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News

Placer United Teams Travel to NPL National Showcase and Northern California Spring Showcase

Last weekend, three Placer United boys teams traveled to the NPL National College Showcase held in Henderson, Las Vegas, and three boys and two  girls  Placer United teams traveled down to the South Bay to play in the Norcal Spring  College Showcase.

Out in sunny Las Vegas, there were about twenty five college coaches  attending the first NPL National Showcase. Our U16, U17 and U18 boys all faced  strong opposition from teams who came to play from across the U.S. The U17 boys won all three  showcase games, beating Las Vegas Premier 3-2, Tynecastle 2-0, and a very strong southern California team,  LAFC 3-0, to take first place. The U16 boys won their first two games beating Colorado Storm 4-0, Texas Dynamos 3-0, and then tied against Sporting Kansas City to finish third overall. The U18 boys had a tough time in the first two games losing 1-0 to the Chicago Sockers and 2-1 to the Madison 49ers, but bounced back in the last game to win 1-0 over a strong Scott Gallagher team.

Back in northern California, games were also taking place in front of  college coaches at various locations throughout Redwood City.

The U17B White team won the overall points championship in the Gold group posting four straight wins with no goals against.  They defeated Marin FC Red 2-0, Livermore 1-0, Bend FC from Oregon 3-0, and Orchard Valley 1-0.

The U14G White team reached the finals of the event after three straight wins. They defeated the Alpine Strikers 5-0 and Bullard 2-0. In the semi-finals, the girls beat the ACC Mavericks 2-0.  In the final, the girls lost to a very strong Boise Nationals team from Idaho, 3-1.

The U15B Red team went 1-1-1 in group play. They tied Marin FC Blue 1-1, lost to Stockton Storm 2-1 and then rebounded with a 3-0 win over Santa Clara Sporting.  That put them in a tie for points with the Cal Odyssey Earthquakes to make it to the next round.  The teams went to the penalty spot to decide who moved on and Placer came up on the short end.

The U16G White had a good weekend with four straight draws. The girls created many scoring chances but could not convert.  They drew 0-0 with MVLA, SF Seals, and the West Valley Legends.  They also had a 1-1 draw with Castro Valley.

The U15G White played some good soccer this weekend.  They had one draw and two narrow defeats.  They drew 0-0 with Union City, a 1-0 loss to Fusion and a 2-0 loss to Athletico Santa Rosa.

Congrats to all of the Placer United teams on a fantastic weekend!

College Bound

Izzie Leuken of Placer United 98 Red Commits to University of San Francisco

College Bound_Izzy Lueken_2014

“I am so happy to announce that I have officially verbally committed to University of San Francisco! Ever since I was a young girl I have dreamed of being able to go to college and play soccer, and now I finally get my chance to do so! I am so thankful for everyone in my life who has helped me become the soccer player I am today. I first want to thank my parents. They have been my biggest supporters from the beginning and have sacrificed so much for me to be able to play the sport I love. I also want to thank my teammates who push me every day at practice to become a better player and are all truly my best friends. To Bart, who brought me on to the team when I first came to Placer and gave me a whole new prospective on the game and improved my tactical skills tremendously. I want to thank Ron for being so involved in the recruiting process. I am so excited to spend my last two years at Placer with him as my coach, making me the best player I can be. And finally I want to thank Todd DeCarlo who has been my coach for the past two years and without a doubt made me the player I am today. He is truly one of the best coaches I have ever had. He has improved my technical ability so much and the way he coaches and his love for the game helps me strive to become better every day. I am so excited to spend four amazing years living in San Francisco, playing soccer, and getting an amazing education! This commitment is just another step in my soccer career and has pushed me even harder to become better every day to lead me to the day that I become a Don!” — Izzie Leuken

News

Placer U16 Boys Draw Rave Reviews from Top Drawer Magazine at the NPL National Showcase

NPL Boy’s National Showcase: Day 1 Recap

Article Written by Tanikka Queen, ESNN

Published: March 8, 2014

The inaugural US Club Soccer NPL Boys Showcase kicked off Friday in Las Vegas, NV. Here are a few highlights from day one.

U16 Colorado Storm Royal vs. U16 Placer Prestige 98 Gold 0 – 3

The wind began to pick up as these teams stepped onto the field.

Prestige 98 Gold began the domination the minute the whistle blows.

With the kickoff advantage, Placer occupied the attacking third for majority of the first half that lead to the first of two goals by Riley Holbrook.

His defensive run from his position at left defender begin the offensive drive.

With strong players in the attacking third like Donovan Guzman and Hunter Loomis the play kept its fast pace.

Defensive midfielder for the Colorado Storm Royal, Ryan Eddings, had several attempts at the goal but no support from his teammates to finish.

Late in the first half a beautiful shot went into the left corner of the goal off the left foot of Prestige’s Ethan Rohlf to end the half with Prestige up 2 – 0.

The final goal came late in the second half again by Holbrook.

The Prestige’s ball control and ability to open up the first game is just that, prestigious.

