November 26, 2012 - The LMSC Lightning U16 Boys departed for Wilson, N.C. to begin their inaugural season in the US Youth Soccer National League. The National League competition is for the nation's top teams in the U15-U18 boys and girls age groups, consisting of a total of 16 teams per gender age group. The National League offers additional exposure to collegiate, professional and U.S. National Team coaches and offers the highest level of competition in the country as each team must earn their place in the league.

The top teams from each age group advances to the US Youth Soccer National Championships, the oldest and most prestigious youth soccer national championship in the country. The top two teams from each age group division also secure a sport to return to National League play the following season.

On Thursday the boys faced Albion SC from San Diego, CA. After the Lightning fought back to tie the game in a well-played second half, Albion scored a late game winner in stoppage time, for a final score of 2-1. Next, the Lightning played the CCV Stars 97 Black from Arizona. After scoring a goal off of a corner kick in the second half, the Lightning defense held strong and was able to hold off the Stars for a 1-0 win. On Saturday afternoon, the Lightning faced the KCSC Blackstars from Kansas City. The Lightning played well and held good possession, but was unable to finish any chances. The game ended in a 0-0 draw. On the final day of play, the Lightning played the Challenger Crew Jrs. Black from Ohio. The Lightning was able to get another goal off of a corner kick midway through the first half. After some back and forth play, the Crew got one back to tie the game at 1-1. In the last minutes of the game, the Crew earned a Penalty Kick which they were able to convert to take a 2-1 lead. However, the Lightning fought back and was able to tie the game in stoppage time on a long throw in that was headed home for a 2-2 final.