All posts by PUSC

U15 and U14 GNT Will Hold Concurrent Camp at U.S. Soccer NTC

CHICAGO (September 5, 2017) – The U.S. Under-15 Girls’ National Team and the U.S Under-14 Girls’ National Team will hold concurrent training camps from September 10-17 at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Carson, California.

U.S. U-15 GNT head coach Tracey Kevins has called up 24 players, all born in 2003, for what will be her first camp at the helm of this age group.

U.S. U-14 GNT head coach April Kater has called up 24 players, all born in 2004. This cycle for the U.S. U-14 GNT would generally begin in early 2018, but this camp gives next year’s U-14s a head start. For all but the few players who have been called into U-15 GNT training camps, this will be the first experience in a National Team training camp environment.

The teams will scrimmage against each other during the week.

This group of U-15 players is in the first year of a two-year cycle before transitioning to U-17s in 2019, when they will form the core of the team that will attempt to qualify for the 2020 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

U.S. U-15 GNT Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Haley Craig (Hawks-Wolves SC; Dexter, Mich.), Isabella Grust (San Diego Surf; Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.), Neeku Purcell (Seattle Reign; Seattle, Wash.)
DEFENDERS (7): Baleigh Bruster (Tophat SC; Smyrna, Ga.), August Hunter (Seattle Reign; Seattle, Wash.), Andrea Kitahata (San Jose Earthquakes; Hillsborough, Calif.), Phoenix Miranda (Leahi SC; Aiea, Hawaii), Ayo Oke (Concorde Fire; Lawrenceville, Ga.), Kellie Pagador (Placer United; Roseville, Calif.), Lilly Reale (South Shore Select; Hingham, Mass.)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Korbin Albert (Eclipse Select SC; Gurnee, Ill.), Colby Barnett (Strikers FC; Los Alamitos, Calif.), Summer Denigan (Cincinnati Development Academy; Union, Ky.), Emma Egizii (Beach FC; Downey, Calif.), Carina Lageyre (Weston SC; Cooper City, Fla.), Olivia Pena (Solar Chelsea; Irving, Texas), Isabella Piete (San Diego Surf; Alpine, Calif.),
FORWARDS (7): Simone Jackson (Slammers FC; Redondo Beach, Calif.), Caetlyn Johannes (Valley Isle SA; Kihei, Hawaii), Arianna Manrique (Tophat SC; Buford, Ga.). Alexis Missimo (Solar Chelsea; Southlake, Texas), Dorrian Savage (San Diego Surf; Chula Vista, Calif.), Jillian Shimkin (FC Fury; Rockville Center, N.Y.), Amelia White (Fort Wayne United; Fort Wayne, Ind.)

U.S. U-14 GNT Roster:
PLAYERS (24): Mikayla Abrenica (Legends FC; Temecula, Calif.), Jordan Brown (Heat FC; Las Vegas, Nev.), Maggie Cagle (SC Del Sol; Phoenix, Ariz.), Lindsey Chau (Legends FC; Highland, Calif.), Meka Doyle (San Jose Earthquakes; Berkeley, Calif.), Elise Evans (San Jose Earthquakes; Redwood City, Calif.), Jill Flammia (Richmond United; Manakin-Sabot, Va.), Juliauna Hayward (Real Colorado; Thornton, Colo.), Lumi Kostmayer (Oakwood SC; Southbury, Conn.), Georgia Leb (Solar Chelsea; Colleyville, Texas), Bridgette Marin-Valencia (PSV Union; San Francisco, Calif.), Molly Martin (FC Stars of Mass; Acton, Mass.), Ava Minnier (Penn Fusion; Downington, Pa.), Allison Montoya (MVLA SC; Los Altos, Calif.), Olivia Moultre (Beach FC; Canyon County, Calif.), Jordan Nytes (Real Colorado; Aurora, Colo.), Kayla Reed (Sky Blue-PDA; East Brunswick, N.J.), Jaedyn Shaw (FC Dallas; Frisco, Texas), Evelyn Shores (Tophat SC; Atlanta, Ga.), Emma Stransky (Internationals; Copley, Ohio), Maggie Taitano (San Diego Surf; Carlsbad, Calif.), Alyssa Thompson (Real So Cal; Studio City, Calif.), Teagan Wy (West Coast FC; Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.), Ella Zimmerman (Tophat SC; Cumming, Ga.)

 

U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy to Launch on September 2

CHICAGO (Aug. 28, 2017) – The U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy is set to kick off its inaugural season on Sept. 2, marking the start of competition for more than 6,000 players from 69 member clubs. The Academy develops world-class players by impacting everyday club environments across the country. Following 10 years of success for the Boys’ Academy, the Girls’ Academy launches this fall to bring the development initiative to female youth players.

A total of 108 games will kick off on opening weekend, highlighted by the Girls’ Academy’s first feature game in Somerset, N.J. between Sky Blue – PDA (Somerset, N.J.) and FC Virginia (Chantilly, Va.) in the U-16/17 age group (2002/2001 birth years). The game will be streamed live at 11 a.m. ET on the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Facebook Page .

