All posts by PUSC

Emma Scott Verbally Commits to Portland State University

“I’m am thrilled to announce that I have verbally committed to further my academic and soccer career at Portland State University! I’m excited to have found a school that will challenge me athletically as well as academically. I’m am truly blessed and would like to thank my parents and family for their nonstop support, time, energy, and encouragement for me to do my best with what I love. I would also like to thank my coaches, Ron Benjamin for helping me through this recruiting process and preparing me for the next level; and coach Gregg Thompson for pushing me as a young player technically and mentally to be the player I am now. Additionally, I would like to thank all of my teammates who have become some of my closest friends and helped shape me into the player/person I am on and off the field. Finally I would like to thank coaches Katie Burton, Maureen Whitney, and Jenny Lawrence for the amazing opportunity. GO VIKINGS!” —Emma Scott

Orlando Basurto Is Headed for CSU Bakersfield

“I am very excited and humbled to announce that I have verbally committed to play Division 1 soccer and further my academic career at California State University Bakersfield. I would like to thank my friends, coaches, and most importantly my family, all who have supported me endlessly. I would also like to give a big thank you to my coaches, Kevin Unsworth and Matt Scammacca, for always pushing me to my limits in order to bring out the best in myself. I feel very blessed for being given this opportunity which wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for this amazing club, Placer United. This club has given me everything I have ever wanted and more, and I can’t thank them enough. I am excited to see what the future holds for me and can’t wait to begin the next step in my academic and athletic career. Go Runners!” — Orlando Basurto

Placer United Alumni Reunion

Placer alumni Cody Sundquist, Estaban Zepeda, Zac Wong, and Cameron Douglas, all reconnected at last night’s PAC 12 UCLA versus SDSU game in San Diego.

UCLA players Cody and Cameron were in high spirits as they beat San Diego 2-1 with Cody scoring the winning goal in overtime.

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Great job guys! Go Placer!

Pagador Shines for U.S. in China and Earns Another U16 Call Up

It was another big month of soccer for Placer United’s 2003 player Kellie Pagador as she added another International trophy to her cabinet by helping the US Women’s U15 (2003) National team win the CFA International Women’s Youth Football Tournament in Weifang China.  Kellie who won her first International trophy with the Women’s U16 (2002) National team earlier this year in Italy played in all three games in China, which included the game of the tournament against Japan as the U.S. team came back from a two goal deficit to win 3-2. 

 
 
Upon returning from China, Kellie was packing her bags again as she received an invite to the U16/U17 Women’s National team training camp at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Visa, Calif. as they. prepare for the U17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay.
 

Manuri Alwis Commits to UC Santa Barbara


“I am so excited to announce that I have verbally committed to further my academic and soccer career at the University of California, Santa Barbara! I’m thrilled that I was able to find a school that will push me athletically and academically.

First and foremost, I’d like to thank my parents who’ve always taught me to be the best version of myself. They’ve spent countless amounts of time and energy to support me through doing what I love. I would also like to thank my sister who has been my best friend and outlet throughout my life. During my four years at Placer, I’ve been surrounded by an amazing environment that supports and pushes me. I’d like to thank my coaches Ron Benjamin, Don Finley, and Katie Burton who have all shaped me into the player that I am. Additionally, I’d like to thank all of my teammates, throughout the years, who’ve truly become some of my closest friends.

Finally, I’d like to thank coaches Paul Stumpf, Gof Boyoko, and Mario Felix for this fantastic opportunity. Go, Gauchos!” —Manuri Alwis

Ava Willey Is Headed to Sierra College Wolverines Women’s Soccer

“I am incredibly thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to further my athletic and academic career at Sierra College. I am truly blessed and would like to thank my coaches Ron Benjamin and Todd DeCarlo for helping me improve as a competitive soccer player, and also to Jason Gantt for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank my parents for spending countless hours making sure I made it to every practice, game, and tournament. I’m excited to be spending my next two years close to home! Go Wolverines!” —Ava Willey 

Placer United Descend on Davis In Style

August 2018 — Placer United swarmed into Davis this past weekend with thirteen boys teams and nine girls teams competing in the Summer Classico Tournament.

Placer United 07G Gold

Headlining the weekend was the 07G Gold and Coach Cory who won all three games in the Premier Bracket before a 2-0 final win versus FC Elk Grove.

Placer United 08G Gold

Placer United 08G Gold, fresh from a win at Pleasanton Rage, played up in the 07 Championship Bracket. After three impressive victories, a 2-2 tie with Woodland was enough to secure the trophy in the group format.

Placer United 07G Black

The 10G Gold and 07G Black had notable results as finalists in their respective age-groups, as well as the 10G Black who finished as runner-up in the five team bracket capping a good weekend for the girls teams.

