Postseason scheduled to open for 32 teams — 18 MLS academies — on Friday USSF Dev. Academy players to watch Along with the playoffs, every team in the Development Academy will descend on Frisco, with the non-playoff teams taking part in a series of showcase games in an effort to get players a chance to play in front of college and pro scouts. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/06/23/dev-academy-notes-playoffs-tap-mls-academies
Dev. Academy Notes: Villareal fires Pateadores to U-18 title LA Galaxy U-16s set up championship date with Union affiliate Two goals by forward Jose Villareal clinched the 2011 Development Academy championship for Pateadores, who won 2-1 against 10-man FC Dallas squad on Friday afternoon in Milwaukee. The championship featured two of the best U-18 teams in the nation, as FC Dallas, one of the top MLS clubs in producing young talent, faced Pateadores, an Orange County, Calif., club that only qualified thanks to two late goals on Wednesday. Other MLS Academies at Finals Week Seattle’s heavy loss on Thursday meant a third-place finish in Group 1, and they’ll take on the North Carolina Fusion on Saturday to wrap up their Finals Week experience. The New York Red Bulls U-18s couldn’t overcome an opening-day loss to the eventual champion Pateadores, and they will aim for a fifth-place finish when they take on Baltimore Bays Chelsea on Friday afternoon. They got the result they need on Thursday, but Real Salt Lake’s U-16s didn’t get the help required to advance to the Finals. Needing a draw between PA Classics and North Carolina Fusion, the Pennsylvania club’s 3-0 win over the Fusion consigned RSL-AZ to a second-place finish in Group 2 and the third-place game. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/07/15/dev-academy-villareal-fires-pateadores-u-18-title
Real Salt Lake hires Vasquez to lead academy program Ex-Chivas USA coach joins Ariz.-based program; FW Agorsor signs LEHI, Utah — Real Salt Lake on Thursday named Martin Vasquez as their head coach and director of soccer operations for the club's RSL-Arizona academy program. Vasquez will also serve as director of soccer for Grande Sports World and Grande Sports Academy in Casa Grande, Ariz., where the RSL academy program is based. Interestingly, Vasquez is the former head coach of Chivas USA, where former RSL academy head Greg Vanney now serves as an assistant coach. Vasquez comes on board after an extensive search following the departure of Vanney. “Real Salt Lake is excited to add a coach of Martin’s caliber to our youth program,” RSL's general manager Garth Lagerwey said in a statement. “We looking forward to working with him to prepare our academy players for the next level.” http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/07/21/real-salt-lake-hires-vasquez-lead-academy-program
Generation adidas U-17 Cup Group A D.C. United Houston Dynamo San Jose Earthquakes Columbus Crew Group B FC Dallas Philadelphia Union Sporting Kansas City Seattle Sounders Group C Chivas USA Toronto FC Colorado Rapids New England Revolution Group D LA Galaxy New York Red Bulls Chicago Fire Real Salt Lake Gen adidas Cup recap: Chivas, DC, LA, FCD win groups Four teams to vie for spot in final of championship bracket FRISCO, Texas — Defending Generation adidas Cup champions D.C. United qualified for the semifinals of the 2011 edition by virtue of a 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes. DC, who won on the ensuing penalty kicks, denied Houston a first-place finishing in Group A with the win, as the Dynamo drew Columbus by a 0-0 score and the Texas club won on penalties. US Under-17 goalkeeper Fernando Piña was a stalwart in goal for Houston in the penalty kicks, but the result still leaves them second in the group and out of the running for the championship. Facing DC in the semifinals are FC Dallas, hosts of this year’s tournament. FCD finished the unbeaten in Group B after winning 3-1 against Seattle Sounders. The other group winners were Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy. Chivas defeated New England 2-0, winning their third group game — the only U-17 side in Frisco to win all three group games — and take top spot in Group C. The Galaxy topped Group D by goal differential, winning 2-0 over Real Salt Lake, earning the semifinal berth through virtue of outscoring the New York Red Bulls, who beat Chicago 2-0 and finished equal on points with LA. http://www.mlssoccer.com/generation...29/chivas-dc-la-dallas-win-groups-u-17-ga-cup