College Bound

Savannah Schultz Commits to Cal State University, East Bay

College Bound_Savannah Schultz_2014

“I am super excited to say that I have verbally committed to Cal State University, East Bay. After visiting the campus and meeting the coaches, Amy Gerace and assistant Zlatan Sahmanovic, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. I would like to thank all my coaches in the past for getting me were I am today, but a special thank you to Ron Benjamin for pushing me in practice and games and also helping me gain the ability I need for the next level. I am looking forward to playing collegiate soccer as a Pioneer and furthering my education. Lastly, I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for making my soccer career possible and always being my number one support system.

Go Pioneers!” — Savannah Schultz

College Bound

Corban Anderson Commits to University of Washington

Corban Anderson

Corban Anderson

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to play soccer at the University of Washington. It is very humbling to have accomplished this goal of playing at a top ranked, Division 1 soccer program. Apart from the soccer, UW offers a top International Business program, a great location in the heart of Seattle, and a contagious, PAC-12 campus culture. I owe a big thanks to my coaches at Placer United: my Dad, Kelcey Chaidez, Paul O’Brien and Jason Gantt. I would not be near the player I am without my years at Placer United and the exposure our Club gave to me at events, specifically Surf Cup, where I was first noticed by my future coaches at UW, Jaime Clark and Jeff Rowland. Also, thanks to my teammates. You guys are brothers to me and I couldn’t imagine playing and growing up with anyone else. Most of all, I want to thank my family for supporting me and inspiring me to not only be the best player I can be, but also for encouraging me to continue to develop as a person. I’m very excited to pursue greater things in my last years in black and gold at Placer United and my future years in purple and gold at the University of Washington. Go Placer United! And go Huskies!” — Corban Anderson

News

Placer United Teams Make NPL Champions League

Congratulations to the Placer United U16 and U17 Boys for qualifying to play in the National Premier League Champions League Division. Over the last weekend, both boys teams had to travel and play really strong opposition in order to reach the NPL Elite Eight. The U16 Boys played the highly ranked San Jose Earthquakes 97 team and the U17 Boys had an even tougher game as they traveled to play the 9th best U17 team in the nation, Atletico Santa Rosa. The U16 Boys had stunning strikes from Nico Carpignano and Riley Holbrook to earn a 2-2 tie which put them through. The U17’s won 6-1 on the back of a hat trick from Striker Kristian Heptner.

Both  teams can now look forward to playing some very strong opposition in the Champions League Division of National Premier League.

Great job boys and Go Placer!

College Bound

Placer United Alumni Season Results 2013

Placer United Alumni See Success with Team and Individual Awards During the 2013 Collegiate Season

NCAA Division 1

Mikaela Arnstein and the UCLA Bruins won the Division 1 Women’s College Cup National Championship

Miranda Bailey and Brigham Young University reached the second round of the Division 1 Women’s National Championship Tournament.

Jake Feener, Seatte University, made it to NCAA Division 1 Second Round.

Feener joins Seth Casiple as he was selected as the starting goalkeeper on the NCAA All Far-West third team.

Erika Garcia and Harvard University reached the first round of the NCAA Division 1 Women’s National Championship Tournament and Erika received All Ivy League Conference honors as a defender.

Connor Hallisey and Seth Casiple, Cal Berkley, made it to the NCAA Division 1 Elite Eight.

Casiple, one of the team’s co-captains, had a very successful season in central midfield. He finished the year as the team’s leader in assists with seven, and also notched a pair of goals in 21 games played. He was named as a starter on the NCAA  All-Far West 3rd team. Casiple also was named to the All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 All-Academic second teams.

Kim Hernandez and Jackson State University reached the first round of the NCAA Division 1 Women’s National Championship Tournament.

Jenna Keffer and Boston College reached the Elite 8 of the Division 1 Women’s National Championship.

Caitlyn Kretzchmar of the University of San Diego received All Tournament Honors at the Kansas Invitational in September 2013 and received 2013 Most Improved Player Award

Gabe Padilla, Georgetown, made it to NCAA Division 1 Third Round.

Madeline Schiffel earns West Coast Conference Honorable Mention Honors – Goalkeeper.

Grant Silvester, helped Virginia Cavaliers to the Final Four of the NCAA Division 1 Championship

Ty Thompson, Stanford, made it to NCAA Division 1 Third Round.

NCAA Division 2

Luis Martinez, Chico State, made it to NCAA Division 2 Second Round.

NCAA Division 3

Lesley University’s Lexi Giusti received NECC Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player.  She was also named to the All-Conference first team in addition to making the NSCAA All Region second team

Caitlin Clark and Emory University reached the second round of the Division 3 National Championship Tournament.

Anna Goddi and the University of Chicago reached the first round of the Division 3 National Championship Tournament.

NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)

Kaleigh Landberg and Westmont College are finalists of the NAIA National Championship Tournament.

Avery Hutchinson and William Jessup University reached the first round of the NAIA National Championship Tournament.

