By Kevin Kyle
Comfortably clad in celadon-colored travel gear furnished by official uniform and on-field equipment provider Capelli Sport, the Sioux Falls City Football Club climbed aboard a Foreman Charters and Tours (Miller, S.D.) bus bound for Aurora, IL Tuesday afternoon, en route to its opening week of competition within the United Soccer League (USL W) Central Conference Heartland Division.
Although the subtle hue donned by its players is aptly indicative of renewal, growth and freshness, SFCFC is far from ‘green’ – having established itself as the side to beat (9-0-0 regular-season record) in the Northern Conference of the Women’s Premier Soccer League throughout last summer’s campaign. The then third-year club relinquished just a single tally over its nine tilts and was ranked No. 1 heading into the postseason. Despite giving up three goals to FC Pride in the Central Region Playoff Semifinals, SFCFC answered each in forcing a thrilling penalty shootout to decide the victor.
Nine months after that gut-wrenching, season-ending 4-3 (pen.) loss, SFCFC is poised to put that match in the rearview and kick off its 2025 campaign in a new league versus conference opponents River Light FC and Chicago Dutch Lions, Wednesday and Friday evenings, respectively.
“We like to believe what happened last year, happened last year,” noted veteran forward Lulu Moreno. “Even though it was a big success, this year is something different; we’ll bring with us the confidence that we developed last year, knowing we can compete at this high level. Obviously, we have a lot of confidence from that experience, but we can’t go in expecting it to be the same. We’re all going in ready to work every day because that’s what it takes. I feel like everyone, across the board, is on the same mission to see success after every game.”
With nearly half of the 30-player squad returning for either a second, third or fourth campaign, encouragement from veterans to newcomers has proven a quick trickle.
“We’re excited to take on the challenge, see what it’s all about and show good play,” said Moreno.
Not only do Moreno and remainder of those helping SFCFC produce an astounding record last summer hope to continue its winning ways, but also the Kileen, TX native intends to foster the club’s values as it moves into a new league.
“Being a fourth-year player with this team, it’s brought a lot of good things to my life and career – things I haven’t necessarily experienced throughout the entirety of my career; the main one being I’m seen as a human being rather than just a number on the field.” said Moreno. “Coming through this club, they look at you first as being that human being and second as a player within the organization. That stood out to me and the veteran players, as well as newcomers with us for their first season. It feels nice to be seen as a person; it goes a long way. When you’re seen as a person, you feel lighter, more open to expressing yourself to teammates and coaching staff. They want to know when you’re 100 percent and when you’re not.”
Boasting nearly 100 percent efficiency in defense last season bodes well for SFCFC as its mission to make an immediate impact in a new league commences. Certainly, with 4-6 returning defensive performers, communication shouldn’t prove an obstacle, and the club’s ability to gel – with rapidity – is sure to help the squad gain an early foothold in the Heartland Division.
SFCFC is hopeful of building another strong garrison in the early stages of the season, which should help foster creativity in the attacking third behind Northern Conference Offensive Player of the Year Mia Mullenmeister.
“Last season was incredible; our defense was stout, which allowed us to have that success,” said veteran goalkeeper and South Dakota native (Hartford) Campbell Fischer – Northern Conference Player of the Year. “They’re great athletes, which is very helpful early season when you’re trying to figure things out. We were quickly able to bond as a back four and keeper… even our defensive midfielders. Communication was easy and we were lucky with our playing style because it was similar for most of us. That was helpful… had that cohesion right away.”
Having already tallied five counters and a shutout in its 5-0 victory over the visiting Sioux City Sol, in its pre-season tilt, May 15 at Bob Young Stadium in Sioux Falls, it’s fair to say success for the pre-professional soccer club isn’t looking to wriggle free.
With Authenticity, Purpose and Integrity as its values, SFCFC will take the field against River Light at 7 p.m. Wednesday – looking to take the first step toward success in a fresh division.
Which begs the question; how will the three-time Franchise of the Year in the Northern Conference measure success in its opening duo of duels in the USL W?
“You never have an idea; you have a plan, get punched in the face and see how you react – try to build on that resilience,” said SFCFC Sporting Director Joe DeMay. “On the road, against one of the better teams, not just in the conference, but the league, is going to be a challenge. I think we’ve built a team that will go and compete for a playoff spot, but at the same time we must go and do it. We’ve had some challenges the last two years, but not a lot. So, when we face some real adversity, what’s that going to look like?
“You always try to prepare for it as much as you can, but you just don’t know until you’re in the moment. From there, how do we continue to enhance what we’re doing or how do we respond to that adversity. I really don’t try to predict what’s going to happen, but rather say, ‘let’s go look for a solution.’ The game (of soccer) is chaotic and it’s going to give you some unexpected things. People want a script, but it’s not a scriptable game.”
Having successfully ‘run their lines’ and performed its brand of soccer, which emphasizes a rejection of the status quo, expectations of more from the game, its players and its community, the removal of barriers to the game, and an empowerment of players to influence how they play and how they partner with the club and community, SFCFC will look to turn in a ‘Lights Out’ performance this evening in Aurora.