Superclásico brewing in Gen adidas Cup Chivas USA, Galaxy academy teams square off in Friday semifinal The two Southern California sides have been amongst the best teams in the competition. Kevin de la Torre scored all four goals in Chivas USA’s first game of the week, a 4-0 win over the Colorado Rapids on Monday. The young Goats face a challenge in dealing with an extremely talented group of Galaxy players that includes US Under-17 World Cup representatives Mario Rodriguez and Paul Arriola, as well as Justin and Sean Dhillon, members of the Galaxy side that won the US U-16 Development Academy championship The other semifinal will be contested between two top sides: FC Dallas and D.C. United. FCD boast a strong lineup ripe with veterans of the recent U-17 World Cup, including Mexico’s winning 'keeper Richard Sanchez, and US representatives Kellyn Acosta and Alfred Koroma. “They have an advantage playing at home, and they are a team that have also played a long time together,” DC assistant coach Sonny Silooy said of Dallas. http://www.mlssoccer.com/generation...011/07/29/superclásico-brewing-gen-adidas-cup The other 12 U-17 teams that didn’t qualify for the semifinals will be in action in placement games to determine the finishing spots over the course of the weekend. Other Games (all times Central) 6:30 pm Columbus vs. Seattle Sounders 6:30 pm New England vs. Real Salt Lake 6:30 pm San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sporting Kansas City 6:30 pm Colorado Rapids vs. Chicago Fire 6:30 pm Houston vs. Philadelphia 8:30 pm Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls 8:30 pm DC United vs. FC Dallas 8:30 pm Chivas USA vs. LA Galaxy
Galaxy top Chivas, book Sunday date with FC Dallas in U-17 Cup Lively SuperClasico goes to LA, while FCD unseat reigning champions DC Other action on Friday included a frenetic finish between Sporting KC and San Jose. With Sporting down 4-2 with two minutes remaining, Nate Opperman scoring twice in those last two minutes to earn a 4-4 draw — with KC winning 5-4 on penalty kicks. Other U-17 results: Columbus Crew 1, Seattle Sounders 1 (Crew win on PKs, 3-1) Chicago Fire 3, Colorado Rapids 1 Toronto FC 2, New York Red Bulls 1 Real Salt Lake 4, New England Revolution 2 Philadelphia 2, Houston 1 http://www.mlssoccer.com/generation...top-chivas-book-date-hosts-fc-dallas-u-17-cup
GA Cup Recap: Galaxy beat FC Dallas 2-0 for the title Goals from Velasquez, Rodriguez seal it for LA; RBNY win U-15 Showcase FRISCO, Texas — A goal on either side of halftime paced the LA Galaxy to a 2-0 win over FC Dallas in the Under-17 championship at the Generation adidas Cup. Sebastian Velasquez and Mario Rodriguez grabbed the goals, as the Galaxy secured their second major trophy of the summer after winning the USSF Development Academy U-16 Championship at Finals Week earlier in the month. As the busy tournament came to an end, the heat and number of games caught up with the players in Sunday’s final. “Both teams were completely shot today,” LA coach Kenny Arena said. “In this heat, to play five games in seven days, it’s nearly impossible.” http://www.mlssoccer.com/generation.../ga-cup-recap-galaxy-beat-fc-dallas-2-0-title
Former MLSers thrive in club academy coaching roles Recent tournament a chance for ex-players to pass on knowledge Manning the sidelines for each squad were former MLS players — Danny Dichio and Jim Brennan for Toronto FC, and Alecko Eskandarian and Jim Curtin for Philadelphia Union — a growing trend in academy circles around the league. “I think it’s a good thing,” Curtin told MLSsoccer.com of players going the coaching route. “The more ex-players that get involved, the better. It’s a newer league, still unique rules we’re familiar with.” Curtin and Eskandarian (pictured above, at far left and far right, during their playing days) in particular have been working together for only a short time as the latter recently came on as the Union’s youth technical director. The two were teammates at Chivas USA, which helps the adjustment process. “We’re familiar with each other, we challenge each other,” Curtin said. “I’m more the defensive mind, he’s the attacking mind so it’s good.” http://www.mlssoccer.com/generation...mer-mlsers-thrive-club-academy-coaching-roles
