Alex Valdez – Page 2

Grande Sports Academy stats (U-16/U-18 Academy & Elite)

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – Season stats for the Grande Sports Academy are listed below.

This past weekend marked the midway point for the Real Salt Lake U-16 & U-18 Academy teams. Through 14 USSDA league matches, both RSL Academy teams are the current leaders in the Southwest Division for their respective age groups.

	GP	W	L	T	Pts	GF	GA	Pts/GP
Real Salt Lake AZ U-18	14	10	1	3	33	41	10	2.36
Real Salt Lake AZ U-16	14	11	1	2	35	43	6	2.5

The RSL-AZ U-16 & U-18 Elite teams have shown well in all competitions this season. The U-16s & U-18s won promotion to Division I of the Arizona State League in the fall. Earlier this month the U-16s won back-to-back tournaments: 2014 Desert Classic (Feb. 7-9) and Presidents Day Tournament (Feb. 14-17).

Stats have been compiled with the following matches below:
RSL U-18 Academy: U.S. Soccer Development Academy league play (14 matches)
RSL U-16 Academy: U.S. Soccer Development Academy league play (14 matches)
RSL-AZ U-18 Elite: Tournament play, Arizona State League, Far West Regional (27 matches)
RSL-AZ U-16 Elite: Tournament play, Arizona State League, Far West Regional (35 matches)

Goalkeeper	Clean Sheets
Javi Avelar (U-16 Elite)	1
Luis “Wicho” Barraza (U-18 Academy)	5
Chase Bishov (U-18 Academy)	1
Christian Herrera (U-16 Academy)	9
Miguel Martinez (U-18 Elite)	8
Conor Orton (U-16 Elite)	5
Jared Osgood (U-16 Elite)	2
Marcel Ruzan (U-16 Elite)	4

RSL U-18 Academy	Goals	Assists
Corey Baird	5	3
Matthias Binder	1
Eric Carbajal	9	5
Santi Carrillo	1
Jack Gayton	2	1
Damian German	4	3
Sam Gleadle	7	5
Jose Hernandez	5	5
Brooks Lennon	1	2
Moises Rodriguez		2
Te Wihongi	1	1
Pato Yrizar	1

RSL U-16 Academy	Goals	Assists
Danny Acosta		2
Josh Doughty	5	2
Tyler Feeley		1
Kris “Haiti” Fourcand	1	2
Justen Glad	4
Aaron Herrera		2
Alex Knox		1
Brooks Lennon	1	1
Grant Livingston	1
Terrell Lowe	1	1
Sebastian Saucedo	12	6
Tate Schmitt	5	3
Diego “Diablo” Silva	4	2
Miles Stray	4
Evan Waldrep	1	1
Fahot Yogol	3

RSL-AZ U-18 Elite	Goals	Assists
Victor Alvarez	3	3
Ishan Atit	4	6
Paul Bin	8	3
Matthias Binder	5	7
Kiuno Cann	2
Gavino Carranza	1	1
Nate Deaton	1	1
Adam Ferguson		2
Aaron Herrera		2
Nicholas LaMonica	1
Tevin Lowe	1
Trent Lowe	1	2
Luke Novick	14	3
Radu Marcu	6
Jonathan Min		1
Albert Molina	6	1
Danny Moreno	3	3
Judah Rashirai		1
Jose Tapia	2
Josh Taylor	4

RSL-AZ U-16 Elite	Goals	Assists
Gio Alcocer	5	2
Josh Allison	3	1
Javi Avelar	6	2
Ryan Flood	9	2
Kris “Haiti” Fourcand	4	1
Marcos Hernandez	1
Mikey Lanzetta	5	1
Ricardo Niebla	1
Robby Orona	7
Alejandro Parra	7	16
Patrick Ring	1	1
Diego Robles	17	5
Ethan Shacknai	1	1
Duncan Storey		3
Austin Tucker	5
Alex Valdez		2
Erik “Gallo” Virgen	5	6
Aristotle Zarris	2	1
Zane Zarris		1

Elite Weekend Rewind: RSL-AZ U-16 finish first in age group at Presidents Day Tournament, U-18 finish fourth

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PHOENIX – The RSL-AZ U-16 & U-18 Elite teams traveled up to Phoenix over Presidents Day Weekend to participate in President Day Tournament.

