Placer United Soccer Club
Menu
College Bound

2023 Grad Alyssa Savig Commits to the Stanford Cardinals

“I am beyond excited to announce I have verbally committed to play soccer for Stanford University! It is hard to wrap my head around the fact that I get to play for the school I have been dreaming about since I was a little girl. I am forever grateful to Coach Ratcliffe and Coach Hart for giving me this dream opportunity and I am super excited for the next chapter. Go Stanford!

I am so lucky to have had so many amazing coaches along the way. I have no words to express my gratitude for my goalkeeper coach, Bashar Alsakati. Your unwavering support and commitment to my development was, and continues to be incredible. It’s truly astonishing the amount of hours and time you have invested in me, I can never thank you enough. I am also incredibly grateful to my trainer, Billy Ivey, who is teaching me what it takes to compete, both mentally and physically, at the highest level. You truly believe in me and are my biggest fan! I would also like to thank coach Don Finley for believing in me at such a young age and pushing me to be better every day. Another big thank you to my ODP coach, Kris Hall, for giving me so many opportunities and helping me develop my skills this last year. Last but definitely not least,…a HUGE thank you to Ron Benjamin! You have truly helped me through the process and given me so many opportunities to grow and develop as a player at Placer United! Thank you for your dedication and for helping make my dream come true!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my teammates. I am so lucky to have had the pleasure of playing with so many truly talented girls along the way. I am thankful to all my friends and family who have supported me throughout the process and cheered me on from the sidelines. To the most important people in my life, my dad, mom, and sister, your support has been enormous! The hours in the car, early mornings, flights, hotels, bumps and bruises, and all the ups and downs that soccer life brings. You truly have been my biggest cheerleaders and I cannot express how much it has meant to me.

To quote Ron Benjamin, “…and now the real work begins!'” — Alyssa Savig #8

 

College Bound

Robbie Mora of U19 03/04 ECNL Commits to Gonzaga University

“I’m beyond excited to announce my commitment to Gonzaga University. I would like to thank all my coaches throughout my years at the club who have helped me through this process. I am also beyond grateful for my family who has pushed me to get to where I am today, without them, none of this would have been possible. I can’t wait to continue my journey as a Zag! Zag Up!”—Robbie Mora

College Bound

Jake Goehring of 03/04 Boys ECNL Commits to Gonzaga University

“I’m beyond blessed to announce my commitment to Gonzaga University, where I will be continuing my athletic and academic career! It has been my dream since I was a little kid to play Division 1 soccer. I couldn’t have made this happen without this amazing club. All of my coaches have helped my development and pushed me to the next level. My teammates have become lifelong friends. Most importantly, my family has been there for me through thick and thin, no matter what. I hope I have made everyone proud, and I can’t wait to continue my journey at Gonzaga! This is only the beginning! ZagUp!”—Jake Goehring

News

2007G NPL1 Have Huge Showing in San Diego Surf Cup

The Placer United 2007 Girls NPL1 team had a huge showing in the Prestigious San Diego Surf Cup Tournament this past weekend. Competing in Super Black division (second bracket), the team won the group with three wins going 3-0 and earning a birth to the semifinals. Beating impressive teams like Pateadores Academy, Rebels ECNL and Crossfire United ECNL, the girls battled in the semifinals but fell short 1-0 in the final few minutes to ISC Gunners GA. The Gunners would win the final 3-0. The girls came so close. What an impressive showing in an elite tournament in a very high and difficult bracket. Congrats to Todd DeCarlo and the entire Placer United 07 girls team!

College Bound

Jordyn Scott of the U19 03/04 NPL 1 Team is Heading to Cal Poly Pomoma

“I am excited to announce my commitment to Cal Poly Pomona, where I will continue my academic career and live out my lifelong dream of being a collegiate soccer player. This wouldn’t be possible without the unconditional support from my family and friends. Thank you for being the best support system! Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside an incredible group of girls at Placer United- thank you for pushing me to my limits and shaping me into the person and player I am today. I am beyond grateful to all my coaches over the years. There is no way to express the impact you have had on me on and off the field. I also owe a huge thank you to Ron Benjamin for your guidance and unwavering belief in me. I am so thankful for this opportunity and cannot wait for this next chapter! Go Broncos!” — Jordyn Scott

