"It's been a journey and I am excited to announce that I committed to play soccer at Dominican University of California. Nine consecutive years with Placer has been a great experience and I have made good friends along the way. During the last couple of years, I began focusing my college search on small private schools with recognized Business Management programs. Coach Kelcey Chaidez encouraged me to continue pushing myself. Coach Matt McDougall convinced me that I could play in college and should continue to pursue my passion and competitiveness. I thank all of my previous Placer coaches, especially Coach Paul O'Brien who has been a long time advocate, as well as my parents for always being there and supporting me. I look forward to playing for Coach Phil at Dominican." —Chase Goulart #20
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Andrew Ireland Commits to Adams State University
"I am very happy to announce I have committed to Adams State University. I am looking forward to playing D-II soccer next year in Colorado, and to taking my abilities to the next level. I plan on becoming a Physical Therapist, studying Human Performance and Physical Education. It’s weird to think about wearing anything but a Placer United jersey; because I’ve been in the club since age 8. I’ve grown so much thanks to the fantastic coaching staff at Placer. It wouldn’t have been possible without them. I’d also like to thank my entire family for the support. Because of them, I was given a great opportunity growing up to play the game I love." — Andrew Ireland
U17 Boys Red Win soccerloco Surf College Cup Over Thanksgiving
U17 Boys Red, San Diego Surf Cup Champions
Ten Placer United Teams Travelled to San Diego for soccerloco Surf College Cup, Nomads College Showcase and Surf Thanksgiving Tournament. The U17 Boys Red Win soccerloco Surf College Cup, Two Other Teams Reach Quarter-Finals of Nomads Showcase and Surf Thanksgiving Tournaments
What a weekend of soccer for Placer United Soccer Club! Ten teams travelled down to sunny San Diego to compete against the nation’s best teams with over 400 college coaches in attendance at soccerloco Surf College Cup, Nomads Showcase and Surf Thanksgiving Tournament.
At soccerloco Surf College Cup, the U17 Boys Red outlasted Santa Monica in the final in overtime to bring home the coveted trophy. The team ran off five consecutive wins to claim the title. In game one, the boys had a 4-3 victory over Sac United. In game two, the boys played Futeca from Guatemala and came out victorious, 2-1. In game three, the boys beat LA Premier by the same score, 2-1. In Sunday’s semi-final match, the boys had a 1-0 victory over Diablo FC. In the final, the boys went down 1-0 but clawed their way back to tie the game at 1-1 by the end of regulation. After the two full overtime periods, the boys came out victorious with a 2-1 victory over Santa Monica.
The U16 Girls Red and U18 Girls Red teams were also at soccerloco Surf College Cup. The U18 had some very stiff competition in the Super group. The girls played very well but came up short in back to back 1-0 losses versus West Coast FC and the current National Champion, Fram from Los Angeles. In game three, the girls lost 0-2 to the Legends. The Legends then went on to win the Cup. The U16 started out strong with a 1-0 win over Manitoba from Canada. In game two, the girls lost 1-0 to Heat FC in a back and forth match. In game three, the girls lost to PAC Northwest.
At the Nomads College Showcase, the U15 Boys Red, U16 Boys Red, U17 Boys White and U18 Boys Red went up against some tough competition. The U15 made it all of the way to the quarter-finals. They opened with a 1-0 win over SF Bay City and followed up with a 1-1 draw versus the Legends, the eventual champion. In game three, the boys lost 0-2 to Snohomish of Washington, but their results were good enough to get into the quarters. In game four, the boys lost a heartbreaker 1-0 to PCSC. The U16 went 1-1-1 for the weekend. They opened with a 2-1 loss to RSL of Utah but then rebounded with a 0-0 draw with Diablo FC. In game three, the boys beat Encinitas 2-0. The U17 won their first two games of the tournament. They defeated Barcelona 2-1 and Riverside 4-3. In game three, the boys came up short in a 2-0 loss to Valparaiso. The U18 had a rough start to the showcase, losing to Roadrunner United. In game two, the boys played the group winner, Xolos USA, in a tightly contested battle, but came up a bit short, 3-2. In game three, the boys rebounded with a convincing 4-0 win over the Utah Glory.
