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News

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
News

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!

College Bound

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

College Bound

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

College Bound

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

News

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.

College Bound, News

Placer United Boys visit historic Southern Methodist University in Dallas

 

Southern Methodist_04

While out in Texas  competing in the 2016 Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup, the Placer United U17 and U16 boys took time off from their busy schedule to visit SMU. Founded in 1911 the nationally ranked private university is a distinguished center for teaching and research. SMU has about 11,000 + students and is known for its small classes, leadership opportunities, international study and innovative programs. The boys really had a good time taking in some of the great sights of the campus. They got a first hand look at the SMU Mustangs soccer stadium and the Gerald J Ford Football stadium which holds about 32,000 fans on game day.

Southern Methodist_03

The boys and coaches day was really brightened up when they got to pose for photos with some of the SMU cheer leaders.

Go Placer!

Southern Methodist_02

 

 

News

Placer United Girls Have Great Success at Las Vegas Players Showcase

Placer United U18G Gold 2016 Las Vegas Players Showcase Champions

Placer United U18G Gold 2016 Las Vegas Players Showcase Champions

Five Placer United Gold teams finished up the 2015-16 season this past weekend at the Players College Showcase in Las Vegas. This event is one of the biggest college recruiting showcases of the season with over 300 colleges represented. The U15 age groups and under play in a tournament format and the U16 and above play in a showcase format (4-game guarantee with winners decided on points).

In the final event of their Placer United careers, the U18 Gold team won three games and tied one to win the Alladin Championship. The girls opened up the event with a 1-0 win over Wolfpack and then drew with Santa Barbara Soccer Club, 0-0.  In game three, Placer defeated San Diego Surf 2-0.  Playing for the championship, the girls pulled off a 1-0 win over the CDA Slammers to claim the title. Congrats to the U18’s on a great event, season and career with the black and gold.

The U14 Gold team made it all the way to the semi-finals of the Circus Circus division. They opened up with a 0-0 draw with the Arsenal FC. In game two, the girls had a convincing 2-0 win over Tucson Soccer Academy Red. Game three had plenty of drama as the girls needed to post a victory to have a chance at the semi-finals. The score was level at 1-1 with a few minutes remaining when Placer scored the game winner. After looking at all of the results, the girls were level in tie breakers with Arsenal so penalty kicks would decide who would move on. Placer United prevailed and moved on to the semi’s where they fell 2-1 to SF Academy.

The U15 Gold team also made it to the semi-finals after a great run through group play. They opened up with a 0-0 draw with CDA Slammers and then followed that up with a 5-1 win over the Livermore Fusion. Needing a win on Saturday morning to make it to the semi’s, the girls had an amazing 3-0 win over Black Diamond from Utah. In the semi-finals, Placer led 1-0 for the entire game before giving up the equalizer with just a few minutes to play.  The game then went to penalty kicks and the girls came up on the short end.

The U16 Gold team had two wins against Lonestar from Texas and FC Portland. They came up on the short end versus Del Sol and ISC Gunners. The U17 Gold team had two draws versus Albion and Utah Celtic and two close losses versus Surf and Slammers.

Congrats to all of the teams on a great event and a excellent season!

 

College Bound

Paige Martinsen Commits to Sonoma State University

College Bound_Paige Martinsen_2016

“I am honored and thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to play soccer at the collegiate level for Sonoma State University in fall 2017. It has always been my dream to play soccer in college, and with hard work, dedication, and the support from friends and family my dream is coming true. First a big thank you to every teammate I’ve had throughout the years of playing sports. I’ve learned so much from each sport that I’ve played and I am grateful to be able to apply what I know from other sports to help improve my soccer knowledge. I would not be where I am today if it hadn’t been for everything my family has done and had to sacrifice for me. I am, and will always be, thankful for everything they do for me. A huge thank you to all of my coaches I’ve had throughout my soccer career. Most importantly Kori Marquez and Eric Crise for teaching me respect, kindness, and responsibility, Todd DeCarlo to think creatively and become a self reliant player, and lastly Ron Benjamin. Coach Ron has become a huge part of my life on and off the field and I can’t thank him enough for pushing me every training session and game. He continues to be a role model I look up to. All four of these coaches have truly gone above and beyond to shape me into the player and person that I am today and I am truly grateful for everything they have done and will miss them dearly. Also thank you to Savanna Thompson for unknowingly being the player I aspire to become and work as hard at every training session. She is a great leader and will accomplish amazing things during her soccer career.

I am extremely excited to play under head coach Emiria Salzmann Dunn and assistant coaches Robin Hart, Mark Dunn, and Jody Lingafeldt. After meeting Emiria I knew Sonoma was for me. Her coaching style is exactly what I’m looking for to push me to become the best player. With her help, the rest of the coaching staff, and the incredible team, I know we can accomplish great things. A shoutout to my twin brother Cole, and to Cassidy Marquez for being my best friends and supporting me throughout my life.”

Go Seawolves!
Paige Martinsen

College Bound

Justin Laperle Commits to Monterey Bay

College Bound_Justin LaPerle_2016

“I am extremely proud to announce that I have committed to play at Cal State Monterey Bay. I would like to thank the coaches who helped get me get this far to play at the next level, Coach Daron Anderson, Coach Matt McDougall, Coach Matt Scammacca and Coach Paul O’Brien. In all the years that I’ve played for Placer, their coaching has prepared me for this amazing opportunity. This past year, Coach McDougall has helped me so much with the college recruiting process and I really appreciate him and Coach Paul for their recent support. 

A big thank you must also go to my parents who have supported me the whole time I have been playing soccer and all the sacrifices they have made for me. Last but not least, it has been a great time playing soccer with my teammates and I won’t forget all the good times.” — Justin Laperle