend where they battled the two-time defending State Cup Champions, Legends FC. Ultimately, the 2004 Girls Blue team came out on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline at the conclusion of 90 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of overtime.

“This has been a long time coming for this group,” coach Todd Wells said. “The team has consistently improved over the last six years and the girls set their sights on a special run in the final chance."

TKO Premier reached the final after a thrilling comeback win in the State Cup semifinals on Oct. 2. After falling behind 2-0 against Michigan Fire Juniors, TKO tied the game 2-2, only to trail 3-2 with seconds remaining. TKO tied the game in the waning moments of the second half and went on to win, 4-3, in overtime.

In the final, Legends FC opened the scoring on a penalty kick, but TKO Premier equalized in the final seconds of the first half. Legends FC scored the game-winning goal on the final kick of the first 15-minute overtime period.

“I’m so proud of how hard they battled over the course of 120 minutes,” Wells said. “Not many expected us to make it there, but they belonged on that field and their accomplishments should undoubtedly be celebrated.”

2020 Fall Summary

The 2004 TKO Premier '04 Girls Blue soccer team continued to reach new heights throughout the Fall 2020 season.

The team, which started its journey in the third division of Michigan Director’s Academy in Fall 2016, finished runner-up in Premier II of the National League Midwest Conference. The second-place finish should guarantee the team promotion to Premier I for their final season in 2021, a fitting way to end their club careers.

“When this group started years ago, they set out to reach the highest level of play they could get to and in this instance, that’s Premier I of National League,” coach Todd Wells said. “There’s a handful of players that have been on this team from the start and we have been fortunate to add talented, motivated and high-character girls throughout the years. Their progression the last five seasons is a testament to their work ethic and desire to succeed.”

Following their Fall 2016 season in the third division of Director’s Academy, the '04 group was promoted to the second division for the spring. The next year, they finished in third place in Michigan State Premier I in the fall, only to capture the league title the following spring season, clinching their promotion into the Midwest Conference of National League.

After two seasons in one of the entry divisions of National League, the girls were promoted to Premier II of the National League Midwest Conference for the 2020 season. They finished 4-2-1 and were one of three teams to have a positive goal differential. In the final game of their league season, they fell behind 1-0, only to surge back with two second-half goals to win, 2-1, securing a place in Premier I next fall.

“It’s truly a special group that is a joy to work with,” said Wells, who has coached the '04 girls since 2015. “This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the 30 or so girls who have played on this team, regardless of whether it was for one season or six seasons. It’s exciting to watch them accomplish their goals and we still have more to achieve next fall.”