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.”

Placer United Announces U8-U14 Coaching Line-Up for 2011-12 Season

U8-U10 Boys and Girls Staff

Kelcey Chaidez, Hugh Payne, Crystal Howard, Rosella Kelly, Kevin Unsworth, Lee Callow

BOYS

U11 Boys Elite – Jason Gantt

U11 Boys Premier – Cory Clonce

U12 Boys Elite – Matt Scammacca

U12 Boys Premier – Cory Clonce

U13 Boys Elite – Paul O’Brien

U13 Boys Premier – Lee Callow

U14 Boys Elite – Kelcey Chaidez

U14 Boys Premier – Dennis Belisle

GIRLS

U11 Girls Elite – Joe Black

U11 Girls Premier – Crystal Howard

U12 Girls Elite – Matt Scammacca

U12 Girls Premier – Chris Alcala

U13 Girls Elite – Chris Alcala

U13 Girls Premier – Todd DeCarlo

U14 Girls Elite – Bart Morefield

U14 Girls Premier – Kevin Unsworth

New Staff Coaches Introduced

Placer United Soccer Club is pleased to announce six new coaches. The Club continues to select dedicated professionals to enhance our amazingly talented staff. The Placer United coaching team is the most highly credentialed in the area, boasting two ‘A’, nine ‘B’ and four ‘C’ USSF licensed coaches. Placer United coaching staff are encouraged to continue their coaching education and coaching experience, which ultimately benefits our players.

New Additions

Bart Morefield – USSF National ‘B’ License

Bart has previously coached with Placer United for over eight years and also served as the Director of Coaching. In addition to his club coaching experience, Bart has coached at Yuba College, various high school varsity programs, CYSA ODP and is a CYSA Staff Instructor. Bart continues to work and coach with Steve Sampson, the former U.S. Men’s National Team Coach. We are very fortunate to have Bart back developing our players.

Hugh Payne – UEFA ‘B’ License, NSCAA Advanced National Diploma

Hugh has just arrived on the scene after a long stint in Southern California with the FRAM Soccer Club. Hugh’s expertise in the development of younger players and developing grass roots programs is second to none. In addition to his work with FRAM, Hugh has worked for the LA Galaxy and the Chivas USA in their camp and development programs.

Chris Alcala – USSF National ‘C’ License

Chris is one of the most recognizable coaches among the Sacramento soccer community. He has over 15 years of competitive coaching experience in the region, including a number of years with the Placer United. Chris has coached a number of teams at the high school level in addition to three years as the Sacramento Knights Assistant Coach. Chris is a former CYSA ODP Staff Coach and is the Director of Alcala Soccer Camps.

Rosella Kelly (Guerrero) – NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma and CYSA ‘E’ License

Rosella is a Sacramento native and had an outstanding playing career before beginning her coaching career. She is a graduate of Notre Dame and has earned a variety of awards and honors: 1995 NCAA National Champion, two time All-American, Big East Player of the Year, ND career and single season leader in scoring and has a gold medal from the 1995 Olympic Festival. Rosella has been a trainer for the Eureka, Roseville and Loomis Soccer Clubs for the past ten years and has made the transition to competitive soccer. She will be a tremendous addition for our players.

Cory Clonce – CYSA E/D and NSCAA National Diploma (2011)

Cory returns to the Placer United coaching staff after four years with 49er United in Auburn. Cory served as an assistant Director for the Auburn Soccer Academy. Cory has coached the River City High School programs for the past four years. Cory is also a teacher at Harriet Eddy Middle School in Elk Grove.

Dennis Belisle – NSCAA Advanced National Diploma , USSF National ‘C’ License , and English FA Preliminary Badge

Dennis is the second brand new coach joining Placer United staff this year. He brings with him over twenty years of coaching experience at the youth soccer level, not only in the U.S., but Europe and South America as well. He has coached at the collegiate and high school levels and has been an ODP Coach and Directorof Coaching for the Napa Youth Soccer Club and the Sumitt 7000 Soccer Club. He has also worked as the Editor for Goal International Magazine.

Welcome from the entire Placer United Soccer Club!