At Surf Thanksgiving Tournament, the U13 Girls Red, U14 Girls Red and U15 Girls Red competed against some top teams. The U14 reached the Quarter-finals after winning two and losing one. In game one, the girls beat West Coast FC 2-1. In game two, the girls lost in extra time 1-0 to Oceanside. In a must win game three, the girls defeated the Exiles from Los Angeles, 2-1 in a thrilling come from behind win to advance to the next round. In the quarters, the girls put on a dominating display, outshooting United FC, but came out on the short end, 1-0. The U15 opened up with a 1-1 draw versus the Legends. In game two, the girls had a convincing 3-1 victory over Inland Empire Surf. The girls only needed a draw to win the group and faced a very talented Downtown Las Vegas group. The girls came up short 4-2. The Las Vegas team ended up winning the tournament. The U13 played a very attractive style of soccer all weekend and went 1-1-1. In game one, the girls drew 0-0 with the Rebels. In game two, the girls saw the Irvine Slammers, the #1 ranked team in Southern California (formerly FC Blades). In a back and forth match, the girls came up short 3-2. In game three, the girls defeated the Irvine Strikers, 3-1 in a dominating performance.
Congratulations to all of the teams that competed over the Thanksgiving weekend and a special thank you to all of the parents for your time and dedication over a holiday weekend. Great job everyone!
Placer United Player Highlights Across the Nation
A big congratulations to all of the Placer United players who have represented the Club on National, Regional, State and Sacramento teams. Check out the impressive list of accomplishments below:
BOYS
2002 PDP Sacramento Team
Lucas English
Miciah Kirton
McClean Learned
Evan Schorer
Jake Seiber
Samir Tarazi
Fernando Zepeda
Cristian Villanueva
2001 ODP State Team
Alex Carpignan
Cade Mawson
Dominic Paielli
2001 PDP Sacramento Team
Cade Mawson
2000 ODP State Team
Reid Aguilar
2000 USSF MTC Player Pool (US Soccer Training Center)
Mason Finnell
Josh Freeman
Benji Kikanovic
1999 US National Team
Cody Sunquist
1999 PDP State Team
Cameron Douglas
Alejandro Perez
Jordan Vice
1999 ODP State Team
Ryan Branigan
1998 ODP Region 4 Team
Jay Roundtree
1998 ODP State Team
Nico Carpignano.
U14 USSF Academy
Special mention to Omar Oseguera who leads goal scoring in Cal North with 15 goals
SAC PRO All Star Team
Seth Casiple
Jimmy Frazelle
Connor Hallisey
Ryan Hollingshead
Gabe Padilla
Matt Scammacca
Grant Silvester
GIRLS
Women’s Philippines National Team
Sydney Pagador
U18 Jewish American National Team
Nicole Spring
USSF MTC Player Pool (US Soccer Training Center)
Anna Gregg
Maleah Milner
Jessica Raybe
Emily Talmi
1996 ODP Region 4 Team
Lizzie Hutchison
1996 ODP State Team
Emily Hansen
1997 ODP Region 4 Team
Anna Gregg
1997 ODP State Team
Erin Barr
Kayleen Cendana
Anna Gregg
Jessica Raybe
Sydney Talmi
1998 ODP Region 4 Team
Maggie Bell
2000 ODP Region 4 Team
Emily Talmi
2000 ODP State Team
Clare Murphy
Isabella Perez
Emily Talmi
2000 PDP State Team
Isabella Perez
Emily Talmi
2001 PDP State Team
Jenna Ladrech
Kirsten Webb
Ryan McKinley
Placer United Brings Home Fall League Championships
U18G 95 Red, NorCal Premier League Champions
The Norcal National Premier League (NPL) and the Norcal Fall League have come to a close and Placer United has captured FOUR championships.
The Norcal National Premier League (NPL) is the top playing league in Northern California. Placer United has five girl’s teams in the league. Two of the teams won the championship in the Premier Division. The U14 Red had 8 wins and 1 loss. They scored 17 goals and only allowed 5. The U18 Red had 7 wins and 1 draw, scoring 17 goals and only allowing two.
Additionally, the U15 Red and U16 Red girls brought home second place in the NPL. The U18 White had a great run and ended up in third place.
In the Norcal Region 6 Fall League, the U11 Girls Red went a perfect 10-0 on the season. They scored 41 goals and only allowed 5. The U11 Boys Red also went undefeated with an 8-0 record, scoring 63 goals and only allowing 6.
