On a crisp Saturday afternoon at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, the Tri‑City United U13 boys soccer team clinched the 2026 National Premier Leagues Black Division championship, edging the Dallas Texans 2‑1.
Guided by a trio of coaches — Josh Balsiger, George Gauld and Michael Regan — the side has been together for roughly five years, forging a chemistry that proved decisive on the national stage.
The match’s turning point arrived when Liam Regan struck a perfectly placed free‑kick in the dying minutes, a strike that not only sealed a 2‑1 victory but also etched his name into the club’s folklore.
A Five‑Year Build‑Up
From their early days in Minnesota, where they captured the state National Premier Leagues title, the squad navigated a rigorous schedule, finishing league play at 19‑1‑2 and amassing 59 points.
Pool play saw them post a 2‑1‑0 record, finishing second in their group, before they turned the tables on a Dallas team that had previously edged them 1‑0, delivering a revenge‑filled performance in the final.
Their journey continues as they move into the Elite Clubs National League Regional League, a stepping stone in US Club Soccer’s competitive pathway, underscoring the club’s commitment to nurturing talent within North Dakota.
Beyond the trophy, the victory reflects a broader vision of local player development, a narrative echoed by Michael Regan, who also serves as the state’s women’s soccer director of coaching.