College Bound

Serena Andrade Commits to the Biola University Eagles

Serena Andrade of the U19 Girls 02/03 NPL-1 Commits to the Biola University Eagles

“I am very excited to announce that I will be continuing my athletic and academic career at Biola University! First, I would like to thank my parents for supporting me and pushing me to be the best I can be on and off the field. The love my parents show me is unmatched, and I wouldn’t be who I am without them. I would also like to thank all the coaches and trainers who invested their time and passion in helping me develop as a player. Most importantly, I would like to thank the man above for the countless blessings he has given me. I am very excited to develop as an athlete at the collegiate level and learn more about God and his great love. Go Eagles!”—Serena Andrade

News

Ripon’s Scholten Inks with Dream School University of San Diego

Manteca/Ripon Bulletin
by: Jonamar Jacinto
Published: May 18, 2021

Ripon High senior Ariana Scholten fantasized about her future as she participated in a soccer camp at the scenic campus of University of San Diego during her sophomore year.

“Well, if you’ve ever seen the campus it’s gorgeous,” she said. “I thought, ‘I’d like to play here one day.’”

She’ll soon get the chance.

The Indians’ attacking midfielder/forward has signed with the Toreros of the West Coast Conference, where she is sure to see some top NCAA Division I competition including national power Santa Clara. Although her role is not yet set in stone, Scholten envisions herself as a striker. Fourth-year coach Louise Lieberman could use a player with a nose for the goal after USD scored just three goals while finishing 1-7-1 this past season.

Scholten looks forward to working for a coach who has served as an assistant for the U.S. Soccer Under-23 women’s team and UCLA. San Diego won eight games in each of its first three seasons under Lieberman.

Scholten hasn’t had a chance to visit the campus since that camp two years ago, but it wasn’t necessary to convince her to commit.

“It’s a beautiful school, but the one thing that really attracted me the most was Lou and her coaching staff,” she said. “They’re very supportive people. They obviously want good soccer players but they look for people first. They want you to bring light to their squad and leave the school as a better player and as a better person.

“They really care about your school, your values and your soccer life. I really appreciate that about them.”

Her plan is to major in pre-health science and further her studies in occupational or physical therapy. She’ll also minor in marine biology.

Since college coaches have been unable to scout prospects in person, Scholten worked with her club coach, Ron Benjamin of Placer United, to film training videos and send them out.

“Coach Lou reached out to me and said, ‘I’d like to talk to you about a future at San Diego,’” Scholten said. “At the time I was talking to another college but I was real happy when the opportunity with USD came up because that had been my dream school since my sophomore year.”

San Diego gets a proven winner at the club and high school levels in Scholten, who tallied 54 goals and 60 assists in her first three years at Ripon. A three-time All-Trans-Valley League selection, she led the Indians to two Sac-Joaquin Section Division V championships, two league titles and their first California Interscholastic Federation NorCal Regional final.

Scholten proved herself to be deadly on set pieces and in the run of play with powerful and laser-accurate striking on either foot. Her junior year, she focused on playmaking and racked up a team-high 26 assists.

This season, Ripon is playing an abbreviated schedule in the competitive Valley Oak League because of the coronavirus pandemic. With no postseason or league titles on the line, Scholten is glad to just have fun with her friends on the pitch.

“It’s nice to take a break from all the seriousness of comp and just enjoy yourself on the field while continuing to work on little things and perfect my play before I go to college,” Scholten said.

 

News

Kikanovic Makes MLS Debut in 2-0 Setback

Benji Kikanovic pictured with Coach Matt Scammacca and Placer United players

Major League Soccer (MLS) – San Jose Earthquakes News Release
May 16, 2021

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to the Portland Timbers 2-0 on Saturday night at PayPal Park. The match saw the MLS debut of Quakes forward Benji Kikanovic and the season debut of Quakes midfielder Jack Skahan.

Portland took the lead in the fifth minute when Eryk Williamson sent a through ball to Yimmi Chara, who would chip the ball up and over an onrushing JT Marcinkowski.

San Jose would come close to the equalizer in the second half when a penalty was given to the Quakes in the 61st minute, but Chris Wondolowski’s low shot was saved by the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Logan Ketterer. Portland later doubled their lead in the 74th minute when Williamson’s cross to Marvin Loria was headed home.

