PREVIEW: USYS National League Oceanside Event to feature 14U-19U Boys action

The best of the US Youth Soccer National League are descending on Oceanside, Calif., this week, as 116 boys teams and 104 girls teams compete in National League P.R.O. action. (EVENT HOMEPAGE)

The action in Oceanside features teams in the 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U and 19U age groups playing in a one-of-a-kind event format that matches club-based and team-based sides against each other to compete for advancement to this summer’s USYS National Championships.

All teams earned their place in National League P.R.O. through their performances at their respective playoff events earlier this season. With so many proven sides, there will be plenty of talent featuring in each game in Oceanside.

See below for a rundown of the 14U-19U Boys Divisions.

14U BOYS

CHAMPIONS POOL

Each group winner from the Conference Playoffs secured the maximum possible points during play in Orlando, led by The Football Academy 2010 Boys Black (NJ) and a string of three clean sheets that saw it outscore its opponents, 8-to-0. Sporting Columbus Boys 2010 (OH) also compiled a plus-8 goal differential in three victories, while Team Challenger FC B10 Black (OH) and Barca Academy Pro Miami B2010 (FL) both each managed to win all three games in Orlando.

At the Elite 64 Playoffs, Laguna United 10 Elite 64 (CA-S) impressed on its way to winning the champions pool title. The California side shut out its opponents in each of its three wins while scoring 12 total goals.

SILVER POOL

A couple of high-scoring sides to keep an eye on in this group play format will be Chicago Magic 2010 (IL) and CCV Stars 10 Elite 64 (AZ). Chicago recorded 10 goals in Orlando — tied for the most of any qualifiers coming to Oceanside from the Conference Playoffs. Meanwhile, CCV won each game at the Elite 64 Playoffs, as it scored four goals in each of its first two games before winning on penalties in its final contest.

WILDCARD POOL

FBSL Tuzos Academy 2010 (AZ) won all three of its wildcard group games in November at the Elite 64 Playoffs to secure its place at National League P.R.O. Meanwhile, NW United 10B Elite 64 (WA) also impressed at the Elite 64 Playoffs with two dominant wins and a narrow defeat in penalties.

US YOUTH SOCCER ODP PLAYERS
The following players made the most recent rosters for US Youth Soccer ODP Interregional teams and ODP National Teams.

2010 ODP Interregional Teams
East Region – Aavik Akarte (The Football Academy 2010 Boys Black)
Midwest Region – Campbell Owens (Sporting Columbus Boys 2010)
Midwest Region – Connor Britt (Team Challenger FC B10 Black)

2010 ODP National Team
Midwest Region – Campbell Owens (Sporting Columbus Boys 2010)

PROSCORE PLAYERS TO WATCH
Video clips and descriptions provided by ProScore.

Samuel Morales (Midfielder – Sparta United)
Morales was a standout midfielder at the Elite 64 Playoffs, scoring twice. He’s also played up an age group this season, which is another indication of his talent.

(Video Highlight)

Connor Britt (Midfielder – Team Challenger FC North)
Britt produced a high number of positive actions at the Conference Playoffs, earning 70 ProScore highlights across three games. He’s very comfortable on the ball and works hard in defense.

(Video Highlight)

15U BOYS

CHAMPIONS POOL

As the lone team in the age group to win all three of its games at the Conference Playoffs, KC Legends 2009 Academy Red (KS) will be looking to pick up right where it left off when it travels to Oceanside. Kansas City was strong at both ends, as it scored 13 goals while conceding just two.

Raiders FC 2009 (IL) led a pack of teams that secured two wins and a draw during the action in Orlando, as the Illinois side scored nine times while allowing just one goal at the Conference Playoffs.

At the Elite 64 Playoffs, Los Angeles Soccer Club 09 Elite 64 (CA-S) ran the table in the champions pool to claim the playoff title. The LA side began that event with a dominant victory and earned a 2-0 shutout in the final.

SILVER POOL

Despite finishing second in its group at the Conference Playoffs, Elite 2009 Black (FL) presented plenty of problems for opponents. The Florida side was the top-scoring team in its group and came up just one goal short in its matchup against the group winner. Chicago Magic PSG 2009 (IL) followed an identical path, as its high-scoring attack came just one goal short of winning its Conference Playoffs group. Both will be teams to keep an eye on in Oceanside.

East County Surf 09 Elite 64 (CA-S) showed its resiliency at the Elite 64 Playoffs, as it overcame an opening loss to post back-to-back shutout victories — building momentum that it hopes to maintain in Oceanside.

WILDCARD POOL

FBSL Tuzos-Playmakers 09B Elite 64 (AZ) ran the table at the Elite 64 Playoffs, as it earned three straight shutout victories to claim the wildcard pool’s berth to National League P.R.O. The Arizona side will look to continue that form in pursuit of a place at the National Championships. AYSO United Elite 64 09 (CA-S) also gained valuable experience during November’s action in Arizona, as it won a pair of tight games and fell in a lengthy penalty shootout in in its last silver pool match.

