In a perfect world coaches at the Grande Sports Academy home of Real Salt Lake Arizona Academy would love to bring every single player to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Playoffs that will be held in Dallas in two weeks. Unfortunately rosters are limited and coaches can only bring a set amount of players. Players who will not be making the trip spoke to GSA after the U-18, 8-2, season finale victory over Arsenal FC.
GSA –You scored a goal in your final game, what was that like?
Eric Gonzalez (3-year academy player) – “It was fun, I had to get a goal because I’ve been here for three years and I haven’t scored a single goal. So I went out looking for it and thankfully it happened. It’s nice to go out with a victory and a goal.”
GSA –Thoughts on leaving the academy?
Eric Gonzalez – “It’s exciting because I’m going off to college but it’s also bittersweet. I’m done here, I grew up here and I’ve matured as a player and a person at this place. I owe a lot to it so leaving is always a little tough.”
GSA – Scoring two goals in your last academy game, how does it feel leaving on a good note?
Amer Sasivarevic (1-year academy player) – “I just feel really happy that I scored to help my team get that 8-2 win. I couldn’t ask for anything else. I just feel really happy right now.”
GSA – Last academy game, what are your thoughts?
Haedan Turner (2-year academy player) – It’s been a long run and I’ve worked really hard for this opportunity. Really happy that I got to be a part of the team for the last moments and you could on see the scoreline we did really well today. I’m really happy.”
GSA – Last game how does it feel?
Brandon Johnston (1-year academy player) – “Well I’m glad I got rostered because I worked hard the week before the game and it paid off. I went in for about 10 minutes, I put in a good effort and I’m happy with the way everything ended up.”
GSA – Two goals in final game how does it feel?
Kostas Kotselas (1-year academy player) – “The whole season was a great experience playing with the team and the unity was “As One” like our motto says. I’m going to miss everything and the experience. It was a once in a lifetime chance spending 10 months with the team and I’m going to definitely miss everything that has happened here.”