“In support of U.S. Soccer’s long-term plan for player and coach development, launching a Girls’ Development Academy is part of an unprecedented commitment to elevating the women’s game,” said U.S. Soccer Women’s Technical Director April Heinrichs. “This program will directly impact the everyday environment for clubs and further connect players and coaches to our National Teams.”

The Girls’ Academy is the highest level of girls’ youth soccer in the U.S., and its start represents the implementation of the Academy’s philosophy and standards for the most committed youth clubs across the country. Academy clubs have an increased focus on training (minimum four training sessions per week) and play fewer total games in favor of more meaningful contests using international standards. The program prioritizes individual development ahead of winning team trophies and titles.

A U.S. Soccer player development initiative, the Academy provides direct access to the Federation’s resources. Clubs receive a wealth of support with coaching education, scholarship funding, Academy staff dedicated to serving clubs, and support from Academy Technical Advisors that reside and work in club markets.

It also provides a clear pathway to National Team programs. More than 92 percent of players selected to Youth National Teams in the 2016-17 cycle came from Academy clubs, and 65 players from the most recent Women’s and Girls’ YNT roster call-ups will feature in the Academy this season.

“The U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy program will raise the standards and assure that the pathway for the most talented and dedicated female players exists, and that we will be able to continue to compete with the elite players and teams in the world,” Girls’ Academy Director Miriam Hickey said. “To achieve this, we must commit to a positive training and game environment at the club level to ensure the best players are playing together and not one talented player is overlooked.”

A global leader in women’s soccer, U.S. Soccer’s implementation of the Girls’ Academy is part of the Federation’s efforts to grow the game and ensure that future National Teams continue to win at the highest level. Several current and former Women’s National Team players are involved in the Academy to further this mission. Their experiences winning FIFA Women’s World Cups and Olympic gold medals will be invaluable in raising the standard for female youth players.

U.S. Soccer is launching the Girls’ Academy with backing from the National Women’s Soccer League . Now in its fifth year, the league is the longest-tenured women’s professional league ever in the United States. A total of 11 Girls’ Academy clubs are affiliated with NWSL teams, marking a major step forward in the league’s player development initiatives and the long-term growth of women’s professional soccer.

For its first season, the Girls’ Academy will feature four age groups: U-14, U-15, U-16/17 and U-18/19 competing in seven divisions across the country. Teams play consistently over a 10-month season from September to July, featuring Winter, Spring and Summer Showcases and culminating in the Academy Championships. The inaugural 69 clubs were chosen based on a variety of factors, including club leadership, infrastructure, resources, history of player production for National Teams, market and depth of the player pool and more.

For more information on the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, please visit ussoccerda.com .

Selena Osorio, U17 01/02 US Soccer Development Academy, Commits to Humboldt State

“I am so excited to announce my commitment to play soccer at Humboldt State University! A huge thank you to all of the coaches I have had growing up and playing soccer for, especially Ron Benjamin and Todd DeCarlo. My dream of committing to a college and having the opportunity to continue doing what I love after high school would not have been possible without them and their constant motivation to make me a better player.  Another thank you to my mom and dad, from taking me to practice, to taking me to my games far away and supporting me and pushing me each and every day. They have spent many hours with me at the field and have taken so much of their time to make sure I get to do what I love and I am extremely thankful for that. Another huge thank you to my teammates/family for supporting me on and off of the field. My teammates are amazing and I am very lucky to be able to grow as a player with each and every one of them by my side. Thank you to Jose Ordaz who has guided me since I was little and continues to guide me to this day. He pushes me and keeps me on track. He has educated me about life as a soccer player and as an individual and I am extremely thankful. Finally, thank you to Coach Paul Karver and Coach Kat Rocket Heppe for making my dream of playing at the next level at an amazing school possible. Go Lumberjacks!”—Selena Osorio

 

Sundquist Scores in His U19 German League Debut

Placer United’s Cody Sundquist scored in the first game of the season for his new club VFL Osnabruck. Cody made the switch from Italy’s Fiorentina to the German club in June and is thoroughly enjoying his time while taking in stride all the challenges that come with moving to a new country and new club.

Sundquist was named in the starting eleven and played the entire game scoring one of the goals in a five to zero victory. He doesn’t expect to have many games with a similar score line as the German U19 League is made up of teams from well known German clubs like, Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg, Werder Bremen, Leipzig, and Hamburg, to name a few.

Big Congrats to Cody! Check out his goal on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/PlacerUnited/

Go Placer!

Zach Wong Commits to UC San Diego

“I am incredibly blessed to announce my commitment to play soccer at UC San Diego in 2018. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue my academic goals at this top university while living in beautiful La Jolla. I look forward to playing for Coach Jon Pascale and can’t wait to make a positive impact at UC San Diego as a player, teammate, and student.