Whitecaps Residency developing Canada's future stars "Top-notch academy" program to expand with 3 more categories VANCOUVER, B.C. — While the Vancouver Whitecaps have struggled to find their feet at times in their first MLS season, the club’s future stars have helped Canada’s Under-17 program to one of its best years ever. The Whitecaps Residency program played a big part, and with an expansion scheduled for next month, that contribution to the national setup is set to grow. Things are set to get even better for young players and the Canadian national program — the Whitecaps will be expanding their Residency program in September to include the U-14, U-16 and U-18 categories, in addition to the U-17 and U-19 teams. The program’s expansion — announced back in April — means the number of players in Residency will grow from the current 25 to more than 80 players. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/08/01/whitecaps-residency-developing-canadas-future-stars
DC Academy coaches reflect on Generation adidas Cup Switch to 4-3-3 key change; Robinson, Martin, Foss show potential FRISCO, Texas — A long year for D.C. United’s Academy finally came to an end last weekend with the conclusion of the Generation adidas Cup. From a results perspective, there was mixed news: DC’s U-17s finished fourth, wrapping up the week with a tough 6-0 loss against Chivas USA, while the U-15s managed their only win of the week on Sunday, defeating Houston 2-1. One of the biggest goals of the past week — and the entire season — was to continue to implement the 4-3-3 system at the academy levels, a process that will be overseen by former Ajax player and DC assistant coach Sonny Silooy. “It’s better for the players — I know that because I played it all my life,” Silooy said. “It’s more fun to watch more attacking soccer. We want to be dominant, to play in the half of the opponent.” Of course, this is a plan that can’t be put in place overnight, and in the last half of the Development Academy season, DC made the switch. It led to a rather successful run for both the U-16s and U-18s that came to an end in the Academy playoffs, before attention switched to the Generation adidas Cup last week. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/08/03/dc-academy-coaches-reflect-generation-adidas-cup
Eight standout MLS academy players headed to college With the season weeks away, we look at academies' top prospects A number of top college recruits are affiliated with MLS clubs across the US, and with most preseason camps across the country opening on Wednesday, there were plenty of academy players looking to integrate themselves before the new season starts in two weeks. With that, here are eight players to watch this coming year (MLS academy teams listed in parentheses): F Sean Okoli, Wake Forest (Seattle Sounders FC) A forward/winger who scored 13 goals in 22 games for Seattle’s U-18 side, Okoli is going to be a big addition to Wake Forest’s offense this year as they look to recover from a disappointing 2011. “He's a player with tremendous potential,” Wake Forest coach Jay Vidovich said in a press release. “He has soft feet and the pace to stretch other teams, and also [knows] how to combine with other players.” D Boyd Okuwonu, North Carolina (FC Dallas) FC Dallas’ youth program continues to groom exciting young prospects, and Okuwonu was part of the US U-18 side that competed at the recent Milk Cup. A versatile and athletic defender, Okuwonu can player either in the middle or on the right side of the back line. He’ll compete to start right off the bat. MF Wil Trapp, Akron (Columbus Crew) One of the Crew’s best prospects at the moment, Trapp (above right) is a central midfielder with good technique, athleticism and an innate ability to read the game. He’ll look to play a big part in Akron’s rebuilding project. “I think he's going to excel at Akron and he’s a guy we’re certainly keeping an eye on,” Crew GM Brian Bliss told MLSsoccer.com earlier in the year. D Jack Coleman, Indiana (FC Dallas) The defender and captain of FC Dallas’ U-18 team that came up just short in the Developement Academy Finals should thrive under Todd Yeagley in his freshman year at Indiana. A tough and tenacious defender, he’ll continue to improve at the next level. D/MF Tyler Rudy, Georgetown (D.C. United) Another versatile talent, Rudy will stay local and play at nearby Georgetown after a successful stint with DC’s Academy. Rudy, who can play in