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Placer United in CYSA State Cup Final

The Placer United U17 Girls ’94 Gold reached the CYSA State Cup Final and in doing so, will represent CYSA in the USYSA Far West Regional Championship to be held in Boise, Idaho in June 2011.

The U17 Girls ’94 Gold did not get there the easy way, far from it. They played two teams ranked in the top five of Cal North, and the top twenty in the Region. So this is a really big time achievement for the girls, to come out on top against the best teams in the State and advance to the State Cup Final.

The girls beat Santa Clara Sporting (ranked 4th and the 2010 finalists), in the quarter-finals on Saturday 1-0 and then went on to defeat the Santa Rosa Aftershocks (ranked 5th and the 2010 semi-finalists), 2-1 in the semi-finals on Sunday.

Both games were so tight and nerve racking that the Placer United board received an invoice from Cherry Island for the amount of chewed up finger nails that were found on the side of the fields, not to mention the remains of 2 T-Bone steaks close to where Vegan Coach, Ron Benjamin coached.

The Placer United girls play this Sunday at Noon, against the current State Champions Mustang Rampage at Bartholomew Sports Park in Elk Grove.

The Placer United Board require all fans planning to attend to get a manicure and to bring a Caesar Salad for Ron to chew on…

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Placer United Girls State Cup Challenges and Successes

Four of the Placer United girls teams played in elimination games in State Cup action this past weekend at Cherry Island. The Placer United U17 Girls ’94 Gold reached the State Championship game and have also secured a spot in the Far West Regional Championships in Boise, Idaho this June.

The U17 Girls ’94 Gold survived very stiff competition against some of the best teams in the State to advance to the State Cup Final. The girls up-ended Santa Clara Sporting in the quarter-finals on Saturday 1-0 and then went on to defeat the Santa Rosa Aftershocks 2-1 in the semi-finals. The girls will play this Sunday at noon, versus Mustang at Bartholomew Sports Park in Elk Grove. The girls also qualified for the Far West Regional Championships this June in Boise, Idaho. Please come out and support the girls and the Placer United Soccer Club this Sunday.

The U18 Girls ’93 Gold squared off against the MVLA Avalanche on Saturday and lost a heart-breaker 1-0. The clash between these two teams is an old rivalry and the girls came up short in the quarter-finals. Congrats to all of the players and families of the 93’s as they have secured great memories for the Club including the 2008 U.S. Club Soccer National Championship.

The U16 Girls ’95 Gold had a very difficult matchup in their quarter-final. They faced a very talented Lamorinda squad and came up short, losing 1-0. The girls left everything on the field and had a a handful of quality chances to equalize. The girls had a fantastic season highlighted by a semi-final appearance in the Summer Surf Cup in San Diego.

The U14 Girls ’97 Gold made it all the way to the quarter-finals and had a date with the two time State Cup Champion, Mustang. Aside from a 15 minute lapse in the first half, the game was played at a furious pace, going back and forth, with both teams having quality scoring opportunities. The girls were defeated 3-0 but the game was much closer than the score line. This group of girls won the State Cup Championship in 2010.

Congrats to all of the teams on a fantastic run through the State Cup. Special acknowledgment to the U18 ’93 Girls team who have now completed their youth soccer career with Placer United. They will all now go their separate ways to study and play college soccer.

Please join the U17’s on Sunday in Elk Grove for the State Championship game!

College Bound

Jesse McGinley Verbally Commits to University of North Carolina

Jesse McGinley

Jesse McGinley

“I have recently verbally committed to the University of North Carolina Greensboro. I have always wanted to go to college some where in North Carolina, so I’m very excited that I get the chance to play soccer and live my dream of going to school there. When I went on my visit, I instantly fell in love with the school. I know that sounds cliché but it’s so true; every quality I wanted my “dream school” to have, Greensboro had it. I loved the team, the coaches, the campus, and it has a really good program for what I want to study in the future, which is kinesiology, so everything was very ideal.

Before my visit, Tracy Noonan, who has helped me with everything, especially my college search, said this quote to me: “Whenever possible, try to be in the place that makes you feel there’s no other place you’d rather be.” And UNCG is that place for me. So I’m VERY excited to go there. The soccer program is very competitive and it will allow me to grow as a player, and help me achieve the goals I want to accomplish.

First of all, I want to thank my parents because they have supported me in everything and have always been there for me. Thank you Ron Benjamin for helping me get to where I am now and pushing me to be the player I am today. Thank you Leo Marin for EVERYTHING you have done for me, such as coming before and staying after the regular practice to train me. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me! Along with my Placer coaches and my parents, I want to thank Tracy Noonan, who has been an amazing coach and so helpful to me through everything, whether it is a college coach’s number or advice on goalkeeping she has been there to help me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without any of you and I can’t thank you enough!

Go Spartans!

News

Friends Reunited

Ron Benjamin with Kasey Keller

The greatest goal keeper the United States has ever produced took some time to catch up with Placer United Girls Director Of Coaching, Ron Benjamin.

The current Seattle Sounders stopper who has appeared in no less than four FIFA World Cups met Ron at a recent MLS game. “Kasey is one of the greatest ever exports to the European game, playing at the highest level in the English, Spanish and German leagues,” said Ron.

Ron and Kasey are friends from time spent together at the University of Portland.

News

Placer United Girls Teams Thrive in State Cup Competition

Placer United U14-U18 Girls Teams have all participated in State Cup Competition. Here is a breakdown of the Cup games:

U14 Black 97 – The girls made it all the way to the quarter-finals of the Norcal Cup Gold Division. They opened with a 2-1 defeat to Turlock and then went on an excellent run. They defeated Livermore 3-0, drew with Walnut Creek 0-0, defeated Marin FC Red and Bay Oaks 1-0. In the quarter-finals, they were defeated by Milpitas 2-1.

