RAPID CITY - Ninety-one teams started their drive to a state title at the South Dakota Kohl's American Cup on Friday morning. While kids from all throughout the state started playing games at 8 a.m., event organizers were just glad to be able to be able to play any soccer at all.

Days of rain left the fields at the Sioux Park Soccer Complex more than a little soggy, but judging by the laughs and smiles on the field, the kids were uneffected by the conditions.

"It is a very, very good thing that we got sun today," tournament director Cassandra Messmer said. "We are just hoping it continues for the next few days."

Only one team pulled out of the event due to weather.

"A lot of teams came in early to make sure they could get here," Messmer said. "The teams from Sioux Falls said once they hit Mitchell, it rained the entire way here."

Organizers spent days trying to get the fields into playing shape even with standing water covering three-fourths of them as late as yesterday. Friday, there was still some standing water, but the fields were playable with nearly all the action taking place at Sioux Park Soccer Complex and Star of the West.

"Mark Owen did a tremendous job working on the fields," Messmer said. "He has been out here at 4:30 or 5 every morning trying to get these fields mowed and get them lined. He has had to line them three times because the rain has washed them away."

"The fields are soggy, but they are holding up pretty well," said Ray Wong who is a soccer coach from Rapid City. "Anytime you are able to have tournament play, no matter the conditions, it benefits the kids because the more touches you get the better you will be. These games are very competitive and the kids work hard."

Games are being rotated to different fields to try to keep wear and tear to the turf to a minimum.

The tournament, which brings players from 12- to 19-years-old together, is for primarily recreational level teams with a few challenge squads playing in the open division.

This year's tournament had to be put together in a hurry due to a last-minute change of location.

"We are down about half the teams from last year," Messmer said. "This tournament was supposed to be in Sioux Falls this year because they take it for two years and then Rapid City takes it for two years. Our turn wasn't until next year, but all the hotel rooms in Sioux Falls were booked so it was moved here. Given that, we are pretty pleased with how it turned out."

While every team at the tournament has designs on winning a state title, it is not the only thing for many of the kids.

"The best thing they get out of it is the chance to get together as a team, be able to stay at a motel, and win or lose, 15 minutes after the game they are out having fun with each other," said Craig Sternhagen, who coaches a U-12 team from Groton.

Half the teams were in action Friday and today with their championship matches taking place today at 4 p.m. before the other half of the teams play Sunday and conclude Monday with championship matches again at 4 p.m.

Games start each day at

8 a.m. and run all day.