All posts by PUSC

Taylor Evinger Commits to Dominican University

2016_College Bound_Taylor Evinger

“I am extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to play soccer at Dominican University!  I am beyond excited about the opportunity to continuing playing the sport I love at the next level and pursue my education at such a great learning institution.  Thank you Coach Coffey and Coach Johnson for this opportunity and your confidence in my abilities to be part of the Penguins!  I am looking forward to making an impact and building new friendships as part of the Penguin team. Playing soccer and being part of Placer United has been such a big part of my life over the years. I have had the opportunity to meet amazing people, build great friendships, and grow both as a soccer player and a person.  I am truly thankful to all those players, coaches, and parents who have been part of that journey and encouraged me to strive to be the best player I can be. I want to give a special thanks to my coaches over the years. First, thank you Geno and Bart, for helping me build my confidence and starting me on the path to playing college soccer. A big thank you to Ron Benjamin, for your support and helping me to develop into a stronger, smarter player and always pushing me to strive to become better. And I want to recognize and thank Todd DeCarlo. You have been an instrumental part in the opportunity and decision to play at Dominican. Thank you for all of your support in helping me to make this decision and really find the place that is best fit for me as a player and person. Thank you for supporting me, being invested in my playing, and helping me grow as person. And lastly, none of this would have been possible without my family. I cannot thank them enough for all their support and encouragement over all the years of playing. I appreciate all the sacrifices they have made for me to realize my goal of playing collegiate soccer and have the amazing opportunity I have in front of me at Dominican University. Thank you again to all who have believed in me and supported me in this journey! Go Penguins!” ~ # 21 Taylor Evinger

Moms Receive a Big Gift on Mother’s Day from Placer Boys

Placer United U11B 06 Black - 2016 Davis Legacy League 1 Champions

Placer United U11B 06 Black – 2016 Davis Legacy League 1 Champions

Coach Pete’s Placer United U11B 06 Black gave their moms a huge gift on Mother’s Day by winning the U11 League 1 Championship at the Davis Legacy Tournament.

The boys edged out a tough Santa Rosa team in their opening game to win 5-4 and followed up with wins of 9-0 versus Galaxy Blues and 3-0 versus SDA to advance to the final.

Their opponent in the final was a very strong Peninsula SC. Placer United led 1-0 at halftime in a very tight encounter as both teams created a ton of chances in an entertaining back and forth game. In the second half, Placer scored three late goals to secure the win to the delight of all the moms who gave up their champagne brunch plans to support the boys in their first big final of the year.

A special mention to Eric McGuire who also received a “Player of the Tournament” award.

Congratulations Coach Pete and 06B Black!

Cassidy Marquez Commits to Dominican University

2016_College Bound_Cassidy Marquez

“I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to Dominican University. I feel that Dominican University is the absolute best fit for me in every way. A huge thank you to my coaches, Ron Benjamin and Todd DeCarlo, who have encouraged me and pushed me to be the best player I can be. Thank you both for supporting me and helping me through my college selection process this past year. Thank you to my teammates and friends who have made my year at Placer so special. You were all so welcoming and kind and made me feel like a part of your family. I couldn’t have asked to join a team with a better group of girls. You all have pushed me mentally, physically, and technically and helped me to become a better player. Thank you to the families and friends I have grown up with for always supporting me in all of my decisions. You have shaped me into the person I am today and I can’t thank you enough for your love and encouragement throughout the years. Thank you to my sisters and former teammates who taught me so much about friendship and what it means to always be there for someone. To Eric Crise and my mom, thank you for being the best influences on my development as a soccer player and person. You both have taught me so much about the game, myself, and life. Thank you for being role models to me on and off the field. Thank you to Coach Kelly Coffey and Danielle Johnson for giving me the opportunity to continue to play the sport I love at the collegiate level. Most of all, thank you to my parents and sister, Aiden, for standing by me. You have supported, encouraged, pushed, and loved me more than I could have ever asked for. You have been the most influential and important people in my life and I am so beyond thankful for your roles. Thank you for setting a standard for me and holding me to it. I can’t thank you enough for your love, guiding support, and a dose of reality when I needed it. I am so extremely excited to become a Penguin!” — Cassidy Marquez

 

Placer United ’94 Alumna, Jessica Santos, Gets Called Into the Guam Women’s National Team

 

