Teen Soccer Team Defies Odds | Lawrence News

In a gripping new documentary, “Chasing Goals,” filmmaker Josh Gloer follows a ragtag team of teenage soccer prodigies from Northeast Kansas City—each hailing from 29 different countries—as they race against time to compete in the USA Cup. With just 30 days to prepare and facing 15,000 elite opponents, these underdogs aren’t just chasing trophies—they’re chasing hope. Founded by refugee Mariya Dostzadah Goodbrake in 2014, Global FC uses soccer as a lifeline for displaced youth, turning the field into a sanctuary where players feel free, powerful, and alive. Gloer’s three-year journey captures not just athletic grit, but profound human resilience—a vital counterpoint to America’s obsession with elite, pay-to-play soccer. The film premieres August 29 at the Full Tilt Film Festival, reminding us that sometimes, the greatest victories are found on the margins. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5cf5013a1ad5e6e8