All posts by PUSC

Victoria Sanchez U19 ’00/’01 Development Academy Commits to Sacramento State University

 

“I am super excited and humbled to announce my verbal commitment to Sacramento State University. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to play at a collegiate D1 level while also continuing my education at an amazing academic school. I would most importantly like to thank my amazing parents for their continuous support and love; there is no way I would be where I am today without their countless sacrifices getting me to training, games and other events. I want to thank Placer United for giving me a second home for the past five years and pushing me with countless hours of training and games. I can’t imagine my life without soccer and can’t thank the club enough for shaping me into the player and person that I am today. I want to thank all of my coaches, especially Sarah Fawcett and Ron Benjamin. Thank you to Coach Sarah for sparking my love for soccer and a huge thank you to Coach Ron for believing in me and putting me into the best environment I could be in, while also pushing me every single day to be the best player I can be. I would also like to thank all of my teammates along the way who have genuinely made playing this sport so amazing and for always bringing so much love and a competitive drive to the game. Finally, I would like to thank Coach Randy Dedini for giving me this opportunity; I am incredibly excited to be able to continue playing the sport I love at a new level. GO HORNETS!” —Victoria Sanchez

US Club Soccer Announces First-Ever Class of Players First-Licensed Clubs

Players First

The first-ever group of Players First-licensed clubs features 46 clubs from 19 states around the country. Through a rigorous application process, these clubs have all proven their commitment to providing a holistic club soccer experience for parents and players, which emphasizes the development of each individual to his or her full potential, and helps parents make better choices about where their children should play.

As youth’s soccer’s “Good Housekeeping Seal,” these clubs immediately take this newfound recognition into their communities and nationally, standing out as pioneers in improving the club soccer experience for players and parents.

These exemplary clubs have met the rigorous Players First standards of offering comprehensive Club Development, Coaching Development, Player Development, Parent Engagement & Education and Player Health & Safety:

Arizona Arsenal SC (Gilbert, Ariz.)

Arkansas United (Little Rock, Ark.)

Ballistic United SC (Pleasanton, Calif.)

Barça Academy Charlotte (Charlotte, N.C.)

BEST FC (Westborough, Mass.)

Birmingham United Soccer Association (Birmingham, Ala.)

Blaine SC (Blaine, Minn.)

CAPS FC (Cleveland, Ohio)

Challenge SC (Houston, Texas)

Classics Elite (San Antonio, Texas)

Crossfire Premier Redmond (Redmond, Wash.)

East Meadow SC (East Meadow, N.Y.)

FC Alliance (Knoxville, Tenn.)

FC Stars (Lancaster, Mass.)

FC Wisconsin Girls (Milwaukee, Wis.)

Florida Kraze Krush (Oviedio, Fla.)

Houston Dynamo/Dash Youth (The Woodlands, Texas)

ISC Gunners FC (Issaquah, Wash.)

Lake Norman SC (Mooresville, N.C.)

Liverpool FCIA TX (Dallas, Texas)

Lonestar SC (Austin, Texas)

Manhattan SC (New York, N.Y.)

Marin FC (Greenbrae, Calif.)

Match Fit Academy (Brick, N.J.)

Mustang SC (Danville, Calif.)

North Carolina FC Youth (Raleigh, N.C.)

Ohio Elite Soccer Academy (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Ohio Premier (Dublin, Ohio)

Placer United SC (Rocklin, Calif.)

Prince William Soccer (Woodbridge, Va.)

Sacramento United SC (Sacramento, Calif.)

San Antonio City SC (San Antonio, Texas)

San Francisco Elite Academy (San Francisco, Calif.)

San Juan SC (Rancho Cordova, Calif.)

Sockers FC (Palatine, Ill.)

Southern Soccer Academy (Marietta, Ga.)

Space Coast United (Melbourne, Fla.)

STA (Randolph, N.J.)

Sting SC (Dallas, Texas)

SUSA (Suffolk County, N.Y.)

TSC Hurricane (Tulsa, Okla.)

United Futbol Academy (Cummings, Ga.)

Villarreal Virginia Academy/Annandale (Fairfax, Va.)

Virginia Soccer Association (Haymarket, Va.)

West Florida Flames (Brandon, Fla.)

Western NY Flash (Buffalo, N.Y.)

