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Message to the Members of Placer United Soccer Club

The leadership of the Placer United Soccer Club, including Thompson, Ron Benjamin, Paul O’Brien, and the Board of Directors are committed to making this Club the best possible soccer experience and soccer development program for your children.

We appreciate all the members who took time to attend the meeting last night and make comments. It is clear our members have a great passion for this Club and want us all to be focused on our core mission – the soccer programs.

In that spirit, the Board voted last night to move as quickly as possible and in an orderly fashion to amend the by-laws, restore members’ right to vote on the make-up of the Board, and hold an election.

In the meantime, we ask everyone to maintain their personal focus on how they can be helping to move the Club forward. The Directors of Coaching, the coaches, the parents, and the Board all have a role to play in remembering we are here for the players, not ourselves.

We’ll report back to you soon on the status and next steps in this process. In the meantime, cheer for our teams in action this weekend. Go Placer!

Thompson

Executive Director of Coaching

 

Brad Tooker

Board Chair

News

Four Placer United Players Represent Earthquakes

Four players from Placer United flew out today to represent the San Jose Earthquakes at the Generation Adidas Cup,
an MLS Club only event.
 
The 2012 Generation Adidas Cup, is being held August 3-9 in Seattle. The San Jose Earthquakes will send two teams
to participate in this premiere youth tournament. The Quakes U15 squad, which features Placer United ‘s Isaul Baurista (97) and Cody Sunquist(99), will open their
first round bracket play against Seattle Sounders, FC Dallas, and Toronto FC.
 
The Quakes U-17 team, with Placer United’s Dom Scotti (96) and Tommy Thompson (95), was placed in Group A
along with academy sides from the Chicago Fire, Houston Dynamo and New York Red Bulls.
 
The Generation Adidas Cup is an annual youth tournament for MLS academy teams only at the U-17 and U-15 level.
Fourteen MLS academy teams will compete at the U-17 level and twelve teams from eleven different MLS clubs
will be present for the U-15 portion.
“This is a great opportunity for these boys and well deserved,” said Paul O’Brien, Placer DOC. “Placer United has been working with the San Jose
Earthquakes for the last six months within the Quakes Regional Center program which was a great success.”
Also included in the Earthquakes squad traveling to Seattle is Justin Moreno from Sacramento Club, Boca Jrs.
“Placer United’s coaching staff wishes the boys all the best,” said Thompson, Placer Executive DOC.
News

Local Community Mourns the Loss of Christian Daniels

Christian Daniels died tragically on Saturday night in a motorcycle accident.
Christian played for Placer United from U10 to U15.  He left Placer United to pursue his other passion which was to
play American football at Whitney High School.
Christian will be remembered by all the coaching staff of Placer United for his never-say-die attitude on the field,
and that infectious smile, which most of us got to see whenever he scored a goal or made one of his famous
heavy tackles on the pitch.
Christian was known as the Little Bear at Placer United because he played the game larger than his frame. Nine times
out of ten he would eat up the opposition’s best attacking players.
“Those of us who knew Christian where shocked and stunned by the news. To see Christian throw himself into a
tackle and come up with the ball then look over towards the bench and smile is something I’ll always remember,” said Paul O’Brien.
“My heart goes out  to his parents, Chris and Sokha, and sisters, Julia and Sydney. It really is a tragic loss.”
Facebook Group Page Tribute:  Christian Daniels Our Angel
You Tube Video Tribute:  Remembering Christian
College Bound

Ashleigh Nelin Verbally Commits to Menlo College

“It brings me great pleasure to announce that I have verbally committed to play soccer for Menlo College.  After visiting Menlo’s campus and meeting the girls who play soccer there, I knew it was the right fit for me.  It is everything I could ever ask for in a college and more, and I know that I will be happy there not only athletically but academically as well.  There is honestly no greater feeling than to know that all of the hard work my family, coaches and I have put in is now paying off.

