All posts by PUSC

Kellyn Morning Commits to University of Nevada

In Kellyn’s Own Words…

I recently committed to attending and playing soccer at the University of Nevada, Reno. I went for a visit in mid-January and I loved the campus. The facilities were amazing as was the coach and the handful of players I met.

The reason I chose this university are because they have a highly ranked engineering program, it’s in a great location, and their highly competitive soccer program. I feel that I can make an impact on the team and improve myself as a well rounded player.

I’ve had great coaches while playing for Placer United. Gene and Ron have helped me prepare for the next level and they always push me to improve my game. Thank

you to my coaches, my awesome teammates, and to the Placer club. I also want to thank my parents and God because they got me to where I am today.

I’m really excited to be attending UNR in the fall of 2011. I know I will have many great experiences that I can look back upon for the rest of my life. I will continue to work hard and utilize the gifts I’ve been given. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity and thank you to everyone who has given me support.

Placer United Boys Play in CDA Pre-Academy Game

 

A number of Placer United players got to represent CDA in their first USSF Pre Academy game this past weekend. Coach Kelsey Chaidez assembled a squad of players born in the year 1996/97/98 to take on the San Jose Earthquakes pre-academy team.

The MLS franchise’s pre-academy team which draws players from all over Northern California arrived at Del Oro high school full of confidence after already playing a handful of games with great success.

The many fans that braved the cold temperatures were not disappointed with the game, as the players treated everyone to a very exciting, fast-paced game. Said one fan after the game, “Both teams are really skillful. There was a lot of good players out there.” One of the linesman for the game made the comment afterwards, “All the players looked very comfortable on the ball and it was great to see both teams looking to keep possession of the ball.”

The Pre-Academy league is designed to educate players about the USSF Academy league and help introduce them to the more tactical/technical side of USSF Academy Soccer.

CDA (California Development Academy) is in it’s 2nd year as a member of the USSF Academy League. San Juan and Placer United soccer clubs work hand-in-hand/side-by-side to make this the best youth soccer environment in the Sacramento Area.

Placer United Soccer Fans!

This weekend is a very busy one for all Placer United U11-U13 teams. We have 7 boys teams, and 6 girls teams all competing in the quarter-final rounds of Nor-Cal Premier League’s “State Cup” competition.

With preliminary games starting way back in August 2010, Placer United teams have traveled around Northern California and competed against some of the top clubs in the state, including: Mustang, Santa Clara, De Anza, Cal Odyssey, Pleastanton, Diablo FC, to name a few. Placer United now takes the field in the “do-or-die” quarter rounds.

Some of our teams have drawn really tough opposition, in the final 8, but that’s what we want!…good competition. As the saying goes, “Gotta beat the best, to be the best.”

So, soccer parents and fans, make sure to get your players to bed early. Then get your fold-up chairs, heavy jackets, blankets, hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls organized. Oh! Don’t forget your fog horns and cheer on your Placer United teams.

Twenty-Two Seniors To Sign Letters of Intent or Commitment

Twenty-two area high school seniors who have been actively involved in Placer United Soccer Club and/or California Development Academy will take their athletic skills to the next level as they move on to their chosen colleges and universities.

Paul O’Brien, Placer United Soccer Club Director of Boys Coaching, said, “These students all share the qualities of passion, commitment, leadership, and drive—combined with a love of the game—that will help them go far in their college careers.”

These athletes will gather Wednesday, February 2nd at 6:30pm in Loomis, to sign their letter of intent or letter of commitment to their chosen schools where they will continue to play soccer:

Melanie Bertrand – Rocklin High School – University of Nevada (Div. 1), Reno, NV

Seth Casiple – Rocklin High School – University of California, Berkeley (Div. 1), Berkeley, CA

Savannah Coiner – Rocklin High School – Clemson University (Div. 1), Clemson, SC

Austin Dunn – Placer Union High School – University of San Diego (Div. 1), San Diego, CA

Mackenzie Edwards – Whitney High School – California State University, Chico (Div. 2), Chico, CA

Morgan Edwards – Whitney High School – California State University, Chico (Div. 2), Chico, CA

Erika Garcia – Dayton High School (Nevada) – Harvard University (Div. 1), Cambridge, MA

Lexi Giusti – Yuba City High School – Lesley College (Div. 3), Cambridge, MA

Connor Hallisey – Granite Bay High School – Univerisity of California, Berkeley (Div. 1), Berkeley, CA

Megan Hanson – Rocklin High School – Dominican University (Div. 2), San Rafael, CA

Matthew LaGrassa – Pleasant Grove High School – California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo (Div. 1), San Luis Obispo, CA

Lindsey Matlock – St. Francis High School – Houston Baptist University (Div. 1), Houston, TX

Andrew Mills – Jesuit High School – Princeton University (Div. 1), Princeton, NJ

Kendall Modiste – Granite Bay High School  – San Diego State University (Div. 1), San Diego, CA