“We believe this to be the most rigorous and comprehensive attempt in U.S. Soccer history to identify those clubs that have demonstrated a commitment to creating the kind of infrastructure and culture necessary to provide the best overall environment for players,” said US Club Soccer CEO Kevin Payne.

In addition to this nationally recognized stamp of approval, these clubs also receive increased exposure through US Club Soccer’s best-in-class search engine optimization, more access and special benefits from Players First partners and resources, features on US Club Soccer digital and social channels, customizable content and more. They’ll also be invited to a Players First symposium in 2019.

Details about the licensing process can be found on this web page, including the terms and eligibility information. These 46 clubs enjoy Players First licensing status until Dec. 31, 2020, at which time there will be a renewal opportunity. Club applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and approved clubs will be announced quarterly. Clubs that apply but do not meet the standards and requirements outlined in the application all receive a detailed letter explaining any deficiencies with suggestions and resources to correct those.

The application includes seven sections, in which clubs must demonstrate their commitment to the Players First pillars:

  • Club and Applicant Information
  • Club Leadership Expertise and Development
  • Staff Education and Development
  • Player Health and Safety
  • Training and Competition Structure
  • Staffing Structure
  • Parent Education and Engagement

ABOUT US CLUB SOCCER:

A National Association member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, US Club Soccer fosters the growth and development of soccer clubs in order to create the best possible environment for players of all ages.

Anchored by Players First and its five pillars of Club Development, Coaching Development, Player Development, Parent Engagement & Education and Player Health & Safety, US Club Soccer offers registration, league- and cup-based competition platforms, player identification and a variety of other programming, resources and services.

US Club Soccer is sponsored by Nike and supported by LaLiga through a technical partnership.

Sedona Robinson of U19 00-01 Development Academy Commits to Sac State

“I am super thrilled to announce my commitment to play Division 1 soccer at Sacramento State University! I want to thank my coaches; Todd DeCarlo, Katie Burton, and most importantly Ron Benjamin, who have helped me succeed in the sport I love most. I also want to thank my parents for continuous support, sacrifices, time and believing in me through this whole journey. And to my teammates, making me a better player, through their constant competitiveness and drive to get better each day. Lastly, I would like to give a huge thank you to Coach Randy Dedini for giving me the opportunity I’ve always dreamed of! I am beyond excited to play at the next level! GO HORNETS!” —Sedona Robinson

 

Placer United Represented at the All America Awards

Following Friday’s MLS SuperDraft where Placer United alumni Tucker Bone was drafted in the first round by Seattle Sounders,  Saturday ushered in another exciting day in Chicago. Placer United Soccer Club had current and former players pick up All American and All Region Awards at the 2019 United Soccer Coaches Convention. The United Soccer Coaches organization serves as the recognized leader in naming All-America soccer players and teams at every level of play.

ALL AMERICA Awards went to the following players:

  • Kellie Pagador – Youth All American Team Award
  • Tucker Bone – College Div I All American First Team Award
  • Anna Gregg – College Div II Scholar Player of the Year Award and All American Div II First Team Award.
  • Samantha Craig – Jr College All American second team Award
    All REGION Award
  • Corban Anderson – College Div I All Region second Team.
    Big Congratulations to all five players. Great job!

#PlacerProud

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Seattle Sounders Select U.S. Air Force Academy Midfielder Tucker Bone in First Round of MLS SuperDraft

The Seattle Sounders selected United States Air Force Academy midfielder Tucker Bone on Friday with the 20th pick in the first round of MLS SuperDraft 2019.

Bone, 22, was born in Tacoma, Wash., and grew up in Granite Bay, Calif. He finished the 2018 season with 13 goals and six assists in 22 appearances and was a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, which is awarded to college soccer’s best player.

Bone started 67 of 81 appearances over his four-year career at the U.S. Air Force Academy, recording 25 goals and 22 assists. He was named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year and a Bone was also a three-time First Team All-WAC selection and a two-time United Soccer Coaches (USC) First Team All-American. #PlacerProud

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Emily Connick ’03 U16 NPL Commits to Chico State University

