Placer U14 Girls Gold dominated the competition in the first round of the State Cup last weekend in Hayward. The girls opened the Cup with a 3-1 win over the Bay Oaks Breakerz. They then went on to beat MVLA Blue 2-0. In the final game of the weekend, the girls defeated San Carlos Azzuri 3-0. The U14 have advanced to the next round of State Cup which will be played the weekend of April 9-10. Congratulations girls!
All posts by PUSC
Boys and Girls U8s Kick Off a New Season
Placer United Boys U7/U8 with Sac United U8
On Sunday March 27th, Placer United fielded five young teams in the first U8’s only Jamboree of the season hosted by Sacramento United.
Teams from BOCA, San Juan, Davis Legacy, Sac United and Placer United make up an elite group of invited clubs to take part in this new soccer development program.
In this first Jamboree, young Placer United teams played two games each against other development sides. The day was full of exciting soccer, plenty of goals, team spirit, together with great Placer United parent support. For many of the players, it was first time they have worn the famous Placer United colors and they grabbed the opportunity to show parents and coaches what they have learned in training in these fast paced 6 versus 6 games.
The teams were coached by Crystal Howard, Rosella Kelly, Hugh Payne, and Boys DOC Paul O’Brien.
“The day was a great success. It was great learning experience for our young Placer United players. Backed by positive Placer United sideline support, the players gave 100% all day long. They never let their heads drop, even after giving up the occasional goal.” said Coach Hugh.
At the end of the day, the 45 Placer United players walked off the fields to high fives, big cheers, and beaming smiles. Many players asked … “when can we do this again Coach?” .. the answer is April 17th in the next Jamboree hosted by BOCA.
Christy Cooper Will Serve Her Country
In Christy’s own words…
“The idea that in two years I will be serving my country, while attending college at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, is one that not only excites me, but also brings me a great amount of pride and a sense of purpose.
I made up my mind that the Air Force Academy was the place for me back in the 8th grade. At that time my interest was based on things like how cool it would be to be able to fly jets or even jump out of an air plane, or how awesome it would be to have physical education be a mandatory aspect of everyday life. But as I grew older and more serious in my search I began to realize the value of some of the other things available at the academy, particularly their leadership and character building programs and the quality of the education I would receive.
However, what really has made me certain that the academy is where I want to be isn’t something that I read online or saw in a recruiting video. My older sister Keslie, who has always been an inspiration to me, is currently a cadet at USAFA. In seeing what her time at the academy has done for her I have realized that in accepting a nomination to a military academy, what I am really doing is accepting a challenge. One that is long and arduous but will change my life and make me a better person than I am today in an environment where the core values of “Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do” is truly a way of life.
The best decision I ever made in soccer was to come play for Ron Benjamin and the Placer United Soccer Club in my U15 year. Not only has Ron developed me into the player I am today, He has also given me all the opportunities I needed to be successful in my endeavors. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ron, as well my parents, for being so amazingly supportive, and all the others who have worked with me over the years. It’s been so amazing to watch my dreams come true and its all thanks to you. Go Placer! Go Falcons!”
Christy graduates in 2012 and is on the girls U17 Gold team
Shea Glaspey Verbally Commits to UNCG
Shea Glaspey
“I have recently verbally committed to the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. This school gives me the opportunity to play Division 1 soccer and it offers a Pre-Physical Therapy program. The school has a beautiful campus in the middle of Greensboro, North Carolina.
To achieve the level of collegiate soccer required dedication, highly skilled trainers/coaches, and support from my family and the many members of my soccer family. As the oldest of eight children, I want to be the older sister that my siblings can look up to and aspire to follow in my well intentioned footsteps, as I head toward my future goals.
At UNCG, I will be able to continue growing as a soccer player. In my next four years I look forward to playing soccer at a level that I have strived to achieve my whole life.
I want to give a personal thank you to Ron Benjamin for all the work he has put in, on and off, the field.”
Miranda Bailey Verbally Commits to BYU
In Miranda’s own words…
I am very excited for the opportunity to play soccer at Brigham Young University. When I first started with Placer United at 8-years old, it was my dream to play for BYU. After I received the offer from the head coach to play for them, my dream came true! BYU is an amazing college with an excellent soccer program. I am looking forward to playing some of the best teams in the nation. I would like to thank all my coaches at Placer: Jason for his love of the game, Gene for the motivational talks, Bart for the skill training, and especially, Ron, for taking me to the next level. I am so happy right now and can’t wait to continue playing soccer in college. GO COUGARS!
CDA Players Selected to U18 National Pool
CDA U18 players: Daniel Cuevos, Seth Casiple and Grant Silvester, have been selected to attend the upcoming U18Mens National Team training camp in Portland, Oregon from April 16-24, 2011. This camp will play an important role in the evaluation of players, as this age group prepares for international friendlies, as well as the U20 Mens National Team player pool.