Placer United 07B U.S. Soccer Development Academy

The boys teams, many of whom were playing in their first competitive event of the season, faired just as well. The 07A group were edged out 3-2 in the final of the U12 Premier Bracket to Athletico Santa Rosa.

Placer United 07B Gold and 07/08 U.S. Soccer Development Academy teams

The Placer United 07/08A group went undefeated in the Championship Bracket but two ties meant that they just missed out on the final, instead facing their own 07B Gold Club team in the consolation. Coach Emre’s 07B Black team continued the strong showing for our 07B age-group as they were crowned champions of the League One Bracket, overcoming SSA in a tense penalty shoot-out.

Placer United 07B Black

Wrapping up the tournament results were third place finishes for Placer’s 09B Gold in the U10 Premier Bracket after a 3-1 win versus Woodland, as well as for Coach Megan’s 10B White team capping a good day for the boys!

Placer United 09B Gold

 

Placer United 10B White

Emma Schafer, 02/03 Development Academy, Commits to U.C. Davis

“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to the University of California, Davis. I am very fortunate to have found a top university that also has a wonderful Division I soccer program. 

There’s no way to thank my family enough for spending countless hours on the road to get me to games and practices and for supporting me through the ups and downs. You guys are my biggest fans!  Being a part of Placer United for seven years has truly shaped who I am as a soccer player. I want to thank all of my coaches, especially Kevin Unsworth, Don Finley and Ron Benjamin for pushing me to my full potential and instilling in me a genuine love for the game. I would also like to express my gratitude to my teammates for their friendship, support and always bringing a competitive mindset to training and games.

Thank you to Coach Twila Kaufman and Coach Rachael Collins for this fantastic opportunity and for making the recruiting process an enjoyable experience.

 Go Placer & Go Aggies!” —Emma Schafer

Kirsten Webb Commits to University of California, San Diego

“I am extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to further my athletic and academic career at the University of California, San Diego. I am truly blessed and would not have had this opportunity without the amazing people God has put into my life. I would like to thank Coach Ron Benjamin who, from the beginning, has always pushed me to work hard and to be a leader on and off the field. Also, I would like to thank coaches Todd Decarlo, Paul O’Brien, Jimmy Frazelle, and Joe Black, as they all have impacted me in different and wonderful ways. Placer United has been my home away from home since age seven, and I could never imagine having the same soccer experience at any other club. Thank you to my family for being incredibly loving and supportive throughout all of my years of soccer, continuously challenging me to persevere regardless of the circumstance. You have taught me the importance of not only being a good player, but also a good person. To my current and former teammates, thank you for being my second family. You have continually inspired me to work harder with your competitiveness and encouragement. Most importantly, thank you God for giving me the opportunity to glorify You while getting to compete in a sport that I love.

I cannot wait to play collegiately at such an amazing school. Thank you Coach McManus, Coach Jones, and Coach Trent, for the unbelievable opportunity to be a part of UCSD’s wonderful soccer program. I am so fortunate to be able to spend my college years at such a fantastic university. Go Tritons!” —Kirsten Webb

07B Gold’s Noah Benjamin Donates Time in Mexico

Noah Benjamin, of the 07B Gold team, recently traveled with his family to Mexico. The Benjamin family brought donated soccer gear from families of Placer United and Noah participated in training and games with the Atlas Vallarta Soccer Academy.

Over the past year, the Benjamin family collected soccer uniforms, cleats, soccer balls and other clothing to take to Puerto Vallarta.  From past visits, Noah’s dad, Coach Ron, selected a few remote locations that he noted were in need.  “We rented a jeep, packed it full of stuff and hit the road,” said Noah. “Our first stop,” added Ron, “was a small village outside of Bucerias, a small beach resort town in Nayarit on the Bay of Banderas, between La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Nuevo Vallarta.”

The Benjamin’s pulled into the village at a small convenience store and told one of the locals they had a number of donated items for  kids and within minutes, over 40 kids and adults were at the store to see what the family had brought. Many of the kids were shoe-less, so cleats and soccer balls were the biggest hit. The Benjamin family each grabbed a ball bump and inflated soccer balls as quickly as possible. The locals were very appreciative!

The second stop was another small village outside of Boca de Tomatlan. The jeep came in handy as the Benjamin’s had to cross a river that was 75 feet across. A normal car may not have made it. Again, the Benjamin’s were quickly surrounded by kids who were excited to receive gifts.

Later in the trip, Noah trained during the week and then played the final ’06 league match of the season for the Atlas Vallarta Soccer Academy. They played against the Boca Jrs ’06 of Vallarta for third place. Noah played all 70 minutes in a 5-3 loss. “It was a great experience for him to play in a completely different environment without knowing a ton of Spanish,” said Coach Ron.

The Benjamin’s want to thank those of you from the Placer United Family who donated items for this trip. It was a very fulfilling experience. Go Placer!