Placer United U13B 02 Black – Davis Classico Mother’s Day Tournament Finalists

This weekend saw the Placer U13B 02 Black take 2nd at the Davis Classico Mother’s Day edition tournament, in the League 1 Division.

Throughout Spring League, this team has been battling a number of first teams from around the region. It has been a big learning experience and has paid off at tournament time.

In the four games played, Placer scored three goals in each game, beating Ethos 3-0, Folsom 3-1, and Davis 3-1. The boy’s only loss came in the first game against the Idaho Rush. Placer had the lead early but Idaho squad was relentless and came back for a 4-3 victory.

The disappointment of losing this game fueled the remainder of the tournament as Placer looked to control each game, scoring early (35 seconds in the 1st half against Ethos), and being more responsible on defense. Although the boys tied with Idaho at top of the group, Placer’s loss in the head-to-head game resulted in 2nd place. A morale boosting, exciting weekend is just what this team needed, showing players, parents, and coach, that this team is capable of enjoying success and just how much the boys have grown in a short few months. Onwards and upwards…Go Placer!

The 2015 CIF Sac-Joaquin section finals are Saturday, May 16th at Costumes Oaks in Elk Grove. Placer United coaches, players and families will be out there in force. On show at the sectional finals will be three Placer United coaches and 22 Placer United players.

The Division I final with girls power house St. Francis features Placer Coach Justin Boyer and Placer players Allie Carmickle, Haley Harbour, Anna Gregg as they face off against Franklin High School at 4:00 p.m.

In the highly anticipated Division II final, defending champions, the Del Oro Golden Eagles meet up with local rivals Rocklin Thunder at 2:00 p.m. Placer United will be represented by coaches Ron Benjamin and Matt Scammacca and the following Placer United players: Kayleen Cendana, Emily Curry, Taylor Evinger, Rachel Gensch, Aubrey Goodwill, Abby Huizenga, Alex Jenkins, Alyssa Leaman, Madison Leonard, Paige Martinsen, Teagan Matye, Kirsten Robinson, Sylvia Sloss, Lindsay Erl, Faith Holloway, Megan Kuo, and Emily Lemos.

Representing Placer United in the Division IV final will be Sarah Jeffries of Placer High School when they battle Woodland at 12:00 p.m

The opening game of the day is the Division VI final at 10:00 a.m. with Placer United’s Abby Michealsen of Capital Christian competing against Modesto Christian.

We wish all our players and coaches the best of luck on Saturday.

Go Placer !

(l-r) Coach Matt McDougall, Ireland Women’s Team Head Coach Sue Ronan, Coach Paul O’Brien, Ireland Women’s Team Assistant Coach Tom O’Connor

Placer United coaches Paul O Brien and Matt McDougall joined up with the Ireland Women’s National team as they prepared for Sunday’s big game against team USA at the home of the San Jose Earthquakes. 

Coach Paul talks with FIFA World Goal of the Year nominee Stephanie Roche

Last week Coach Paul received a phone call from Ireland’s Head Coach Sue Ronan who invited Paul to help out at the Irish team’s training sessions leading up to the game.

Coach Paul O’Brien with Ireland’s goalkeepers Niamh Reid Burke (left) and Charlotte McCormack (right)

The coaching opportunity presented itself  when one of Coach Ron Benjamin’s former youth soccer players, Irish striker Fiona O’Sullivan mentioned to Ron that the Irish squad was looking for someone to help out while the team trained in Northern California. Ron gave Paul’s information to Fiona who passed it along to the Ireland coaching staff. Early Monday morning Head Coach Sue Ronan called Paul and chatted about his back round, coaching experience and credentials. At the end of the call, Sue invited Paul along with goalkeeper coach, Matt McDougall, to join up the Irish squad on Thursday afternoon when they arrived from Ireland.