The Earthquakes will now prepare to play their third and final match of a three-game homestand next Saturday, May 22 vs. Sporting Kansas City, presented by Coca-Cola. The match kicks off from PayPal Park at 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Bay Area, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.

GAME NOTES

The Earthquakes now hold a 3-3-0 record (9 pts.) during the 2021 MLS regular season and are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference.

San Jose earned 12 corner kicks, their most in a single match since July 15, 2020 (22).

The Quakes took 20 shots, their most in a single match since July 15, 2020 (30).

San Jose committed just five fouls, their fewest in a match since Sept. 25, 2019 (5).

Forward Benji Kikanovic made his MLS debut, entering as a substitute in the 63rd minute.

Midfielder Jack Skahan made his first appearance of the season and second of his MLS career, entering as a substitute in the 66th minute.

MLS Regular Season

San Jose Earthquakes 0 – 2 Portland Timbers

May 15, 2021 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.

Scoring Summary: POR – Yimmi Chara (Eryk Williamson) 5; POR – Marvin Loria (Eryk Williamson, Felipe Mora) 74.

Misconduct Summary: POR – Bill Tuiloma (caution) 25; POR – Dario Zuparic (caution) 42; SJ – Chris Wondolowski (caution) 45+3.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Paul Marie (Shea Salinas 58), Oswaldo Alanis, Florian Jungwirth (Chris Wondolowski 58), Luciano Abecasis; Carlos Fierro, Eric Remedi, Jackson Yueill; Carlos Fierro (Benji Kikanovic 63), Cristian Espinoza (Chofis 58), Andres Rios (Jack Skahan 66); Cade Cowell.

Substitutes not used: Tanner Beason, Judson, Tommy Thompson, Daniel Vega.

SHOTS: 20; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 5; CORNER KICKS: 12.

PORTLAND TIMBERS: Logan Ketterer; Claudio Bravo, Dario Zuparic, Bill Tuiloma, Pablo Bonilla (Josecarlos Van Rankin 82); Andy Polo (Renzo Zambrano 72), Eryk Williamson, Yimmi Chara, Marvin Loria (Zachery McGraw 82); Felipe Mora (Diego Valeri 82), Jeremy Ebobisse (Dairon Asprilla 69).

Substitutes not used: Blake Bodily, Hunter Sulte.

SHOTS: 18, SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; FOULS: 10; CORNER KICKS: 5.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MATIAS ALMEYDA

On improving the team’s offense:

“I think football is simple. If you score goals and they don’t, you win. If you concede and they don’t, you lose. Today’s match was similar to our previous match. We were able to create opportunities from headers, a penalty and rebounds we could not get to. The opponents had created two dangerous chances and they converted, and we cannot afford mistakes against these teams. We will keep working to capitalize on the chances we are getting.”

On giving minutes to younger players:

“It brings me pleasure to allow young players to make their debut. It’s not easy to come on in these types of games. Sometimes because of nerves and trying to be perfect, not everything goes right. This is the team we have, with many young players. The day they all have 40 appearances in the first division, and they remain in this league, with this system and style of play, we will become more competitive.”

On the team’s approach to penalty kicks:

“We practice them. I think if anyone had to be selected to take penalties, it would be the league and this club’s all-time leader in goals. The penalty was well taken. The goalkeeper stretched his arm and got to the post. I won’t just take away this penalty, I will take away the chances we created. Apart from the penalty, we were missing the finishing touches.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER CRISTIAN ESPINOZA

On the team’s finishing:

“We need to be more attentive in the final stretch where we really need to make a difference. The goals result from our ability to finish them. We have been great in that sense but in our last two matches, we were unlucky in our finishing. Other times, we cannot capitalize because of the virtues in the opponent. We will keep working and move forward. We have important upcoming matches and now is not the time to give up.”

On creating more dangerous chances:

“I think today’s match was difficult for everyone, especially the attackers. The opponent just waited in their area, defended throughout the entire match and created counterattacks, and that is how they scored. Personally, I don’t feel that neither my teammates nor I performed badly. When you face an opponent with practically 11 players in their own half, it becomes difficult to find space. We have to find a way to generate attacking plays. In this match, the opponent stayed in their area and waited for our mistakes to launch a counter.”

 

Get Updates