Congratulations to all three players.
Placer United Girls Teams in Action
Five Placer United girls teams saw great competition mid-March. The U16 girls black team played in their last event of the year at the Diablo FC Cup. The girls lost a tough opening match to the host, Diablo FC. The girls then rebounded and beat the CV Revolution 3-2 and the Sagebrush squad from Nevada 2-0. The girls missed the championship match by goal differential. Congratulations U16s on a great season!
The U15, U16, U17 and U18 girls gold teams travelled to Nevada to play in the prestigous Las Vegas College Showcase. There were over 250 college coaches in attendance for the event.
The U15 girls gold had 2 wins and 2 losses and were semi-finalists. They had a 2-0 win over Tucson Soccer Academy and a 1-0 win over Alliance FC. They fell to the Dakota Rev Rampage out of Minnesota, 2-1 and Harpeth from Tennessess 2-0.
The U16 girls gold had a very difficult draw as well. They had a 1-1 tie with Empire and a 2-0 loss to East Meadow out of New York. They then played the Chantill Firecats who are ranked in the top 5 nationally and lost 2-1 with numerous chances to tie the game late. They ended on a great note, beating the McClean Power 3-1.
The U17 girls gold won the championship in their division! They beat the Lady Renegades from Florida, 2-1, had two 0-0 tied games with Mass Premier from Boston and the Florida Rush. The girls also defeated Chicago Inter 7-0 as the girls put on a dominant performace.
The U18 girls gold tied with FC Milwaukee 1-1. They then had two 2-0 losses to Sparta from Utah and AUFC from New Mexico. In the most dominant performace of the weekend, the girls outshot Sereno Golden Eagles by a dozen and unfortunately gave up a goal against the run of play to lose 1-0.
United U16B Black Competed in Final Tournament of the Season in Ripon
The first game in group bracket saw the U16 ease past Ebbett’s Pass Gold 7-0. Goals from Kyle Sakurada (2), Ryan Longley, Iggy Recendez and a hat-trick from Eddie Hernandez secured a one-sided game.
The second game was not as one sided, a tough scrappy game Vs. International Zephyr (Reno, NV) was decided just before half-time. The goal came courtesy of Eddie Hernandez, who raced onto a well-weighted pass from Kyle Sakurada and smashed home from the edge of the box. Placer was also indebted to Steven Fraser’s defending from the front, Tim Yefimov’s support play in wide areas and Cameron Sing, who made 2 great saves to keep the lead. Placer won 1-0.
In Sunday’s semi-final versus Reno Galaxy, Placer enjoyed lots of the ball early on and should have been ahead within minutes after Eric Tassev worked hard to get into the area but headed narrowly wide. Placer went ahead thanks to a Eddie Hernandez tap-in after good work down the left from Billy Baker. The second goal came soon after, Yoan Chamberlin getting on the end of a Favio Torres cross. Cade Christensen was solid in defense and Iggy Recendez worked his socks off in center midfield to give Placer a 2-0 lead at half-time. The boys started flat in the second half and paid for this as Reno Galaxy scored twice in quick succession to make it 2-2. But goals for Austin Ketchersid and a second for Eddie allowed Placer to win 4-2 and move on to the afternoon final versus Modesto Ajax.
The final was a tense game, with both teams battling hard but having to deal with the swirling windy conditions. The Ajax GK was the busier and made a top-class save from close range to keep it 0-0 at halftime. Mid-way through the second half the deadlock was broken. Placer had Eddie Hernandez to thank as he struck a low shot past the keeper from just inside the box, to give Placer the lead. Ajax pushed numbers forward late in the game but stout defending from Ryan Longley, Chantz Riise, Favio Torres and Billy Baker ensured Placer saw the remaining few minutes out unscathed and to win the Cup.
Well done boys!
Placer United Coach Kevin Unsworth Earns His USSF ‘B’ License
Placer United Coach, Kevin Unsworth, has received his “B” license from the United States Soccer Federation. With a focus on player development and coach education, Placer United continues to lead the region with the highest number of licensed coaches. Congratulations Kevin!
Kayla Powers heads to Stanford
In Kayla’s Own Words…
Playing competitive soccer allowed me to visit many universities across the country. I am thankful to the college coaches who took the time to meet with me as I considered my options. Throughout the process, soccer aside, my #1 choice remained the same, and I knew I would have to work hard academically to get there.
On December 10, it arrived…a Stanford University acceptance! I’ve been to the campus many times and I love the school spirit, the mix of academics and athletics, and especially the desire to learn and excel.
I am looking forward to beginning my journey as a Cardinal at Stanford University where I will major in engineering with a focus on energy resources or environmental science. While I’m not going to Stanford as a soccer recruit, I’m proud to say that I earned my acceptance based on my academic merit. Thanks to everyone who believed in me and supported my efforts along the way!