After starting my competitive soccer career from a recreational team back in sixth grade, I have developed immensely as a player due to the hard work and belief of various individuals.   I would like to first thank my very first competitive soccer coach, John Love, for recognizing my potential as a player and introducing me to the competitive soccer world.  You gave me the confidence to continue playing when I was a little fish in a huge sea of kids who had been playing at a much higher level than I had ever known possible and you always expressed your undying belief in my abilities and I can never thank you enough.  Secondly, I would like to thank Jamy McLaughlin for teaching me the importance of fitness to the game of soccer and that coaches love players that put effort in at practice.  I’d like to thank coaches Gene DuChateau and Bart Morefield for bringing me into the Placer United Soccer Club and for always being extremely relatable, positive and friendly.  You both developed my mental and technical game as you transitioned me from the outside of the field to the inside where you expected pound for pound toughness every game.  Finally, I have to thank coach Ron Benjamin.  Your constant pressure to send emails to college coaches and help with the whole college recruiting process has brought me to where I am now.  You are a wonderful resource when it comes to recruiting and an amazing coach.  My game has improved immensely with your constant pressure to work hard and get results and I know you will send me to Menlo ready for college level soccer.

In every year that I have played competitive soccer, my teams have been not only a great support system for me, but a family.  Every one of my teammates are sisters in my eyes and our bond on and off of the field is simply irreplaceable.

Finally, I would like to thank my family for always being so selfless and helping push me on in my pursuit of a college soccer career.  You all have given up so much for me to play soccer, whether it is taking time off of work to watch me play in a tournament and drive me everywhere, spending a Thanksgiving in a hotel room because I am playing in Surf Cup, doing a week’s worth of make-up school work because you were busy being a cheerleader on the sidelines of your sisters games over the weekend, or just being there to tell me everything will be all right when I had a bad game, every little thing has meant the world to me.  You have all put me first at some point in time when it came to soccer and sacrificed something for me to do what makes me happiest, so I want to thank you.  I love you so much for always believing in me and helping me even when it was not always convenient.  You are the reason I am here today, so thank you!

Let’s go Oaks!”

—Ashleigh Nelin

News

Suspicious Person Observed at Cirby Elementary

Dear Placer United Families:

A member of our Club has reported to us that a suspicious man was seen at the Cirby Elementary field during a Placer United training session.  Although this incident occurred in late June and was recently brought to our attention, we felt it was important to notify our families.  It was reported that the man was acting strangely and began talking to several children and showing them pictures on his phone.

Please use this as an opportunity to remind your family to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Again, we don’t want to alarm anybody, but felt it was important to let you know this was reported to us.  If we receive additional relevant information, we will provide it to you.

Sincerely,

Brad Tooker
Board Chair

News

Message to the Members of Placer United Soccer Club

Dear Placer United Families:

I am writing to you as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Placer United. As you may be aware, there have been rumors circulating through social media and other venues over the last two days regarding Board related matters. Unfortunately, there was also the unauthorized defacement of our logo on a community Facebook page of Placer United, which altered the Placer United website and contained messaging that detracts from the mission of our Club. I am also disturbed by the postings from an anonymous author of unsubstantiated rumors regarding individuals. It is unfortunate that this has taken on a life of its own.

The Board of Placer United reviews all matters with the goal of doing what is in the best interest of Placer United and its members. The Board takes its role seriously and is expected to handle any sensitive situation confidentially. To the extent there are valid issues on any topic, the Board will work to resolve them in a fair and equitable manner to all involved.

Placer United is one of the top soccer clubs in Northern California. We have many milestones and accomplishments to celebrate, including the opening of the Placer United Indoor Training Center, sending players off to college to pursue their passion at the next level, and the continued development and success of players and teams throughout the Club.

Thank you for continuing to support the players, coaches, volunteers and mission of Placer United. Let us all work together to create a fun, competitive and exciting soccer experience for our players.

Sincerely,

Brad Tooker, Board Chair

College Bound

Kaleigh Landberg Verbally Commits to Westmont College

“I am very excited to announce that I have recently verbally committed to Westmont College. I chose this school because I felt it would be a great fit for me both academically and athletically. After the several times I had visited the school, I fell in love with its location, right in Santa Barbara. Also, I really loved the vibe and spirit of the school.