I would not be where I am today without the endless support from my family, friends, teammates, and coaches. Thank you to my family – my biggest fans – for their unconditional love which allows me to become the best athlete, student, and person possible. Thank you to my friends for understanding when I can’t go out because I have soccer. And thank you to my teammates for working hard and supporting each other, which resulted in many impressive wins and everlasting memories. Each and every one of you will always have a special place in my heart.

Placer United has developed me into the player I am today. Thank you to Paul O’Brien for giving me the opportunity and developing me as an outside back. Thank you to Matt Scammacca and Jason Gantt for helping me improve as a soccer player and pushing me each day. A huge thank you to Matt McDougall for believing in me, supporting my goals, and guiding me through this entire process. And lastly, a special thank you to my very first coach from Granite Bay, Coach Chris Altobell, who helped establish my love of soccer since I was five years old and taught me to be RELENTLESS and to never give up!

Go Tritons!”— Zach Wong

Belmont Abbey College Welcomes Emma Roche

“I am very excited to announce that I have committed to Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina. I am beyond blessed to able to start my college career at a Catholic college where I can grow in my faith in God and as a player, led by amazing coaches Mike Lynch and Jaime Malilong III.  I would like to give a special thank you to all my coaches, Dave Zinzun and Gabe Martinez who helped me find my love and passion for the game at a young age. I would also like to thank Ron Benjamin, Todd Decarlo, Megan Montoya, and Ed Fardos who have pushed me and have developed me into the player I am today. I would especially like to thank my family, to all of my siblings and most importantly my parents. Thank you for all of the love, support and strength you have given me. I am truly grateful for each and everyone of you, I would not be the player I am today without you. I am extremely excited and cannot wait to start my new journey. Go Crusaders!” — Emma Roche

Noah Sonenstein, 99 Boys Gold, Commits to UC San Diego

“I am humbled and excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at UC San Diego. I cannot express my gratitude enough to those who have helped me along this momentous journey. I would like to thank Placer for fostering such a competitive atmosphere that has allowed me to hone my soccer skills and better prepare myself for the collegiate level. While playing at Placer, I have gotten to know some of the kindest, most charismatic teammates I have ever met; and I’m sure that I will stay in touch with them for many years to come. Furthermore, if I had never moved to Placer, I never would have had the priviledge of playing for Matt McDougall. Without his unwavering support and prudent advice, I would not be in the position I am in today. I am forever grateful for my family’s unconditional love and support throughout this process, especially from my Mom and Dad. There were many moments where I doubted my ability to play at the next level, but their relentless encouragement has truly been an essential part of my achievements. Once again, thank you so much to everyone who has helped me throughout this process and reach this goal, and Go Tritons!” —Noah Sonenstein

Rachel Roche Commits to Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina

“I am very excited to announce my commitment to play college soccer for Belmont Abbey College. I am truly blessed to have been welcomed by coaches Mike Lynch and Jaime Malilong, two wonderful people who will help guide me through the next four years of my life. I would like to thank all of my coaches, especially Ron Benjamin and Todd Decarlo, who have pushed me to be my best, on and off the field, I couldn’t have done it without the both of you! I would also like to thank all of my teammates who have been with me through the good and bad days. Finally thank you to my parents who have gone above and beyond to help me achieve my dreams. I can’t wait for what the next four year have in store. Go Crusaders!” — Rachel Roche

The Sierra College Wolverines Welcome Gabriella Barquet

“After countless years of playing soccer I would like to announce my excitement to be playing soccer at the collegiate level and playing at Sierra College! I’d like to thank all of my coaches in the past who have gotten me to where I am today, especially Crystal Chaidez, Lee Callow, Chris Alcala, John Bustos, and Todd DeCarlo. They each have impacted me in a different way to make me a better player and have shaped me to be the player and person I am today. I’d also like to thank the Sierra College coaching staff, particularly Jason Gantt for taking me in and being so welcoming. In addition to my coaches I’d also like to thank all my teammates I have had in the past. The tournaments and practices that have allowed us to bond and become close have allowed me to open up as a person and also become a better player on and off the field. In addition to my coaches and friends, I would like to give a huge thanks to my parents who have always been so supportive and would take me to every practice, game, and tournament that I had over the past years especially the last eight years with Placer and all the long drives to tournaments. My parents are always there for me and have helped me achieve this wonderful opportunity to play soccer at the next level and I wouldn’t be at this point without them. I am very thankful for all that have helped me and can’t wait to start this next chapter of my life at Sierra. Go Wolverines!”— Gabriella Barquet

Quincy Kaplan Commits to San Francisco State University

“I am thrilled to announce my commitment to play soccer at San Francisco State University. I am incredibly privileged to join a team that is led by two phenomenal coaches, Tracy Hamm and Val Henderson. I am excited to come into a program that is up and coming and is passionate about development as well as winning. I cannot go without expressing my immense gratitude to my family for always believing in me on and off the field. I would also like to thank Ron Benjamin and the rest of the Placer United coaches and players for being an instrumental piece in my development, for inspiring me, and for pushing me to be the greatest version of myself I could possibly be. I cannot wait to experience the next four years as a member of a tremendous soccer program. Go Gators!” – Quincy Kaplan