For a full run down on all the weekends action, check out the recaps below

RSL-AZ U-16 Elite

Match #1: RSL-AZ U-16 Elite vs. Cook Inlet SC Velocity 98B Blue (Group Play)

After kicking off Presidents Day Tournament with a less than stellar opening 40 minutes of play in which the RSL-AZ U-16 Elite team found themselves down a goal, a four goal second half outburst carried the U-16s to an opening win and signaled more to come from what would be an impressive weekend. Alejandro Parra opened up his goal tally from a Diego Robles assist. Javi Avelar scored the eventual match winner on a penalty kick after Ryan Flood was taken down in the box. Austin Tucker found the back of the net from a Robles assist and Flood added RSL’s fourth and final goal from a Parra assist.

Match #2: RSL-AZ U-16 Elite vs. Rio SC Red Gunners (Group Play)

RSL-AZ U-16 Elite continued to dominate the opposition scored four more goals against Rio SC Red Gunners in the second match of group play. Diego Robles scored two goals, the first from a Mikey Lanzetta pass and the second from a Ryan Flood through ball. Flood scored RSL’s third goal on a beautiful free kick and Alejandro Parra added a fourth goal from a Zane Zarris assist.

Match #3: RSL-AZ U-16 Elite vs. Trebol SC White (Group Play)

Photo Gallery

RSL-AZ U-16 Elite posted their first shutout and scored a tournament best five goals over Colorado side Trebol SC White. RSL pounded the Trebol SC defense early on with a three goal effort in four minutes, the first goal in the 16th-minute when Austin Tucker won a ball in the midfield. He played to Parra down the wing, who sent a cross to the back post. Mikey Lanzetta chested the ball and finished. Three minutes later Marcos Hernandez to Lanzetta to Parra sprung Robles free in the box. In the 20th-minute Parra cut up the Trebol defense and crossed to Robles for his second goal. Ryan Flood added a second half brace from two Parra assists. With the win the RSL-AZ U-16 team advanced to the U-16 PDT championship.

Match #4: RSL-AZ U-16 Elite vs. Foothills SC 98 (Final)

In the PDT final match, RSL-AZ U-16 Elite jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Mikey Lanzetta collected a loose ball and beat a defender before playing to Alejandro Parra on top of the box. He played a square ball to Ryan Flood who then rifled a shot into the upper-v. The second half was the Diego Robles show, as he capped off an impressive weekend with a hat-trick. He scored his first goal moments into the second half and added a second from an Ethan Shacknai throw-in. The third goal was scored when Lanzetta played to Parra who chipped the backline. Robles ran up and finished the effort.

RSL U-16 Elite Season Stats (Tournament, AZ State League and FWRL: 31 Matches)
Goals: (15) Diego Robles, (9) Ryan Flood, (7) Alejandro Parra, (6) Robby Orona, (5) Mikey Lanzetta, (5) Gallo, (5) Javi Avelar, (5) Austin Tucker, (4) Gio Alcocer, (4) Kris Fourcand (3) Josh Allison, Ethan Shacknai, Marcos Hernandez, Patrick Ring, Aristotle Zarris
Assists: (15) Parra, (6) Gallo, (3) Duncan Storey, (5) Robles, (2) Avelar, (2) Alcocer, (2) Flood, Allison, Alex Valdez, Fourcand, Ring, Lanzetta, Zane Zarris, Shacknai
Clean Sheets: (5) Conor Orton, (4) Marcel Ruzan, Avelar, Jared Osgood

RSL-AZ U-18 Elite

Match #1: RSL-AZ U-18 Elite vs. Arsenal Colorado Royal (Group Play)

The RSL-AZ U-18 Elite team jumped out to an impressive start at the PDT defeating Arsenal Colorado Royal with a three goal second half effort. Jose Tapia scored the first goal and almost recorded a brace, but his piercing free kick was saved, which was then blasted into the back of the net by Like Novick. Paul Bin scored RSL’s third goal from an Adam Ferguson assist.