U14 Gold 97 – The girls made it to the Round of 32 with 3 solid victories in the State Cup. They had a 3-1 win over Bay Oaks, 2-0 win over MVLA Blue and a 3-0 win over San Carlos. The girls play this weekend against Diablo FC.

U15 Gold 96 – The girls had an excellent weekend, yet came up a bit short. They opened with a 3-2 win over Castro Valley and then had a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Livermore Fusion. The draw was such that two of the better teams in the State had to match up in the first round. It was a very tight game with Placer United having many chances to equalize the score. They finished up with a 1-1 draw with Bullard.

U16 Gold 95 – A 2-2 draw with Orchard Valley and a 5-0 win versus Mustang Velocity have put the 95’s into a penalty kick shootout on Sunday with Orchard Valley to see who advances to the Quarter-Finals.

U17 Gold 94 – The U17’s went undefeated in group play. They had a 0-0 draw with Deanza Force, 12-0 win versus E. Fresno and a 8-0 win over Delta. They advanced to the Quarter-finals and face arch rival Santa Clara Sporting.

U18 Gold 93 – The 2008 U.S. Club National Champions won all three of their matches in the first round. They had a 1-0 win over Fremont, 2-0 win over DeAnza and a 5-0 win versus Merced. The girls now see rival, MVLA Avalanche in the Quarter-finals.

Great job to all of the teams in Cup competition!

News

Placer United…One Club…One Identity…United

Loomis, CA — Placer United Soccer Club is pleased to present the coaching staff for boys and girls U15-U18 teams for the upcoming 2011/2012 soccer season. Placer United coaches are selected based on their experience, advanced degrees and their willingness to stay on the cutting edge of instructional techniques to help Placer players reach their full potential.

U15-U18 Boys Coaching Staff

U15 Boys Elite will be coached by Kelsey Chaidez. Kelsey holds a USSF “B” Licence, NSCAA “Advanced National” Diploma, and the NCCAA “National Youth” Diploma. Kelsey is also Placer United’s Technical Director. Kelsey is entering his 4th year as a Placer United coach.

U15 Boys Premier will be coached by Matt Scammacca. Matt holds a USSF “B” License, NSCCA Goalkeeping 1 and 2 Diplomas. Matt is also the Del Oro High School Varsity team coach. Matt is entering his 8th year as a Placer United coach.

U16 Boys Elite will be coached by Danny Cruz. Danny holds a National “D” Licence, and NSCAA “Director of Coaching” Licence. Danny is a former DOC of the San Juan and Elk Grove soccer programs. While at Elk Grove, Danny guided his team to the 2003 USYSA National Finals finishing 2nd. Some of those players are currently involved within the U.S National Team.

U17 Boys Elite will be coached by Jason Gantt. Jason holds a USSF “A” Licence, and NSCAA “National” Diploma. Jason is the head coach of Sierra College Women’s Soccer Team and has been a member of Placer United’s coaching staff since 2000.

U18 Boys Elite will be coached by Danny Cruz. Danny hold a National “D” Licence, and NSCAA “Director of Coaching” Licence. Danny is a former DOC of the San Juan and Elk Grove soccer programs. While at Elk Grove Danny guided his team to the 2003 USYSA National Finals finishing 2nd. Some of those players are currently involved within the U.S National Team

U15-U18 Girls Coaching Staff

U15 Girls Elite will be coached by Ron Benjamin. Ron holds a USSF “A” License and NSCAA “Premier” Diploma. Ron also serves as the Girls Director of Coaching and has been with Placer United for 5 years.

U15 Girls Premier will be coached by Todd Decarlo. Todd holds a USSF “C” License and has coached many successful teams within the soccer club. Todd has been a member of the Placer coaching staff for 8 years.

U16 Girls Elite will be coached by Todd Decarlo. Todd holds a USSF “C” License and has coached many successful teams within the soccer club. Todd has been coaching at Placer United since 2003.

U17 Girls Elite will be coached by Gene Duchateau. Gene holds a USSF “B” License and his success in player development and results speak for themselves. This team will be assisted by Ron Benjamin. Gene is the longest serving coach at Placer, investing 18 years of his life into the program. Gene is extremely proud of the way the club has developed into a power house both on and off the field

U17 Girls Premier will be coached by Crystal Chaidez. Crystal holds a NSCAA “Premier” Diploma and has had great player development success within the soccer club. Crystal also was a member of the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) combine in 2008. Additionally, she has been a semi-professional soccer player with the Sonoma County Sol. Crystal is entering her 3rd year as a coach at Placer United.

U18 Girls Elite will be coached by Ron Benjamin. Ron holds a USSF “A” License and NSCAA “Premier” Diploma. Ron also serves as the Girls Director of Coaching. Ron is entering his 5th year with the Placer United organization.

Placer United coaches have more U.S. Soccer Federation coaching licenses than any competitive soccer club in the Greater Sacramento region. The unwavering dedication of our coaches is among the reasons why Placer United is nationally recognized as one of the premier youth soccer clubs in the country. We look forward to a strong 2011/2012 season.

News

U14 ’97 Girls Gold Dominate in First Round of State Cup

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!

News

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.

Check Out The Video Action

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.

News

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

College Bound

Shea Glaspey Verbally Commits to UNCG

Shea Glaspey

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.”

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