Around the U.S. Soccer Development Academy
See below for a look at some of the top headlines around the U.S. Soccer Development Academy this week, along with an update on the league leaders and top match-ups coming up this weekend.
Headlines
Pulisic, just a 17-year-old, entered in the 81st minute of the USMNT’s victory over Guatemala on Tuesday night. After playing in the PA Classics academy system growing up, the Hershey, Pennsylvania, native now plays for Borussia Dortmund of Bundesliga, the top soccer club in Germany.
U.S. U-17 MNT wins International Tournament
For the first time since 1992, the U.S. won the International Tournament in Montaigu, France. The team did so with wins over Northern Ireland, Peru and Morocco before defeat the host country in the championship. Trailing 2-1 in the second half, Weston FC U15/16 forward George Acosta netted two goals to give his team a lead it would not relinquish.
MLS Academy sides competed against some of the world’s top clubs in the Generation Adidas Cup last week. Check out recaps from several of the attending MLS Academies, including Seattle Sounders FC, Philadelphia Union, New England Revolution, Chicago Fire, New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC and Sporting Kansas City.
Steven Gerrard runs LA Galaxy Academy U-18’s training sessions
Steven Gerrard has made no secret of his intention to go into coaching once his illustrious career is finally over, and last week, he had an a unique opportunity to lead a few training sessions with the LA Galaxy Academy’s U-18 squad.
NC Fusion U-14, U-15 players travel to Spain
Players from the NC Fusion U-14 and U-15 Development Academy teams are in Spain this week for an international tour a chance to play against some European competition.
Day 6: 7:00pm kickoff against Atlético Madrid International Academy ended in a scoreless 0-0 tie. #FusionInSpain pic.twitter.com/y8uc5LVl1g
— NC Fusion (@NC_Fusion) March 31, 2016
Most Goals scored
Capital Area Railhawks U17/18 (73 goals scored)
Capital Area Railhawks’ offensive explosion this season has led it to a 16-6-2 record and the second spot in the Southeast Division. Alex Rose, who earned Eastern Conference Player of the Year for the U15/16 age group last season, leads the squad with 16 goals. Colby Agu (nine goals) and Josh Coan, Jeremy Kelly and Josh Walden (eight goals each) have had been highly productive as well.
Top five
1. Capital Area Railhawks U17/18 (73)
2. LA Galaxy U15/16 (71)
3. Kendall SC (65)
T4. Vancouver Whitecaps FC U17/18 (62)
T4. Vancouver Whitecaps U15/16 (62)
Fewest Goals Allowed
BW Gottschee Academy U17/18 (5 goals allowed)
BW Gottschee’s ability to shut down opponents’ attacks is a significant reason this team is 16-1 and holds the top spot in the Academy’s U17/18 Division. Goalkeeper Matthew Dabrowski has led the defensive unit, while Sean McGowan paces the offensive unit and has scored 11 goals. BW Gottschee Academy has 13 shutouts this season.
Top five
1. BW Gottschee Academy U17/18 (5)
T2. FC Dallas U17/18 (10)
T2. Vardar U17/18 (10)
T2. Chicago Fire U17/18 (10)
5. Sockers FC U15/16 (11)
Top Match-Ups This Weekend (U15/16)
Dallas Texans (7-6-3) @ FC Dallas (15-2-0) – Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
This is an in-state battle between the Academy’s top team and a squad trying to stay in the midst of the playoff picture. FC is currently on a seven-game winning streak, its last loss coming Dec. 5 against Real Salt Lake AZ. Jesus Ferreira leads the team with 13 goals. Dallas Texans, meanwhile, is the 11th wild card team at the moment, so an upset win over FC Dallas would be another step toward a postseason berth. However, Dallas Texans have one win in its past six matches.
PA Classics (8-6-2) @ Philadelphia Union (11-3-3) – Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
Philadelphia Union sits three points behind New York Red Bulls for the top spot in the Atlantic Division standings. Using a balanced scoring attack, the Union have won three straight. PA Classics, meanwhile, are a spot behind the Union in the league but still in the playoff mix.
Top Match-Ups This Weekend (U17/18)
Seattle Sounders (11-4-6) @ Sacramento Republic FC (13-4-5) – Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
In what may be the best Academy game of the weekend, two of the top teams in the Northwest Division battle it out with the hopes of closing the gap between them and Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-17/18. Sacramento Republic FC is winners of five straight and features Joseph Restani, who has scored eight goals. Johnny Reynolds has scored one less for a Seattle Sounders team that holds the No. 19 playoff seed and the third spot in the highly competitive Northwest Division.
New York Red Bulls (11-3-2) @ Players Development Academy (11-3-5) – Sunday at 12 p.m.
New York Red Bulls, the top team in the Atlantic Division, will have its hands full this weekend when it goes up against Players Development Academy, which sits just below Red Bulls in the standings in terms of points per games played. Red Bulls will hope to contain Isaiah Young, who has scored eight goals, while contain Chaz Burnett, who found the back of the net six times. Brian Saramago leads the Red Bulls with nine goals.