central midfield or as an outside back, held his own in a reserve match with DC earlier in the year. GK Keith Cardona, Maryland (New York Red Bulls) With the departure of Zac MacMath to MLS after last fall, Maryland is in need of a new starting goalkeeper, and Red Bulls Academy product Cardona will fight for that chance. A good shot-stopper with a large 6-foot-4 frame, he’ll need to stay healthy in order to take the next step. “Keith is a terrific young goalkeeper with tremendous potential,” head coach Sasho Cirovski said in a press release. "He has all of the qualities necessary to have a big impact in our program." D DeAndre Yedlin, Akron (Seattle Sounders FC) The heir apparent to Houston’s Kofi Sarkodie at right back, Yedlin is another exciting Seattle prospect heading to a big-time program. He’ll join forces at Akron with Caleb Porter, who spotted Yedlin at a US U-18 camp (Porter is an assistant with the U-18s). MF Sean Davis, Duke (New York Red Bulls) A workhorse for New York’s U-18s team last year, Davis is a former US Residency player from Bradenton, Fla., who is part of a loaded recruiting class for Duke. He’ll help the Blue Devils replace the Crew’s Cole Grossman. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/08/11/eight-standout-mls-academy-players-headed-college
Conrad, revamped Chivas academy eye significant progress New-look youth program to preach uniform playing style CARSON, Calif. — Chivas USA’s youth academy is undergoing a major restructuring project and has added some big names to aid in the development. The recently retired Jimmy Conrad has joined the club's academy following the recent merger with the New York Cosmos West program. The longtime MLS defender has taken up an active role alongside the club's new director of youth development, Teddy Chronopoulos. Conrad and Chronopoulos will now oversee a youth program based on a coaching curriculum written by head coach Robin Fraser and assistant coach Greg Vanney. Conrad has put an emphasis on recruiting and the business aspects of the game, but he admits the transition from the field hasn’t always been an easy one http://www.cdchivasusa.com/news/2011/09/conrad-revamped-chivas-academy-eye-significant-progress
Development Academy Winter Showcase gets underway Whitecaps' Alderson one of the early stars; Galaxy sides cruising All 78 of the US Soccer Federation Development Academy teams have descended on Florida this weekend for the annual Winter Showcase. Sixteen MLS Academy programs are represented at the U-16 and U-18 age groups, as well as the youth sides associated with the Philadelphia Union’s program. Bringing the teams together allow MLS youth sides from different corners of the country to test themselves against the continent's best. While no trophies are handed out over the five days of action, there’s still been a lot of early success for the MLS teams who faced other DA clubs over the past couple of days. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/12/03/development-academy-winter-showcase-gets-underway
US Soccer Development Academy shifts to int'l calendar one US league that’s shifting to the international calendar. On Friday the US Soccer Development Academy, the elite competition for youth players around the country, announced it will be moving to a September-June season beginning with the 2012-2013 campaign, spreading matches across 10 months. “This is the model that the best countries around the world use for their programs, and I think it makes perfect sense that we do as well,” said US national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann in a US Soccer statement. “The Development Academy 10-month season is the right formula and provides a good balance between training time and playing competitive matches.” There are 15 MLS academies currently participating in the US Soccer Development Academy program: Frontier Division: Colorado Rapids, Sporting Kansas City Great Lakes Division: Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew Texas Division: FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo Liberty Division: New York Red Bulls Mid-Atlantic Division: D.C. United Northeast Division: New England Revolution Northwest Division: Seattle Sounders, Vancouver 'Caps, San Jose 'Quakes SoCal Division: Chivas USA, LA Galaxy, RSL Arizona http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/02/10/us-soccer-development-academy-shifts-intl-calendar