Placer United also had many teams that were near the top of the standings in their respective divisions. The older boys, fresh off of high school soccer, are starting their winter league seasons, in addition to our older girls who are starting their winter league.
Congratulations to all teams on a great fall season and good luck this winter!
Mei-Li Madamba of ’97 Red Commits to University of Nevada, Reno
"I am very proud and honored to announce that I have verbally committed to the University of Nevada, Reno. I am looking forward to studying courses in preparation towards a Pharmaceutical degree, and playing soccer at the Division 1 collegiate level. After visiting the campus and spending time with the coaches and players, I realized that UNR is the perfect place for me to continue my studies. I would like to thank coaches Melissa Price, Kirk Nelson and Casey Tate for seeing something in me and giving me the opportunity to be part of the Wolfpack and play for a great program.
Although this is my first and last year at Placer United, I feel like I am a part of more than just a club, it’s a family unit that I will treasure forever. Thank you to my teammates for welcoming me to the Placer family and being the most dedicated, kind-hearted, and hard-working group of girls. I am so thankful to have such a great team and coach. I would like to also thank my new coach Ron Benjamin for always believing in me and working so hard for not only myself but for my teammates. He is always pushing us past the barriers and I’m very honored to be on his team.
Thank you to my past coaches Mike Smith for teaching me to be a tough and disciplined player, George & Traya Vallas for teaching me to be a smart and technical player, Mark Bowman & Matt Felt for making my high school soccer experience rewarding and memorable! Lastly, I would like to thank Dominick DeRosa and my former Striker teammates for always seeing more in me and pushing me to become a player that I never thought I could become.
I also want to thank God foremost for without him I would not have been able to achieve what I set out to do. I would also like to thank my parents for always supporting my siblings and I. I’m so grateful for all their hard work and sacrifice to get me where I am today. Thank you to my siblings Royce, Natasha and Zaessja. They have been by my side through thick and thin, they are my role models and I’m so lucky to call them my best friends.
I can’t wait to start a new chapter in my life at the University of Nevada, Reno. I know my future is bright because I have God by my side. I wish all my teammates, past and present, bright futures and pomaika’i! A Hui Hou!"
—Mei-Li Madamba
Placer Alumni Nets 2
BERKELEY – The top-ranked California Golden Bears (11-1-2, 5-0-1 Pac-12) defeated the San Diego State Aztecs (5-9-1, 2-5-1 Pac-12) 3-2 on Friday afternoon at Goldman Field in Berkeley, in what was head coach Kevin Grimes’ 150th career victory. The Bears scored a trio of goals in a six-minute flurry in the first half, including a pair from former Placer United player and current Cal junior midfielder, Seth Casiple. It took the Bears just a quarter of an hour to open the scoring, as Neil received a pass from defender Mason Case and turned his defender to create space. He then beat another defender on the dribble before finishing well to the back post from just outside the penalty area to give Cal an early 1-0 lead.
In the 20th minute, the Bears doubled their lead, as Casiple tallied his first goal of the season. Junior defender Christian Dean collected the ball after an attempted clearance by the San Diego State defense and played it to the feet of Casiple. The midfielder then slotted the ball coolly to the near post to provide the home side with a 2-0 advantage.
The tandem of Dean and Casiple struck again almost immediately in the 21st minute, when Dean found Casiple inside the area. Casiple flicked the ball past a sprawling John Marcuzzo. Cal then took its 3-0 lead into the halftime break.
It's the Bears 11th win on the season, and keeps them on course for the play offs.
Three Girls Teams Reach the Final of the Placer United Girls Cup
The Placer United Girls Cup Tournament is in the books and we hosted a record 210 teams at the event! Additionally, there were a number of college coaches in attendance to watch the action and recruit players for their colleges.
Three Placer United teams won their groups and played in championship games.
The U11G 03 Red team played in the Super Group of the event and there were many of the top teams in Northern California represented. The girls opened with a convincing 4-0 win versus Pleasanton Rage. In game two, the girls drew 1-1 with Peninsula in a tightly contested battle. In game three, the girls handled Mustang Fusion 3-1 and advanced to the final. In the final, the girls were matched up against West Coast Fury. This matchup included two of the top teams in Northern California battling for the championship. It was a back and forth game with both teams having scoring chances but the girls came up on the short end, 2-1.
