SPRINGFIELD – More than 40 high school soccer teams played at the 2025 Les Schwab Soccer Showcase last week, a two-day jamboree-style tournament on Aug. 28-29.
The girls’ teams played Thursday, followed by the boys teams on Friday at Les Schwab Sports Park.
In its fourth year as a high school jamboree, the showcase has become one of the largest events of its kind in Oregon. All four turf fields run simultaneously, with up to eight teams competing at once. Each team participates in three 20-minute games under OSAA season rules.
Families gathered to watch the season opening for many of the local area teams. ALL PHOTOS BY ADON ECCLES
It’s a unique opportunity for teams to play against new, non-conference opponents and provides athletes with a chance to showcase their talent in front of local college scouts and fans.
“We’re thrilled to have welcomed teams from across Oregon to Springfield for the annual Les Schwab Soccer Showcase for a fun activity that benefits student-athletes and our local community,” said Michael Wargo, Willamalane executive director. “Thanks to Les Schwab’s support, the showcase has become a highlight of the season.”
Pleasant Hill and Creswell were two of The Chronicle’s coverage schools that competed in the tournament. The Billies took on Sutherlin and head coach Ryota Sugitani led them through their games.
The tournament is one highlight of what the Les Schwab Sports Park has brought to Springfield since opening. The complex has become a year-round hub for community life, Wargo said. The four-field complex welcomes thousands of athletes and visitors each year, including youth and adult sports leagues, softball pick-up games, other large regional events, and recreation of all kinds.
The event was free to attend, and included local schools Thurston, Churchill, Sheldon, Marist, Pleasant Hill, Creswell, and South Eugene. Local food trucks El Pique and Kona Ice were on-site as well.
ALSO …
■ No. 5 Thurston boys (0-1) lost to Class 6A North Salem last Saturday, 2-0 in Phil Sweeney’s debut as head coach. The Colts are 0-2 against the Vikings in the past two years. Last year, the Vikings went 6-4-5 overall and third in the Central Valley Conference.
■ No. 1 Thurston (1-0) completed the Les Schwab Soccer Showcase. It went on to win against Redmond on the road 3-2 in Browning Stupp’s debut as the new head coach.
– Chronicle staff report