http://academy.demosphere.com/Schedules/index_E.html CHICAGO – The Montreal Impact and Portland Timbers have been selected to join the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, Tuesday, following an extensive review process. The Impact U18 and U16 teams will join the Academy for the start of the 2012-13 season. "This is excellent news for the club as this championship groups the best clubs in all of North America and MLS," declared the director of the Impact Academy Philippe Eullaffroy. "This league will be an excellent developmental tool for the U16 and U18 teams, an excellent transition for the U21 level and a source of additional motivation for the U14s. This league will help develop our players so that they may succeed at the pro level http://www.impactmontreal.com/en/ne...act-join-development-academy-2012-2013-season
Future All-Stars? Five standouts of USSF Academy Finals HOUSTON – In Philadelphia, they're celebrating the MLS All-Stars of the present. This past week here in south Texas, they're minting the All-Stars of the future. Youth was on display this past week at the Houston Amateur Sports Park, where US Soccer held their Academy Finals for the last eight days in front of hordes of fans and scouts. And with the FC Dallas U-18s and the New York Red Bulls U-16s making it an MLS sweep on the team side, here are five players, plus one, who stood out. Maybe they'll be gracing the field at the 2017 MLS All-Star Game... http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/07/24/future-all-stars-five-standouts-ussf-academy-finals
MLS announces partnership with French Football Federation Major League Soccer and the French Football Federation (FFF) have announced a partnership aimed at providing MLS academy coaches with world class training through a 16-month development course and earning their Elite Formation Coaching License. The FFF will host the MLS delegation at its Clairefontaine national training facility and guide the youth directors through the same program as the one it provides its domestic coaches; however, the EFCL program will include customized features developed by MLS, the United States Soccer Federation and the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA). "We are incredibly excited about this new partnership with the French Football Federation,” said MLS executive vice president of player relations & competition Todd Durbin in a statement. "As part of our vision to be among the top leagues in the world by 2022, we are committed to becoming leaders in the area of player development. This initiative will provide an important learning opportunity for MLS youth academies." http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...ounces-partnership-french-football-federation
Development Academy playoff groups announced On Monday, U.S. Soccer conducted the draw for the 2012-13 Development Academy playoffs, which will kick off on June 24 in Frisco, Texas. Thirty-two teams, as determined by placement in division and Wildcard standings, were placed into eight groups for each age group. U18 Playoff Groups Group 1: Vancouver Whitecaps FC, PA Classics, Houston Dynamo, Chicago Fire Group 2: PDA, Seattle Sounders, Real So Cal, IMG Academy Group 3: Albertson SC, FC Dallas, Crew Soccer Academy, Concorde Fire Group 4: New York Red Bulls, Weston FC, Chicago Magic PSG, Irvine Strikers Group 5: Shattuck-Saint Mary's Soccer Academy, Solar Chelsea SC, Kendall SC, Pateadores Group 6: LA Galaxy, New England Revolution, Dallas Texans, San Jose Earthquakes Group 7: Baltimore Bays Chelsea, Indiana Fire Academy, Chivas USA, De Anza Force Group 8: Real Salt Lake-Arizona, D.C. United CASL Chelsea FC Academy, St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missiouri U16 Playoff Groups Group 1: De Anza Force, Chicago Fire, Georgia United, Arsenal FC Group 2: Baltimore Bays Chelsea, CASL Chelsea FC Academy, Colorado Rapids, Revolution Empire Group 3: Solar Chelsea SC, D.C. United, FC Bolts Celtic, Chicago Magic PSG Group 4: Crew Soccer Academy Wolves, Sounders Academy, Real So Cal, Orlando City SC Group 5: PDA, Albertson SC, Crossfire Premier, Texas Rush Group 6: FC Dallas, Real Salt Lake-Arizona, FC Delco, Sockers FC Group 7: New York Red Bulls, Houston Dynamo, Concorde Fire, PA Classics Group 8: Chivas USA, Oakwood SC, Texans SC Houston, South Carolina United Battery Academy http://www.reddit.com/tb/1gju2f
