Richmond, VA – (Wednesday, October 10, 2007) – The Richmond Kickers U-16 and U-18 US Soccer Development Academy teams recently returned from the Fall Showcase in Carson, California last weekend. Kicking off the inaugural season of the Development Academy, thirty-eight teams from 18 elite clubs and the US Youth National Team participated in the three-day event at the Home Depot Center.
The Showcase wrapped up on Monday, October 8th with the Kickers U-18 boys suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to the US U-17 ‘90/91 Men’s National Team. Scott Caldwell tallied the lone goal of the game in the 32nd minute, finishing a shot by Ben Speas that was deflected by a Kickers defender. With goalkeeper Justin Burnett reacting to the initial shot, Caldwell fired into the empty net. Richmond almost got on the board in the first half when Patrick Innes found himself in alone on goalkeeper Samir Badr, but Badr came out and was able to deflect the ball over the endline.
Meanwhile, the Kickers U-16 Boys were topped, 7-0, by the US U-17 ’92 Men’s National Team. Jack McInerney scored a hat trick to lead the U.S. to victory, beginning the three-goal barrage in the 13th minute. Ten minutes after halftime, Richmond had its best chance of the match when U.S. goalkeeper Brian Sylestre whiffed on a back pass near the top of the box. Forward Jordan Boothe collected the loose ball, cut to his left and then put a low shot on goal, but defender Chase Miller did well to get back in front of the open net and clear the shot off the line.
Earlier in the weekend, the Kickers U-18 Boys battled the Kendall Soccer Coalition of Miami, Florida to a 1-1 draw. Kickers’ Patrick Innes was the first to register with an 11th minute tally. Christian Gonzalez equalized for Kendall in the 80th minute. The Kickers U-16 Boys were defeated 2-1 by Kendall with Ellis Moore registering the Kickers only goal in the 28th minute.
Click HERE for video highlights and game recaps from the Fall Showcase!
What The Kickers Players Are Saying
"Overall the trip to LA was a great experience. Being able to play against some of the best talent in the nation really opened my eyes as to what was out there and helped to develop me as a soccer player. Also, having a player’s lounge and all access pass made me feel like a professional."
"Seeing the level of competitiveness and skill exhibited by the teams we played enabled me to realize what it takes to play at the highest possible level."
"This trip will be one of the best lasting memories of my life. The US Development Academy provided such a great opportunity for our team to grow. Playing the National team opened my eyes to how high of a level of play we can achieve."
"This weekend’s experience in California was a real eye-opener to the competition and talent out there in the world of soccer. I look forward to growing off the experience this weekend and using it to develop my soccer ability to my highest potential."
About the US Soccer Development Academy
The Development Academy teams will compete in three different types of game weekends – individual conference games, travel partner weekends and showcase weekends to provide them with the optimum balance of playing rhythm, economy of travel and exposure to scouts. The competition component of the Academy will feature 60 clubs, representing 23 states and the District of Columbia, plus teams from the US Soccer’s Residency Program, playing at the U-15/16 and U-17/18 age levels.
In a move designed to improve the development environment for players throughout the country, the U.S. Soccer Federation has taken the initiative in formalizing a nationwide development academy. Created to provide players with the best possible opportunity to develop, the U.S. Soccer Development Academy is being initiated after a comprehensive review of player development systems in the United States and around the world. For more information on the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, log on to ussoccer.com.