Junior College

Sierra College made it to the second round of the Junior College Playoffs led by NSCAA All West Region 2nd Team member, Casey McCavitt. Casey and her teammate, Molly McConnell also received All Big 8 Conference honors. Their roster includes Placer United alumni: Jamie Baker, Rachel Dortch, Kristen Grattan, Marissa Griffin, Brittany Neumann, Ashley O’Connor, Zaida Pineda, and Marissa Vaughn.  All three of the Sierra College soccer coaches are staff coaches for Placer United including Head Coach Jason Gantt, and Assistant Coaches Janis Hurter and Bryan Glass.

Congratulations to all of our alumni as they continue their athletic and educational endeavors!

 

College Bound

Maggie Bell Commits to Cal Berkeley

Maggie Bell Maggie Bell

“I am super excited to announce that I officially verbally committed to UC Berkeley. I have grown up going to Cal football games my entire life so this really is a dream come true. For me, Berkeley has the whole package; allowing me to receive an amazing education as well as play soccer in the Pac-12 conference. I am beyond excited to get the opportunity to play under Coach Neil McGuire and the rest of his staff at Cal and work to take my game to the next level. I would like to thank my family for continually supporting me through my entire youth soccer career and especially my parents for driving me to countless games and tournaments over the years. Thank you to my teammates for brightening my day every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and constantly making practice the best part of my day.  I would also like to thank all my coaches at Placer beginning at U-9s with James Boyle for starting off my crazy Placer experience, Lee Callow for showing me the fun of the game. To John Chimienti for helping me develop my skills and get me on track to become the player I am today. To Bart Morefield for really improving my tactical awareness on the field. To Ron Benjamin for helping me throughout my entire experience here at Placer. And lastly my coach of the last 2 years, Todd Decarlo for striving to help me become the best player I can be and helping me with my college decision. Placer really has been an amazing club that I am honored to have played for and represent out on the field. I can’t wait to finish out my last two years with my team wearing Black and Gold. Go bears!” — Maggie Bell

News

Placer United Celebrates College Bound Players

Rocklin, CA – Placer United Soccer Club is proud to announce area high school seniors, who have been actively involved in Placer United Soccer Club, will take their athletic skills to the next level as they move on to their chosen colleges and universities. These athletes will gather Wednesday, February 5th at 6:00 p.m. in Rocklin to be honored and sign their letter of intent to their chosen schools where they will continue to play soccer.

Dali Alarian – Vista Del Lago High School
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY  (Div. III)

Julia Beck – Granite Bay High School
University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA  (Div. I)

Destiny Butcher – Granite Bay High School
Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA  (Div. I)

Makenzie Brito – Granite Bay High School
UC San Diego, San Diego, CA  (Div. II)

Maddi Dunn – Bear River High School
Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO  (Div. I)

Abbie Faingold – Lincoln High School
Portland State University, Portland, OR  (Div. I)

Chase Goulart – Granite Bay High School
Dominican University, San Rafael, CA  (Div. II)

Emily Hansen – Rio Americano High School
Cal Poly SLO, San Luis Obispo, CA  (Div I)

Elizabeth Hutchison – Rio Americano High School
UC Irvine, Irvine, CA  (Div I)

Andrew Ireland – Del Oro High School
Adams State College, Alamosa, CO  (Div. II)

Mei-Li Madamba – Woodcreek High School
University of Nevada-Reno (Div. I)

Jessica Raybe – Lodi High School
Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ (Div 1)

Bianca Tabuso – Antelope High School
Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA (Div. I )

Matt Tarr – Antelope High School
Chico State University, Chico, CA  (Div. II)

Sara Wagner – Granite Bay High School
Chapman University, Orange, CA (Div. III)

Alex Walsh – Rocklin High School
Academy of Art, San Francisco, CA (Div. II)

Trevor Wildberger – Rocklin High School
Montana State University, Billings, MT (Div. II)

Cienna Wilkins – Del Oro High School
Dominican University, San Rafael, CA  (Div. II)

Alivya Wimmer – Ponderosa High School
Boston University, Boston, MA (Div. I)

“I have had the privilege of working with these extraordinary young people and seeing them not only grow as exceptional players, but as exceptional people,” said Ron Benjamin, Director of Coaching at Placer United. “They love the game and their hard work both on and off the field will no doubt take them far in their college careers.”

College Bound

Alex Walsh Headed to Academy of Art University

College Bound_Alex Walsh_2014

“It is a privilege to sign for the Academy of Art University and to become a part of the soccer team next year. It’s location in the middle of San Francisco makes me so excited, as it is one of the most diverse, interesting cities in the world. I hope to pursue a degree in advertising, a subject that the school specializes in. I am thrilled to not only be a student at this terrific university, but an athlete as well. I have something to thank all my coaches for throughout my life, whether it be technical or mental, they have been extremely influential. However, I owe the majority of my success to my mum, for the time she has put in to keeping me in check and allowing me to be successful. Go Knights!” —Alex Walsh