For as long as I have been playing competitive soccer, it has always been my dream to go on and play collegiate soccer. After seven years of soccer at Placer United, and all of my hard work and dedication, I now feel relieved and a sense of accomplishment that my hard work has paid off. I owe a huge thanks to Coach Kristi Kiely for believing in my soccer skills and giving me the opportunity to play for her team and be a part of her school.

I would also like to thank one of my former coaches, Gene DuChateau for always believing in me and always being there for me if I had any questions. Also, I’d like to thank Ron Benjamin for being such a great coach over the years. He has truly pushed me to be the player that I am today and he continues everyday on the field. A huge thank you to my previous coach, John Chimienti, who has played a huge part in helping me develop not only as a player, but also as a person. Although the years have been very tough, they have truly payed off.

Thank you to all my teammates for always being there for me and also for all the endless memories that we have had together. They will never be forgotten. You girls are truly my family. Most importantly, I’d like to give a huge thanks to my parents for sacrificing so much for me and always being there to keep my dreams alive. I don’t know what I’d do without your guys!

Go Warriors!”

—Kaleigh Landberg

News

Placer United U15 Girls ’98 Red Win Championship at Davis College Showcase

Ten Placer United girls teams travelled down to Davis this past weekend to compete at the Davis Legacy College Showcase.  Six of those ten teams made it to the semi-finals!

Many college coaches came to Davis for the showcase to recruit/scout future student-athletes to their colleges and universities.

The U15 Girls Red team won five straight games to take home the championship. They defeated Bay Oaks, Nomads, West Coast, Juventus and Diablo FC.  The girls scored twelve goals while only conceeding two.

The U16 Girls White team made it to the championship game of the League 1 Division with two wins, one draw and one loss.  They defeated Bullard in the semi-finals with a goal in overtime. The girls then squared off against Mustang Freedom in the final and lost 2-1 in overtime.

The U18 Girls White team made it to the championship game of the League 1 Division with two wins and two draws. They defeated Cap FC in the semi-finals 1-0.  The girls then squared off against Manteca in the final and were defeated 3-1.

Three teams made it to the semi-finals of the Premier Division but fell short of advancement to the final.  U18 Red, U16 White GT and the U12 Red.

Also particpating in the event were the U15 White, U14 Red, U13 Red and the U12 White.

Congrats to all of the teams on a fantastic weekend!

News

Lauren Gollnick Named SFL Player of the Year

The spring girls high school soccer season is now complete and many Placer United players took home 1st team All League Honors. Additionally, Lauren Gollnick of Del Oro High School was awarded the Sierra Foothill League Player of the Year!

All League Recognition:

Antelope: Bianca Tabuso, Zaida Pineda

Bear River: Maddi Dunn, Janelle Jensen

Casa Roble: Frida DeHaro

Del Oro: Lauren Gollnick, Kayla Collins, Elle Gollnick, Kacey Crane, Jessica Hinsken

Folsom: Caitlyn Kretzchmar

Granite Bay: Dorien Johnk, Ashley Sweeting, Kayla Karlsson, Makenzie Brito

Lincoln: Abbie Faingold

Lodi: Jessica Raybe

Oakmont: Kendall Boshart, Katie Carte

Roseville: Lauren Stafford

St. Francis: Anna

Vista Del Lago: Janae Gonzalez

Woodcreek: Emily Chalfant, Lauren Hayano, Rachel Dortch

Congratulations to all of the First Team All League selections and all of the Placer United players who impacted your respsective high school programs!

 

Did we miss anyone? If so, it was unintentional and we hope you let us know so we can quickly update this post!

College Bound

Alexis Wallace Will Play for American River College This Fall

“I am excited to announce that I have committed to American River College.
 I chose American River College because I have played with Coach Paul and
 Rick and wanted to start my college career close to home. I am looking
 forward to playing for ARC and working towards my degree in Criminal
 Justice.

I want to thank Coach Ron for pushing me this past year to be the best I 
can be. The experience I had playing with the U18 Placer Gold team took me 
to a new level of playing.

 Soccer has always been my dream and passion. I look forward to pursuing my
 soccer career at the college level and beyond.
 Thank you to my parents who have supported me throughout my soccer career
 and continue to encourage me to follow my dream. I would not be the player
 I am today without their support and encouragement.”

—-Alexis Wallace

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