“Next year I will be attending the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. When I received my appointment, I was both honored and ecstatic. Although my four year Air Force experience will be drastically different from a normal college lifestyle, I truly believe that my long term gains are worth giving up short term luxuries. I chose this sacrifice because I honestly believe in the motto “service before self” and hope to learn to live my life in accordance with the Air Force values. When I graduate, I want to leave a better person than I was the day I walked off the bus for my first day of Basic Cadet Training, rather than a more educated version of the person I am today. To top it all off, soccer is what got me this opportunity and I am thankful for all the challenges and experiences I had due to playing with Placer United. I will be playing in the Division 1 Mountain West conference, and am looking forward to the challenges that will soon be presented to me on the field. It was a long road to finally receive my appointment, and it feels amazing to have reached this milestone. Thanks Placer!!”
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Erika Garcia verbally commits to Harvard University
I chose Harvard because a once in a lifetime opportunity like that usually doesn’t happen to a girl like me. I come from a little town in Northern Nevada, and I am a part of the first generation of my family that was born here in th U.S. My parents are legalized immigrants from Mexico. They came here 23 years ago with the hopes to have my sister, my brother, and myself go to college to have an easier and better life for ourselves. When I was younger and playing soccer I was content with having good grades and staying in Nevada for school… But, then came Placer Soccer Club and huge doors were opened! Harvard saw me and my coach, Ron, made everything a reality instead of just a dream. I chose Harvard for my family, for an outstanding education, for my club, and for myself.
2010-2011 Season Tryouts are Complete
Thank you to all the players who attended this year’s tryouts.
Placer United U17 and U16 Boys Advance to the Nor-Cal Finals
Congratulations to Placer U17 and U16 as both teams advance to the Nor-Cal finals for the second year in a row on May 8th.
The U17 Boys beat out a strong Walnut Creek team in the quarter final game 2-1, but suffered a huge blow as goalkeeper Luca Liccardi picked up an injury which ruled him out of the semi final game against a highly fancied Morelia team that put 4 past a good San Jaun team.
The boys were already missing some key players due to spring break and injuries, but with the help of some U16 players, Benedict twins, Grant and Kyle, as well as, Sam O’Brien, and with field player Noe Romero standing between the sticks, Placer beat Morelia 1-0 and advanced to their second straight Nor-Cal final which will be played May 8th.
Over the two days, Placer had strong performances from all players, especially Eddy Arreola, Ben Steiner, Brian Ramanis, Paul Villa, and Connor Puhala, to name a few.
The U16 Boys won their quarter final by the score of 5-1 against Tri Valley United who had a player red carded early in the game. The boys did a good job of being patient with the ball and taking their chances at the right time, especially as Tri Valley was coached by the former US Mens National Team, and MLS coach Lothar Osiander. Goals from Gio, Danny, Bert and Swifty sealed the win, and moved them into the semi’s which they won 3-1 against the Aztecs who beat a surprised Marin the day before with a 3-1 victory.
The game was played in heavy rain and gale force winds which affected the short passing game of the Aztecs who couldn’t deal with the high pressure game of the Placer team in these conditions. Coach Jason Gantt praised the overall team performance against two strong teams and takes the boys into the Nor-Cal finals for the second straight year.
Again congratulations to both teams.
Abby Williams Commits to Lafayette College
“Lafayette was the perfect academic and athletic fit for me and, for lack of better words, everything just clicked”, said Abby. “I plan on majoring in Policy Studies, a multidisciplinary course of study in the design, management, and evaluation of policies and institutions while minoring in French.”
Lafayette College is located in Easton, Pennsylvania, approximately one hour from New York City and 90 minutes from Philadelphia. It is a small, Division 1 liberal arts school which competes in the Patriot League.
Evan Johnson commits to Chico State
Eric Bryant commits to San Diego State
Eric Bryant
Eric has been playing soccer for Placer United for 4 seasons and is currently playing on the CDA U18 team. I choose San Diego State because of the location of the school and the high quality of soccer. When asked what are you most looking forward to, Eric said “I am looking forward to playing at the next level in the Pac 10. My biggest goal in college soccer is to earn to starting spot and be in the NCAA Tournament. Thanks again for everything you have done for me to make me the best soccer player that I can be and the person that I am!”
Congratulations to Coach Kevin and Coach Todd
Congratulations to Kevin Unsworth and Todd DeCarlo for completing their US Soccer Federation National “C” License this past winter. Both coaches are now well on their way to pressing through the National licenses. Kevin spent a week in Southern California while Todd traveled to Colorado to complete their courses.
These accomplishments demonstrates Placer United’s commitment to providing top level coaches on each of our teams. Coach education is a crucial part of becoming a stronger coach and also enhances personal leadership skills.
Congratulations Kevin and Todd!
Over 400 College Coaches Attend Las Vegas College Showcase
Las Vegas Showcase concluded this past weekend and what a weekend it was for the Placer United Girls Gold U15-17 teams. There were over 400 college coaches in attendance at the event to scout the 92-95 age groups. The event also brought hundreds of the best teams in the country together for competition.
Many of the top college programs (in all divisions) were in attendance for the Placer United games. In particular, Anson Dorrance from North Carolina and Jerry Smith from Santa Clara were spotted checking out the action during the Placer games.
The Placer United Soccer Club prides itself on the development of our players and teams and putting them in the best soccer environment to be seen by collegiate coaches.
Placer Girls Team Recaps
Placer United U14 Gold 96 team advances in the Premier Group of NorCal State Cup and the U15-U18 teams end their season with strong outings at the Las Vegas College Showcase and Diablo Cup Tournaments.
All of the older girls teams were in action this past weekend as the 2009-2010 season came to a close. Here are the results:
U14 Gold 96 – Defeats Rocklin Strikers 1-0 in penalty kicks to advance to the Quarter-finals of Norcal State Cup Premier Group. They will face Livermore on March 27th in Manteca.
U15 Gold 95 – Semi-finalist in points at Las Vegas College Showcase. Defeated Blast (Ohio) 8-2, Pride Predators (CO) 3-0, AUFC Fusion (NM) 2-0 and lost to the points champion, THUSC (OR) 0-2.
U15 Black 95 – Finalist at Diablo Cup. They drew with the ACC Mavericks 1-1, beat Diablo FC Blue 3-2 and Juventus Firebrands 1-0. In the final, they lost to Diablo FC 94, 0-1 in golden goal overtime.
U16 Gold 94 – Champion in points at Las Vegas College Showcase. They won all 4 games: Internationals (OH) 2-1, East Meadow Express (NY) 1-0, Baltimore Bays (MD) 1-0 and Wall Wombats (NJ) 2-1.
U16 Black 94 – The Black 94 lost 0-2 in their games against very tough competition at Diablo Cup: Ajax, Cal Cougars and Delta.
U17 Gold 93 – Semi-finalist in points at Las Vegas College Showcase. They defeated Orange SC (CA-S) 1-0, Bretwood (TN) 2-1, Mockingbird (KY) 1-0 and fell to Clearwater Chargers 0-1.
Congratulations to all Placer United Older Girls Teams on a fantastic season!