The U14G 00 Red also played in the Super Group of the event. There were many tough teams in this division. In game one, the girls opened up with a 2-0 win versus Ajax Modesto and thwarted a few attacks by the Ajax front runners. In game two, the girls had an identical result, 2-0 over the Cal Northstars. Needing only a draw to advance, the girls played Crossfire from Oregon to a 1-1 draw and a place in the final. The opponent in the final was the South San Jose Bay Area Fusion, a team littered with skilled and physical players. The girls conceded a goal early but then got into a rhythm and scored two goals before halftime. That result stood and the team brought home the championship with a final score of 2-1.
The U15G 99 Red girls competed in the Super Group and some of the top teams in the state were competing. In game one, the girls survived a rough start giving away an early goal but stormed back with a 4-1 victory over Orchard Valley. In Game two, the opponent was Butte United Intensity. This was a physical battle and the girls came out on top 3-1. Needing only a draw, the girls faced the other undefeated team in their bracket, Santa Clara Sporting Green. This was a back and forth affair and the Placer United girls scored a late goal to tie the game at 2-2 and reached the final. Waiting for Placer United in the final was Lamorinda. The wind had picked up and whomever had the wind in their favor seemed to have more of the run of play. The girls were up 2-1 and survived a late rally of scoring opportunities to bring home the championship.
All in all, the tournament was a massive success. All of our Placer United teams played extremely well on the weekend with a number of them barely missing the final. Congratulations to all of our teams on a great weekend and a special thanks to all of the parent volunteers who helped out to make this event one of our best tournaments ever!
Former Placer ’94 Caitlyn Kretzchmar Scores Game Winner in Overtime for University of San Diego
Caitlyn Kretzschmar
Caitlyn Kretzschmar scored the game winning goal in the 10th minute of the extra time to give the University of San Diego women’s soccer team (4-2-0) a 2-1 win over the Missouri Tigers (3-3-0).
Missouri outshot the Toreros 20-13, but the Toreros constantly put pressure on the Tigers, putting 12 of those shots on target.
The Toreros got on the scoreboard first, when Mariah Butera scored her first goal of the season in the 34th minute when she connected from 20 yards out.
The Toreros would take a 1-0 lead into halftime, however the Tigers knotted the match up in the 64th minute after Reagan Russell found the back of the net with a rocket shot.
The score would remain tied through 90 minutes, forcing extra time. The first overtime period was winding down when Kretzschmar found herself one-on-one with the Tigers’ keeper after a giant blast from Michelle Craft. Kretzschmar was able to dribble past the keeper and slip the ball in to the empty net to give the Toreros a split in the Texas A&M Tournament.
Sydney Pagador of U18 Girls Red ’97 and the Phillipines National Team Prepare for the ASEAN Football Federation Women’s Championship
Sydney Pagador
Sydney Pagador, and her Phillipines National teammates, have been hard at work preparing for the Asean Football Federation Women’s Champio
nship which begins tomorrow in Myanmar. The team has been training and playing friendly matches in preparation. Reached via email, Sydney is having an unbelievable experience and looks forward to the tournament. “It has been so much fun!” said Sydney. “ I have been playing right back in a 3-6-1 formation and I have learned a lot since I have arrived. We are all very excited to begin the tournament!”
The Phillipine Malditas, despite a rookie-laden roster, look forward to reaching the semifinals of the Asean Football Federation Women’s Championship late this month. “This team may be young, but I believe it is stronger compared to the team that saw action in the AFF women’s tourney last year,” said head coach Ernie Nierras.
The Malditas, assured of competing in the Southeast Asian Games this December, have been grouped with Japan’s Under-23 side, Indonesia, Laos and host Myanmar. The team is leaving tomorrow for Yangon, Myanmar (fka Burma) for the big event: ASEAN Football Federation Women’s Championship. Games are from Sep. 9 to the 23rd. The Philippines is grouped with Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Japan U-23 (wow!). Winner of this group will battle against the winner of the other group composed of Vietnam, Thailand, Jordan, Australia U-19. The roster is full of U-19 girls.
Nierras said the Malditas had a good draw up until the powerhouse Japanese were included in the group, where only the top two teams will clinch semifinal seats. But the coach added he expects his side to beat Indonesia and Laos with the duel against Myanmar serving as the key to their semifinal hopes.
The other group is made up of Australia, Malaysia, Jordan and Vietnam.
The PH booters open their campaign against Indonesia on Sept. 10.