Charlotte Hounds midfielder Kevin Crowley is pressured by Ohio's Dan Groot during the first half of the MLL semifinal at Blaine. Photo by Drew Herron

Sitting in the stands at the southwest corner of the field on Saturday, Red Wing’s U15 coach and youth association president Mike Pagel and his players -- who made the trip to Blaine as a team function -- watched the professionals pull off several trick shots.

As Pagel pointed out elements of the game, such as the importance of transitions and patience on offense, the boys were impressed by the level of play -- which they've never seen firsthand -- and grew eager to emulate what they witnessed.