US YOUTH SOCCER ODP PLAYERS
The following players made the most recent rosters for US Youth Soccer ODP Interregional teams and ODP National Teams.

2009 ODP Interregional Teams
Midwest Region – Cruz Garcia (KC Legends 2009 Academy Red)
South Region – Draven Sanchez (Elite Soccer Academy 2009 Black)
South Region – Sebastian Guerra (Imperial SC 09B NLFC)
West Region – Logan Molyneux (Tuzos Playmakers 09B Elite 64)

2009 ODP National Team
South Region – Draven Sanchez (Elite Soccer Academy 2009 Black)
South Region – Sebastian Guerra (Imperial SC 09B NLFC)

PROSCORE PLAYERS TO WATCH
Video clips and descriptions provided by ProScore.

Brody Williams (Midfielder – Barca Academy Chicago)
Williams possesses excellent game intelligence, dribbling skills and vision. He’s also a composed penalty taker and isn’t afraid to shoot from distance.

(Video Highlight)

Harrison Fasel (Forward – KC Legends)
Fasel was in prolific scoring form for a KC Legends team that earned three impressive results at the Conference Playoffs. He’s composed in 1v1 situations, and his pace makes him a threat on the counter attack.

(Video Highlight)

16U BOYS

CHAMPIONS POOL

Four teams went a perfect 3-0-0 at the Conference Playoffs. Spire FC 2008 (OH) compiled the best goal differential of the three-win sides by outscoring opponents by nine total goals in Orlando. Meanwhile, Kansas Rush Academy 08 (KS) kept three clean sheets while displaying organized defensive efforts. AC Brea 08 (CA-S) and Washington Rush B08 NL (WA) round out the 3-0-0 group winners, as they’ll join Spire and Kansas Rush in the pursuit of berths to Nationals during the action in Oceanside.

Strikers FC North 08 Elite 64 (CA-S) is another team to watch in the champions pool, after it ran the table to win the title at the Elite 64 Playoffs. That means Strikers has valuable experience at earning results in the same tournament format it will encounter at National League P.R.O.

SILVER POOL

CCV Stars 08B Elite 64 (AZ) will be aiming to regain its form from the Elite 64 Playoffs, where it won all three of its silver pool games to earn its place in National League P.R.O. The Arizona side stronger as the playoffs progressed, as it increased its goals in each game while keeping three clean sheets.

Elsewhere, Columbus United B08 Lions (OH) came one 1-0 defeat away from winning its group at the Conference Playoffs. The Ohio side will aim to get improve on that performance when it competes in the Silver Pool.

WILDCARD POOL

Stout defensive efforts helped Croatian Eagles Red 2008 (WI) win the Wildcard Pool at the Elite 64 Playoffs, which allowed it to advance to National League P.R.O. The Wisconsin earned three shutouts during play in Arizona, and a similar effort in Oceanside would go a long way in its pursuit of a berth to Nationals.

US YOUTH SOCCER ODP PLAYERS
The following players made the most recent rosters for US Youth Soccer ODP Interregional teams and ODP National Teams.

2009 ODP Interregional Teams
Midwest Region – Alex Moni (MFA Revolution GR 08B Elite)

2008 ODP Interregional Teams
East Region – Ali Mirza (Seacoast United Bedford 2008 Elite Boys)
East Region – Austin Tyler (Matrix Mavens 08)
Midwest Region – Donovan Moore (Columbus United B’08 Lions)
Midwest Region – Magnus Meyer (MFA Revolution GR 08B Elite)
Midwest Region – Colin Alvarez (Columbus United B’08 Lions)
West Region – Edwin Carbajal Marquez (AC Brea B08)

2008 ODP National Team
Midwest Region – Magnus Meyer (MFA Revolution GR 08B Elite)
West Region – Edwin Carbajal Marquez (AC Brea B08)

PROSCORE PLAYERS TO WATCH
Video clips and descriptions provided by ProScore.

Carson Sagely (Forward – AC Brea)
Sagely is a natural goalscorer who struck six times at the Conference Playoffs. He finishes ruthlessly with either foot and will cause headaches for opposition defenses.

(Video Highlight)

Cade Lussier (Midfielder – Strikers FC North)
Lussier is a creative attacking midfielder with excellent dribbling skills and an impressive passing range. He scored three goals, including a game-winner against Sparta United, as Strikers FC North went 3-0 at the Elite 64 Playoffs.

(Video Highlight)

17U BOYS

CHAMPIONS POOL

Hoosier FC 2007 Elite Wolves I (IN) was one of five teams that won all three games en route to winning its group at the Conference Playoffs. The Indiana side’s attack propelled it to the best goal differential of the group winners, as it averaged more than four goals per game. On the other end of the spectrum, BVB 07B Yellow (TX-N) conceded the fewest goals — just one — of any team, as it went 3-0-0 in Orlando.

BVB’s first game in Oceanside will be against Laguna United 07 Elite 64 (CA-S), which won the champions pool title at the Elite 64 Playoffs. Laguna gained valuable experience in tight matches, as its three wins in Arizona were all close and included a penalty shootout victory in the final.