“I am extremely happy and humbled to announce my verbal commitment to California State University, Chico where I will continue my academic and athletic journey. I could not have had a more supportive group of people that helped me be able to achieve this. First, I would like to thank my family for the countless hours of driving and all the support they have given me throughout the years. I would also like to thank my coach, Ron Benjamin for believing in me and improving my game with his endless support, and I would have never been able to achieve this without your coaching. You have changed my life in countless ways, and I am forever grateful for everything you have done for me. I would also like to thank my incredible teammates who have been nothing but supportive and push me at every practice and game to do my best. In addition, I would like to thank my personal trainer Kenyon Hill for his support and helping me develop the skills and ability to be able to try out for a club like Placer. Thank you, Coach Kim Sutton and Coach Jenny Jaggard, for giving me this amazing opportunity to play soccer and attend my dream school starting in 2021. Go Wildcats!” — Emily Connick

Placer United Receives U.S. Club Soccer Prestigious Recognition

Placer United was named along with 46 other clubs from 19 states across the U.S  as part of U.S Club’s first-ever group of Players First-licensed clubs.

In a press release from U.S. Club, they said, “The selected clubs have all proven their commitment to providing a holistic club soccer experience for parents and players, which emphasizes the development of each individual to his or her full potential, and helps parents make better choices about where their children should play.”

“We believe this to be the most rigorous and comprehensive attempt in U.S. soccer history to identify those clubs that have demonstrated a commitment to creating the kind of infrastructure and culture necessary to provide the best overall environment for players,” said U.S. Club Soccer CEO, Kevin Payne. “These clubs immediately take this newfound recognition into their communities and nationally, stand out as pioneers in improving the club soccer experience for players and parents.”

“These exemplary clubs have met the rigorous Players First standards of offering comprehensive Club Development, Coaching Development, Player Development, Parent Engagement & Education and Player Health & Safety,” continued U.S. Club.

“To receive this kind of recognition from U.S. Club is absolutely brilliant,” said Placer DOC Paul O Brien. “Sometimes all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes can go unnoticed. Everyone at Placer United has played a huge part in helping create a culture of development.

Click HERE to read the full article.

#PlacerProud

 

Mackenzie George Big West Conference Freshman of the Year

Placer United alumna and now Cal Poly star, Mackenzie George was chosen for the Big West Conference Freshman of the Year award. George started every match this season at forward, playing 1,647 minutes. She scored two goals and had an assist in her debut season. A grad of Woodcreek High in Roseville, Calif., George was one of 24 players called to attend the USWNT U-19 camp in May. Her assist came in the 60th minute at Santa Clara on Sept. 21, before tallying her first goal against Cal Baptist (79′) on Sept. 23. George closed the year scoring a 49th-minute equalizer against UC Santa Barbara on Oct. 28.

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Support Coach Gantt’s NorCal #1 Ranked Sierra College Wolverines

Come out and watch the Sierra College Women’s Soccer team Tuesday, November 20th, in their 2nd round playoff game versus Santa Rosa. Kick off is 11:30 a.m. in the Sierra College Stadium.

Coach Gantt’s team has had an incredible season winning every game in their conference playing 23 and scoring 102 goals along the way. The currently ranked #1 team has Placer United alumni players: Francis Andrade, Sam Craig, Jordan Higgins, Macy Moen, Kiley Whipple, Grace Vargas, as well as coaches Jason Gantt (Placer United Hall of Fame), Ron Benjamin, Bashar Abduljalil, BJ Glass, Janis Hurter, and Molly McConnell. #Placer Proud

Click Here for more information.

Second Round NorCal Playoffs
#1 Ranked Sierra College vs. #8 Ranked Santa Rosa Junior College

 

2018 College Signing Night

Placer United celebrated student-athletes who will take their soccer skills to the next level during a college signing ceremony at The Falls Event Center in Roseville.

Please join us in congratulating 14 players who will leave the club after high school graduation to play collegiate soccer starting Fall 2019.

2019 Graduating Class

Orlando Basurto, Lincoln High School
CSU Bakersfield

Selena Osorio, Center High School
Humboldt State University

Bridget Pelzman, Home School
Humboldt State University

Aiden Marquez, Del Oro High School
Dominican University

Abbie Gould, Granite Bay High School
Dominican University

Tanya Bills, Rocklin High School
Dominican University

Jenna Ladrech, Granite Bay High School
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Zack Mason, Whitney High School
Cal State East Bay

Matteo Ognissanti, Rocklin High School
Dominican University

Cyrus O’Neal, Placer High School
Sacramento State University

Dominick Paielli, Oakridge High School
Loyola Marymount University

Kirsten Webb, Del Oro High School
UC San Deigo

Austin Wehner, Roseville High School
San Diego State University

Ava Willey, Del Oro High School
Sierra College