2016_Jessica Santos_Guam Women's National Team1

Jessica Santos will begin her international soccer career this summer for the Guamanian Women’s National Team. The ‘Masakada’ had tryouts and an ID camp in June of 2015 in which Santos was identified and ultimately selected. Santos, a 2011 graduate of Rocklin High School, starred for her college team, Notre Dame de Namur out of Belmont, CA. In four seasons with the Argonauts, Santos compiled 21 goals, 11 assists for a total of 65 pts. She started in 67 of 68 games in her collegiate career. Next up for Santos is the East Asian Football Federation Round 1 Qualifiers. Guam (GFA) has been selected to host this event from June 27-July 5, 2016. If the Masakada advance to Round 2 of Qualifiers, Jessica will head to Taipei, Taiwan November 5-18 where the event is hosted.

In the meantime, Jessica is the Assistant Coach for the Rocklin High School girls soccer team.

2016_Jessica Santos_Guam Women's National Team2

Congratulations Jess on a great collegiate career and good luck this summer!

Madalyn Schiffel Joins Norwegian Club Avaldsnes IL in the First-tier Toppserien League

San Francisco University Women’s Soccer | 4/2016 Excerpt

2016_Madalyn Schiffel_USF action

2015 was a banner year for the University of San Francisco women’s soccer team – a program-record 13 wins; tied for second, the best conference finish in team history; the first-ever wins over Santa Clara and BYU; numerous precedent-setting individual accolades – but the team’s success this past season has also helped open doors for the senior class that helped make it all happen.

Five former Dons have either already embarked on their professional soccer careers or are preparing to soon. Goalkeeper Madalyn Schiffel, defenders Halle Bissin and Sydnie Telson and midfielder Alex Alugas are making the once-in-a-lifetime transition from the Hilltop to locales far and wide in pursuit of the game they love.

Schiffel, a first-team All-WCC selection and USF’s single-season and career leader in wins (13/29) and shutouts (9/23), was the first to start her career at the next level after joining Norwegian club Avaldsnes IL in the first-tier Toppserien league. Schiffel joined the team in mid-February and the regular season, which runs until November, is in its fourth week with the club holding a 2-1 record at the running of this story. Schiffel, one of three keepers on the roster, has played every minute in goal through the first three contests.

Schiffel was drafted by the Washington Spirit in the fourth round of the National Women’s Soccer League Draft back in January, but opted to pursue the opportunity oversees after her agent connected her with the new head coach of Avaldsnes, Colin Bell, who had previously led the Women’s Frankfurt FC to the most recent UEFA Champions League title.

“I am most excited about the possibilities,” said Schiffel of extending her playing career overseas. “There are so many leagues around the world and I am open and excited to play anywhere. This journey has been so beautiful and to be in the position I am today, I do not take for granted. Outside of football, this opportunity has and will continue to provide me with the chance to meet new people and explore different cultures.”

 

BIO

  • Drafted 4th round (34th overall) – Washington Spirit
  • 2015 1st Team NSCAA All-West Region
  • 2015 1st Team All-WCC
  • WCC Player of the Week, Oct. 5, 2015
  • 2015 WCC All-Academic Honorable Mention (3.50 GPA)
  • 2015 Team USA U-23 participant
  • 2014 2nd Team All-WCC
  • 2014 Team USA U-20 participant
  • 2013 All-WCC Honorable Mention
  • 2013 Team USA U-18 participant

2015 (SENIOR): Selected by the Washington Spirit in the 4th round (34th overall) in the 2016 NWSL College Draft…earned first-team NSCAA All-West Region honors…named first-team All-WCC…WCC All-Academic honorable mention (3.50 GPA)…WCC Player of the Week (Oct. 5)…ranked No. 13 in Top Drawer Soccer’s top-20 WCC players following the 2015 season…started all 20 matches in goal…played all but 18 minutes between the pipes…graduates as one of the top goalkeepers in USF women’s soccer history…holds career records in goalkeeper wins (29), shutouts (23) and minutes played in goal (6,514)…holds single-season records in wins (13), shutouts (9) and minutes in goal (1,865)…her 0.72 goals against average was just shy of the program single-season record (0.69, Amy Voiland, 1996)…it set a new team record…ranked fourth in the WCC in goals against average (0.72)…her nine solo shutouts were tied for the second-most in the conference…shared one shutout with Makalya Presgrave in a 4-0 win over Denver (Sept. 4)…helped USF tie the team record with 10 shutouts overall… USF’s 10 shutouts tied for second in the conference…registered 83 saves overall…tied a career-best with six saves in four different contests: at Oregon (Aug. 28), at Oregon State (Aug. 30), vs. Pepperdine (Oct. 9), vs. Pacific (Oct. 9)…boasted an .847 save percentage, which ranked third in the WCC…helped the Dons’ defense rank third in the WCC in goals allowed (15) and goals against average (0.72)…named to the preseason All-WCC team.