SILVER POOL

As the highest scoring team at the Conference Playoffs, Spire FC 2007 Boys (OH) showed it can be a challenge for any opponent. The Ohio side came up one goal short of winning its group in Orlando, but it will now look to string together wins at National League P.R.O. Utah Soccer Alliance 07B Elite 64 (UT) posted a similar string of results during its time at the Elite 64 Playoffs. USA won two of three games, with its lone loss being a one-goal defeat to the eventual playoff title winners.

WILDCARD POOL

Columbus United ’07 Lions (OH) knows the value of every single goal, as it narrowly won the wildcard pool at the Elite 64 Playoffs. The Ohio side overcame a 1-0 loss to open its weekend in Arizona by winning its next two games — including a 3-0 win to finish the event, which gave it the necessary goal differential to win the pool.

US YOUTH SOCCER ODP PLAYERS
The following players made the most recent rosters for US Youth Soccer ODP Interregional teams and ODP National Teams.

2007 ODP Interregional Teams
Midwest Region – Owen Price (Hoosier FC 2007B Elite Wolves I)
Midwest Region – Ellis Nichols (Hoosier FC 2007B Elite Wolves I)
Midwest Region – Jaxon Buckley (Croatian Eagles Red 2007)
South Region – Cort Laurence (BVB Texas B07 Yellow)

PROSCORE PLAYERS TO WATCH
Video clips and descriptions provided by ProScore.

Beau Smith (Midfielder – Hoosier FC)
Smith bagged four goals at the Conference Playoffs, including a stunning first-half hat trick against PTFC. He was a standout performer for a Hoosier team that won all three of its games to qualify in style.

(Video Highlight)

Sam Trivisonno (Forward – Spire FC)
Trivisonno bagged hat tricks against SJEB and Croatian Eagles at the Conference Playoffs, recording an eye-catching overall tally of seven goals. Defenses beware!

(Video Highlight)

19U BOYS

CHAMPIONS POOL

At the Conference Playoffs in Orlando, FC Bucks Dominion 05B (PA-E) allowed just one goal, as it won each of its three games to top its group. Dominion was one of just two teams — along with Raiders FC 2005 (IL) — to advance to Oceanside after picking up the maximum nine points during the action in Orlando. Raiders picked up its wins using the strengths of both its front and back lines, as it scored four times in two of its victories and earned a shutout in the third.

Another team to watch in Oceanside will be Laguna United 05/06 Elite 64 (CA-S). The Cal South side won all three of its games at the Elite 64 Playoffs, as it claimed the Champions Pool title. It will aim to do the same in another tournament style competition at National League P.R.O.

SILVER POOL

Utah Soccer Alliance 05/06B Elite 64 (UT) knows what it takes to win three straight games and punch a ticket to the next event. It did just that at the Elite 64 Playoffs, as it strung together three victories to win the Champions Pool and secure its spot at National League P.R.O. If it can repeat that performance in Oceanside, its reward will be a berth to the National Championships.

Another Silver Pool team to watch will be MOBA 06 (GA), which went unbeaten at the Conference Playoffs and narrowly missed out on winning its group due to a goal differential tiebreaker.

WILDCARD POOL

After taking part in three games decided by just goal at the Elite 64 Playoffs, CCV Stars 05B Elite 64 (AZ) brings key experience to the Wildcard Pool in Oceanside. CCV won its first two nail-biters in Arizona before a close 1-0 loss in the Wildcard Pool final.

US YOUTH SOCCER ODP PLAYERS
The following players made the most recent rosters for US Youth Soccer ODP Interregional teams and ODP National Teams.

2006 ODP Interregional Teams
Midwest Region – Diego Zarate (Raiders FC 2005)
West Region – Diego Vazquez (Utah Soccer Alliance 05/06B Elite 64)
West Region – David Garcia (Empire Surf 05/06B Elite 64)
West Region – Harrison Figueroa (Utah Soccer Alliance 05/06B Elite 64)
West Region – Ashton Wheeler (Utah Soccer Alliance 05/06B Elite 64)

2006 ODP National Team
West Region – Diego Vazquez (Utah Soccer Alliance 05/06B Elite 64)
West Region – Ashton Wheeler (Utah Soccer Alliance 05/06B Elite 64)

PROSCORE PLAYERS TO WATCH
Video clips and descriptions provided by ProScore.

Jon Fritcher (Midfielder – Utah Soccer Alliance)
Fritcher averaged 20 ProScore highlights per game at the Elite 64 Playoffs. The attacking midfielder demonstrated an impressive range of passing and showed both game awareness and composure to score the opening goal in a 3-0 win over FBSL Tuzos.

(Video Highlight)

Ben Schultheis (Goalkeeper – MOBA Soccer Academy)
Schultheis commanded his area and made an impressive total of 14 saves during the Conference Playoffs. He played a key role as MOBA went unbeaten and conceded just twice.

(Video Highlight)