Coach Matt McDougall finishes warming up Irish goalkeeper Niamh Reid Burke

Coach Matt said “It’s been a tremendous experience to be involved on the international stage and with such elite women athletes. I’m looking forward to and bringing all the new experiences back to Placer United”

Great job guys!

Coach Matt McDougall

A mainstay in competitive youth soccer and the college soccer scene, Coach Matt McDougall has officially been named the new Director of Goalkeeping for Placer United Soccer Club. Matt, a former indoor professional and collegiate all conference player, will lead Placer’s goalkeepers and help develop them to reach their full potential. Matt holds a NSCAA Advanced National Diploma in addition to a NSCAA Level 3 Goalkeeping Diploma.

“We are over the moon about Matt McDougall,” said an enthusiastic Paul O’Brien, Director of Soccer Operations. “Not only does he bring division one college-level expertise to our successful goalkeeping program, Matt has played at the professional level and will be a asset to all our goalkeepers.”

Matt graduated from Sacramento State in 2006 with a degree in business administration and marketing.  After college, he coached with the San Juan Soccer Club from 2006-2013 before joining Placer United in 2013.  Matt is also the assistant head coach and goalkeeper coach at Sac State since 2006.

“Matt’s expertise lies in the goalkeeping position, game management, match analysis, and on-field training,” Placer’s Director of Coaching, Ron Benjamin said.  “We look to him to continue the great success and legacy of our fearless leaders in between the pipes.”  Placer United’s development of goalkeepers over the past 20 years has been unmatched with keepers moving on to the collegiate level, as well as keepers selected for youth and full senior national teams.

“The goalkeeper position is very unique and involves individual development along with being integrated into the team/club philosophies,” said Matt McDougall. “Trainings will be intense, very demanding on techniques and the ability for goalkeepers to play with their feet. This is an exciting opportunity and I look forward to developing the best goalkeepers in the region.”

Matt has been coaching older boys teams within Placer United since 2013.  He brings knowledge, experience, and passion to his new position.

Matt’s Resume

Placer United U15B 00 Gold Wins NorCal NPL Championship hosted in Davis, CA

A big congratulations to the Placer United U15B 00 Gold team who were crowned 2015 NPL Champions League winners. The boys entered the final weekend of the NPL Champions League in second place and knew they would need maximum points from their last two games to bring home Placer United’s third NPL title of the year. And they delivered!

In game one over weekend at the  NPL College Showcase, the boys beat current NorCal State Cup champions and NPL league leaders Santa Clara Sporting 2-0 with goals from Ivan Oseguera and Estaban Zepeda. That huge victory moved the boys into first place with all teams having one more game on Sunday to play.

Going into Sunday’s last round of league games, four teams still had a chance to be crowned champions. So the boys knew anything but a victory against a strong Bay Oaks team would open the door for someone else. When Bay Oaks scored the first goal of the game the door seemed to open but a quick reply from Jordan Vice and then Keegan Ness quickly shut and bolted that door.

When the final whistle sounded the scoreboard read Placer United 2, Bay Oaks 1, the boys clinched the championship of 2015 NPL Champions League.

Great job guys! Your win gives Placer United three 2015 NPL titles.

Congratulations to all!

Go Placer!

Placer United Alumni Player, Johannes DeMarzi (center), Midfielder with San Francisco City FC

CHARLESTON, S.C. (April, 2015) – In its first Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup appearance, San Francisco City FC (formerly Ticket Arsenal FC) will open the 102nd edition of the country’s longest-running national soccer competition by hosting Cal FC, April 25 at 2 p.m. PT at Kezar Stadium.

San Francisco City FC claimed US Club Soccer’s direct qualifying berth to the U.S. Open Cup by defeating Stanislaus United, 3-0, on Jan. 31. That game was the final stage of the US Club Soccer qualifying process in a NorCal Adult Premier Leagues playoff series.

While San Francisco City FC coach Andrew Gardner has aspirations greater than a one-and-done appearance, he recognizes the significance of the appearance itself.