Kelly Morning – Roseville High School – University of Nevada (Div. 1), Reno, NV 

Marwan Nazanda – Bella Vista High School – University of California (Div. 1), Irvine, CA

Chelsea Putman – Granite Bay High School – Point Loma Nazarene (NAIA), San Diego, CA

Daylon Schiffel – Cornerstone Christian School – University of Central Arkansas (Div. 1), Conway, AR

Grant Silvester – Rio Americano High School – University of Virginia (Div. 1), Charlottesville, VA

Marlo Smith – Whittell High School, South Lake Tahoe – University of Nevada (Div. 1), Reno, NV

Matthew Wiesenfarth – Jesuit High School – University of California, Davis (Div. 1), Davis, CA

Abby Williams – Christian Brothers High School – Lafayette College (Div. 1), Easton, PA

States Ron Benjamin, Director of Girls Coaching, “I have had the privilege of seeing these kids not only grow as exceptional players, but as exceptional people. They are driven individuals who thrive by seeing their teams succeed. They love the game and their hard work both on and off the field will no doubt take them far in their college careers.”

These players worked hard in the classroom and on the soccer field, and now they’re reaping the rewards of attractive college offers. PUSC and CDA are very proud of their accomplishments, and we look forward to witnessing their future achievements.

Grant Silvester Commits to University of Virginia

 

Grant Silvester

Grant Silvester

I decided to attend the University of Virginia because it has the best of both worlds – an excellent school and soccer program. I wanted to compete at the highest collegiate level. I’m excited to have the opportunity to play in the ACC for the national champions.

I’ve had great coaches and teammates at Placer United and CDA, and under the Academy program, they have enabled me to take my game to the next level. The Academy has allowed us to compete against the best players around the country. The level of play is consistently high, and this competition forces every player to get better. CDA players are seen by hundreds of college coaches at Academy Showcase events. My coaches were instrumental in helping me communicate with college coaches throughout the recruiting process.

I would like to thank my teammates, all coaches and staff at Placer United and CDA, for all their help. I’ll do my best to represent CDA at UVA.”

—Grant Silvester

Daylon Schiffel Commits to Univeristy of Central Arkansas

 

Daylon Schiffel

Daylon Schiffel

I recently committed to the University of Central Arkansas. I was on my second visit in October, while it was my parent’s first. The coaches saw me play at the Spring Academy Showcase in Florida in May 2010 and in Surf Cup in San Diego in August 2010. To be honest, I had never heard of UCA before then, but after flying out to Arkansas and visiting the campus I could see myself living there happily for the next four years. Being born and raised in California, I thought it would be a good experience to live somewhere else for a while; that along with a full ride scholarship and a starting spot as a freshman is what UCA offered. I accepted and am completely satisfied and happy with my decision to commit to UCA. This accomplishment is all thanks to God first of all, my parents, and all my coaches at Placer United and CDA which I have been a part of since U10.

GO BEARS!”

—Daylon Schiffel

U10G Gold ’01 Finish Season In Top 8 In the State

Placer United U10 Girls Gold team had a fantastic run in the NorCal State Cup Championship. The State Cup tournament started with a pool of 72 U10 girls teams. The Placer United U10 began the tournament winning their first five games scoring 17 goals and only allowing 3.

They continued on to the final round of eight teams, which represents the top competitive clubs in the State. The girls were defeated in the Quarter-finals of the NorCal Cup’s TOP group and then moved on to play two consolation games versus the other top teams that were eliminated in the Quarter-finals.

The girls continued to show their skill, heart, and great defense by playing the Pleasanton Rage team to a 2-2 draw but lost in penalty kicks. The girls then faced a great Modesto AJAX team. The girls stepped up their game and won 3-1 in a dominating performance. The future of developing very skilled top level players in the Placer United program continues.

Great job on making it all the way to the Quarter-finals!

Emily Bringgold and Jessica Raybe Make Cal-North ODP State Team

Emily Bringgold of the U14 97 black team and Jessica Raybe of the U14 97 gold team have been selected to the Cal-North State Olympic Development Program (ODP) Team. They both made it through numerous tryouts and will now represent Cal-North. The upcoming events for the girls include ODP Championships in Phoenix this month and the ODP Regional Camp in late June. Congratulations to both players on this fantastic achievement.

Lexi Giusti, 93′ Gold, Commits to Lesley College in Massachusets

In Lexi’s own words

“I have committed to Lesley College, a small, DIII private school in Cambridge, MA. I chose Lesley because the classes are small and interactive, but it’s also in a big city full of nearby colleges. They have an excellent soccer program as well as an outstanding arts program at the Art Institute of Boston. Everyone in my family has attended nearby colleges and being the youngest, I wanted to make a new path for myself. Attending college, and playing soccer on the other side of the country, really sparked my interest and after visiting the campus I knew that Lesley is the perfect fit for me. I would not have been given this opportunity if it weren’t for the help and support of Ron and my teammates at Placer United.”