2014 (JUNIOR): Remained a solid force between the posts for the Dons… played in all 20 games with 18 starts… recorded five solo shutouts on the season and tied Amy Voiland (1994-98) for the most solo shutouts in team history… picked up a 1-0 shutout at Boston (Sept. 7)… saved a season-high seven shots twice… named to the All-WCC Second Team.

2013 (SOPHOMORE): Was one of the best goalkeepers in the country… recorded six shutouts, tied for fourth in the West Coast Conference… allowed one goal or fewer in 16 of the Dons’ 20 games… helped Dons earn a 1-0 victory over Kansas (Sept. 15)… made 87 saves on the season… played every minute in goal for USF… named All-West Coast Conference Team honorable mention.

2012 (FRESHMAN): Started 10 games … season was cut short due to injury in late September … tallied 62 saves and three shutouts on the year … posted a goals against average of 1.12 and a save percentage of .838 (second in the WCC) … led the Dons to four wins as keeper.

HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB: A highly decorated club player … spent eight seasons competing for Placer United under the direction of Gene DuChateau … spent last three seasons as team captain … served as the last line of defense on a club that captured the 2010 Nor Cal Cup and Placer Cup Championships … team posted a 2010 semifinal berth in the 2010 Surf Cup and 2011 runner-up showings in the Winter Nor Cal League and the Placer Cup … helped Placer United to a 53-29-27 record while posting a 0.8 GAA with 48 shutouts since the start of the 2010 season.

USF RECORDS:

SINGLE SEASON

  • Most goalkeeper wins – 13
  • Most goalkeeper shutouts – 9
  • Most minutes played in goal – 1,865

CAREER

  • Most goalkeeper wins – 29
  • Most goalkeeper shutouts – 23
  • Most minutes played in goal – 6,514

Daylon Schiffel Latest Placer Alumni to Go Pro

2016_Daylon Schiffel_Central Arkansas

Placer United alum, Daylon Schiffel, follows his sister Madelyn into the professional game signing with the UPSL Santa Clarita Storm. Daylon graduated last year from the University of Arkansas and is back in his native California playing the beautiful game.

“Daylon is a midfielder with an excellent passing accuracy and what appears to be a natural ability to distribute to the open players,” said Storm Head Coach Oscar Moreno. “He seems to have a great ability in knowing where his teammates are and where the ball should be. He’s got good vision of the game and we’ve seen that right from the start. He seem to fit right in. When someone stands out you know he is playing with confidence and when a player plays like that, that is what catches your eye”.

Daylon has played at the Premier Development League level and with the University of Arkansas, so the high level of competition in the UPSL will be what Daylon is used to playing. For upcoming games, follow the Storm on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/futbolclubsantaclarita

Good Luck Daylon! Go Placer!

Grace Vargas of U16 ’00 Gold Commits to the Pack at UNR

2016_College Bound_Grace Vargas

“I am so extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to University of Nevada, Reno. A huge thank you to Melissa Price and the whole coaching staff at UNR for this opportunity to play at the collegiate level. It has always been my dream to play college soccer and I am beyond excited to say I’m going to play for such a great school like UNR. I wouldn’t have made it this far if it wasn’t for the people in my life today. Throughout my years of playing soccer, Placer United has introduced me to some of my best friends, greatest mentors and life long lessons. Thank you for being such a great club and forming me into the player I am today. This club is filled with talented players and coaches and I am so lucky to play for such an amazing club like Placer. I would like to thank Ron Benjamin for being one of the greatest influences in my life. Not only have you taught me so much about soccer but you’ve taught me about myself. Thank you for never giving up on me and always pushing me to be better. Without you, none of this would have been possible. To the wonderful group of girls I call my team, they are not only my teammates, but they are my sisters. I definitely wouldn’t be the person I am today without your help. Thank you for always being there for me. To my high school coaches, Mark Bowman and Matt Felt, thank you for believing in me when I was a freshman thinking I would be able make an impact on Varsity. I can’t express to you how important that was to me as a player. It gave me the the mentality that if I wanted something I would have to work my hardest to achieve it. Lastly I would like to thank my family. You have all put so much time, money, and effort into making me the person and player I am today. You have motivated me from day one to always push my limits and I am so thankful for all of you.To my dad, thank you for being my number one fan. Words cannot describe how much you mean to me and how much gratitude I have towards everything you do for me. Thank you for the long car rides to tournament after tournament, for always being positive even when there is no positivity from me. To my mom and sister, thank you for always supporting me and coming out to every game. It means so much to me knowing I have you on the sidelines cheering me on. To my brother, thank you for teaching me to be resilient and tough. I am so excited to take the next step in my life and soccer career at University of Nevada, Reno. Go pack!” — Grace Vargas