“The fact that we are able to host a US Open Cup match, here at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco is a major success. To be able to bring this level of soccer, to a city with this kind of history behind it, is something so special,” Gardner said. “On the pitch, I am really confident in where we are at as a club and our ability to compete with anyone. With the combination of high-level former college players and recent professionals, I think our soccer can match up with the best of the best. I have my sights set on getting to round two of the Cup. If we are able to go out and establish our ‘city football’ style of play and knock off a couple teams in the play-in and first rounds, I would consider this first trip to the U.S. Open Cup a success.”

San Francisco City FC readies to face Cal FC, a United States Adult Soccer Association representative, in the play-in round of the tournament. Cal FC made a name for itself in the 2012 U.S. Open Cup, when the Eric Wynalda-coached squad defeated the Portland Timbers (MLS) and Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro) en route to the round of 16.

“In the end, while we know they will be a very skilled and organized bunch, their history has certainly added to the motivation of our players and staff to end up on top,” Gardner said. “We want to be that 2015 team to make a run and surprise some larger clubs. Not only do we want it, but we have it within our grasp; it’s now just a matter of capitalizing on it.”

Buy tickets to San Francisco City FC vs. Cal FC, April 25 at 2 p.m. PT at Kezar Stadium

The winner of San Francisco City FC/Cal FC advances to the first round, May 13, against Ventura County Fusion (USL PDL) at the Ventura College Sportsplex in Ventura, Calif., at 7 p.m. PT. In addition to the PDL, the first round will also welcome fellow amateur teams from the National Premier Soccer League and other USASA opponents.

A week later, those winners move on to face USL foes (Division III) in second-round showdowns before NASL (Division II) and MLS (Division I) teams join in the third and fourth rounds, respectively. Ultimately, the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championship will be held Sept. 29 or 30 at the home field of one of the finalists.

There are a record 91 total teams participating this year – 47 professional and 44 amateur. The 2015 champion will hoist the historic Dewar Challenge Trophy, earn a berth in the 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions League and claim $250,000.

MLS’s Seattle Sounders FC are the defending U.S. Open Cup champions, having won four times in club history.

This is the fifth year US Club Soccer has sent representatives to compete in the U.S. Open Cup.

Before San Francisco City FC takes the field, Gardner said his advice to the team will be simple. “I will just remind them of everything it has taken to get up to this point – all the way back two years ago when this was just an idea, and we had to battle through some tough things,” Gardner said. “We have not only persevered, but we have found major successes. This is just the next step in getting to where we want to be. We have prepared for it, this amazing city is out here to support us and it’s our time.”

ABOUT US CLUB SOCCER

A National Association member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, US Club Soccer is an organization committed to the development and support of soccer clubs in the United States.

US Club Soccer offers youth and adult registration, league- and cup-based competition platforms at the recreational and competitive levels, as well as a variety of other programming, including the Olympic Development Program-sanctioned id2 Program and Player Development Programs.

Through US Club Soccer, all of a club’s programs – recreational, competitive and adult – are able to be united under one organizational umbrella, creating a “members for life” culture within each club. US Club Soccer is sponsored by Nike.

Erika Garcia

Erika Garcia, Placer United alumni and soon to be graduate of Harvard University, just accepted a position with the Programming and Acquisitions Division at ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut.  She will be joining them in June after graduation in May. “I am so excited about the opportunity with ESPN,” said Erika. “I hope that everyone knows that they have been a part of it;  my childhood soccer teams, Placer United, Harvard soccer, my family, and the family I made along the way – I am very grateful for the background and experiences that they’ve given me. I didn’t do this alone!”

Congratulations Erika!

(l-r) Coach Jason Gantt, FC Dallas Coach Oscar Pareja, Coach Paul O’Brien, FC Dallas Midfielder Ryan Hollingshead

While competing at Dallas Cup with the U18 Boys, Coach Jason Gantt and Coach Paul O’Brien attended an MLS FC Dallas’s morning training session. Jason and Paul watched Placer alumni player Ryan Hollingshead train, as well as met and chatted with FC Dallas legend and head coach Oscar Pareja. 

“It was awesome to see Ryan in action on the training field with Dallas,” said Jason. “It seems like only yesterday when he was training and playing with us. He has come such a long way.”

“It’s really very exciting to see one of our own playing at the highest level,” added Paul. “Ryan’s a great example for all our players at Placer United of how hard work and dedication pays off.”

Go Placer!

Coach Paul O’Brien and Canadian International, Kyle Bekker who Paul worked with at 2013 MLS Combine in Florida

Toyota Stadium, home of MLS FC Dallas

U18B 97 Gold
Dallas Cup Opening Ceremony

After an epic battle and win in game three that resulted in one broken leg and numerous amounts of cuts and bruises, the 97 Boys Gold team lined up against a CZ Elite U19 team from Southern California in the quarterfinal of the 2015 Dallas Cup. 

By kick off time, the local news channels were forecasting winds of up to 30 mph and for once it looked like the weather men got it right. With  the teams now lined up for the walk on, the wind really started to increase and there was no doubt it would impact the game.

The whistle blew, the game started, and straight away Placer attacking midfielder Danny Caravez was flattened by a heavy tackle. Five minutes later Danny was flattened again. It now pretty obvious the CZ team were here to compete and it was plain to see why they hadn’t conceded a single goal in their opening games of tournament.

On minute 20 the first real opportunity of the game fell to CZ’s number 9 and Placer United’s  goalkeeper  Robert Quintero produced an outstanding save to deny them an opening goal. With Placer’s midfield now working really hard to win more tackles in the center of the park, the yellow sub started to gain control of the game and created a few chances. Striker Kristian Heptner had two long range efforts pushed wide by the CZ goalkeeper who was becoming more involved in the game.

Minute 30 produced the first controversial moment of the game. Midfielder and Captain KikI Guzman launched a trademark throw into the CZ box. Striker Heptner lost his marker in the box and ran and jumped to attack the ball only to be rugby tackled to the ground, no call.

Minute 35 produced another controversial moment. Again Captain Kiki launched a throw in. The CZ goalkeeper leapt to catch the ball but somehow misjudged it in the wind and the ball seemed to strike him go into the open net. As the submariners peeled away in celebration, the referee ran towards the lineman on the opposite side who said the goalkeeper didn’t touch the ball so the goal was disallowed.

At half time, the game was 0-0 and center back Isaul Bautista was taken to the medical tent with a suspected concussion from a late and heavy hit after clearing a ball just before the whistle sounded.

Ten minutes into the second half, midfielder Danny Caravez had to leave the game as a result of another heavy challenge. With the boys now defending against the wind, the pressure was mounting and the intensity was growing. It was time to stand up and be counted.

On minute 75, the moment we all feared happened. CZ crossed a ball into the box which changed direction in the wind and crashed against the back post. As the Placer backs twisted round to clear the ball, a CZ striker swung his foot, miss hit the ball and it rolled slowly but surely across the line. 1- 0  to CZ with 15 minutes left.

Having come back in the final of big games before, no one was ready to panic just yet. A change in personnel would surely create  a chance. On minute 85, a chance was created but was rolled an inch too wide of the back post. On minute 91, striker Heptner got open and  chested down a cross inside the 18 yard box. He spun quickly and shot. For that few milliseconds, time seemed to stop, as everybody stood and stared intensely waiting to see the net move, but unfortunately the ball again rolled agonizingly wide.

When the whistle finally sounded and the curtain came down, it was a pretty emotional moment for all, as this was the last road trip for the Placer United 97 Boys Gold team.

The boys had put in another tremendous effort  competing against some of the top clubs and teams on the world stage at the 2015 Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup.

Go Placer!