Hannah Souza of U16 ’00 Gold Commits to University of Nevada at Reno

2016_College Bound_Hannah Souza

“I am very excited to announce my commitment to play soccer at the University of Nevada Reno. I would like to thank all my coaches from the beginning, Tim, Ninos, Britt, and Debbie, who not only taught me the skills I needed early on, but also instilled in me the work ethic, love and desire I have for the game. A special thanks to Rick, Grace, and my high school coaches, Daniel and Haley, for helping me to continue to develop as a player. My biggest thanks and appreciation especially goes to my coach, Ron Benjamin, for giving me an opportunity to play with Placer, for encouraging me on and off the field, and for providing amazing training with such quality teammates. I can never thank you enough for the time you put into helping me develop as a player and finding my new home at UNR! I wouldn’t be where I am today without you! I’d also like to thank all the girls I grew up playing soccer with and for my new Placer teammates who challenged me daily at training sessions and games. You have all made me a better player and helped my love for the game continue to grow. You are not only my teammates but also my friends and my family! And of course to the biggest supporters in my life; my mom, my grandparents and my family. I would not be where I am now without you. The last thank you is to Coach Missy and Coach Tate for giving me this opportunity to continue to play the game I love. Go Wolfpack!” — Hannah Souza

Josie Drake of ’00 Gold Commits To Sacramento State University

 

2016_College Bound_Josie Drake

“I am excited and proud to announce my commitment to California State University, Sacramento. I would like to thank Ron Benjamin immensely for always encouraging and challenging me to be the best I can be everyday both on and off the field. I definitely would not be where I am today without him. I am beyond lucky to play with a team full of amazing girls who have supported me and helped me become the player I am today. They mean more to me than just teammates, they’re my family. Thanks also to Matt Leonard and Dawn Sloss for all their timeless work behind the scenes. I don’t know where this team would be without the two of them. A quick thank you to one of my biggest supporters Jeremy Upchurch for always believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. Of course the biggest thank you goes out to my family. Growing up watching my sister Kayla and brother Bailey play soccer at a competitive level has always pushed me to be a better player. As for my parents, Brad and Kathy, I can say without a doubt that they have always been there by my side to ensure that I’ll succeed both on and off the field. They have encouraged me to be the best me I can be and have dedicated countless hours to my soccer. For them I will be eternally grateful. Lastly, A special thank you to Coach Randy and Coach Katie for believing in me and giving me this unbelievable opportunity to fulfill my dream of playing division 1 soccer at an outstanding school. I am beyond thrilled to join the team at Sac State. Go Hornets!” — Josie Drake

Coach Ron Travels to Honolulu with Region IV ODP

2016_ODP Region IV Staff_Ron Benjamin

(Back L-R) Scott Newman, Head Region IV ODP Goalkeeper Coach; Tracey Kevins, NWSL Seattle Reign Assistant Coach; Placer United Coach Ron Benjamin; Brandi Chastain, World Cup superstar and Region IV ODP Coach; (Front Center) Pete Showler, Region IV ODP Coach

Over the spring break, Coach Ron traveled to Honolulu with the Region IV ODP staff for the Hawaii Sub-Regional event. The Hawaii Youth Soccer Association hosts the Region IV staff to give the Hawaiian ODP players more exposure to the ODP staff for possible inclusion into Regional Camp which will be held in early July at Linfield College in Oregon.  In addition to the Region IV staff, a number of college coaches were on hand to evaluate the talent on the islands.