Match #2: RSL-AZ U-18 Elite vs. Foothills SC 96 (Group Play)

RSL suffered a 0-3 loss in the second match of PFT

Match #3: RSL-AZ U-18 Elite vs. Forza FC 96 Premier (Group Play)

Photo Gallery

RSL-AZ U-18 Elite bounced back and defeated Forza 2-1 with first half goals from Jose Tapia and Danny Moreno. The win moved RSL into the third place match at the PDT

Match #4: RSL-AZ U-18 Elite vs. Croatian Eagles U18 Boys MRL Red (Third Place Match)

In the third place match at PDT, the RSL-AZ U-18 Elite team suffered a 2-1 loss on two defensive errors. Radu Marcu scored the lone goal for the Claret-and-Cobalt on a penalty kick.

RSL U-18 Elite Season Stats (24 matches)
Goals: (14) Luke Novick, (8) Paul Bin, (6) Albert Molina, (6) Radu Marcu, (5) Matthias Binder, (4) Josh Taylor, (4) Ishan Atit, (3) Danny Moreno, (2) Kiuno Cann, (2) Victor Alvarez, (2) Jose Tapia, Trent Lowe, Gavino Carranza, Nate Deaton, Nicholas LaMonica, Tevin Lowe,
Assists: (7) Binder, (6) Atit, (3) Novick, (3) Alvarez, (3) Bin, (3) Moreno, (2) Aaron Herrera,(2) Trent Lowe, (2) Adam Ferguson, Judah Rashirai, Deaton, Jonathan Min, Carranza
Clean Sheets: (8) Miguel Martinez

Photo Gallery: RSL-AZ U-16 Elite vs. Trebol SC (Presidents Day Tournament)

Grande News, Performance News, Real Salt Lake, Soccer Academy

PHOENIX – RSL-AZ U-16 Elite advanced to the U-16 Presidents Day Tournament championship match on Monday morning following their five goal shutout win over Colorado club Trebol SC on Sunday morning.

Goals: (2) Diego Robles, (2) Ryan Flood, Mikey Lanzetta; Alejandro Parra assisted on each goal.

After the match former United States Men’s National Team defender Marcelo Balboa (white t-shirt) shared some words on encouragement with the U-16 team.

U-16 Presidents Day championship match: RSL-AZ U-16 Elite vs. Foothills SC 98, Field #12 at 10:15 AM.

NOTE: Click on one picture and a slider gallery will form

Weekend Rewind: RSL-AZ U-16 Elite win 2014 Desert Classic Tournament

Grande News, Performance News, Real Salt Lake, Soccer Academy

Alejandro Parra, Roby Orona, Diego Robles PHOENIX – The Real Salt Lake – Arizona U-16 Elite team kicked off 2014 by defending its U-16 title at this year’s edition of the Desert Classic Tournament. The U-16s won all three matches played at Reach 11 and outscored opponents 7-2 en route to winning the 2014 U-16 DCT U-16 Gold Group.

For a full run down on all the weekend’s action, check out the capsules below.

Match #1: Saturday, February 8th

RSL-AZ U-16 Elite 2 : Tucson Soccer Academy 1. Goals: Alejandro Parra and Aristotle Zarris (assist: Gallo)
Starting XI: Conor Orton, Patrick Ring, Marcos Hernandez, Ricardo Niebla, Ryan Flood, Gallo, Mikey Lanzetta, Diego Robles, Alejandro Parra, Robby Orona, Gio Alcocer.

Playing in their first match in over 2 months, the RSL-AZ U-16 Elite team jumped out to a promising start with efficient movement and precise attacking into the Tucson Soccer Academy defense. Unfortunately for RSL their efforts went to the wayside when an unmarked TSA player on the backpost scored the opening goal from cross-and-header in the seventh minute.

The U-16s collected themselves and went back to work and almost scored the equalizer in the 16th minute when Erik “Gallo” Virgen played a ball through traffic to a streaking Gio Alcocer. He volleyed a shot that took a bounce off the ground before the TSA ‘keeper jumped up and deterred the chance.

Seven minutes later RSL found the back of the net and equalized the match when Alejandro Parra curled a low screamer around the wall that went though the goalkeeper’s hands and into the back of the net. Ten minutes into the second half, Aristotle Zarris doubled RSL’s lead from a Gallo cross, when he hammered a bouncing ball into the goal from inside the box for his first goal at the Grande Sports Academy.

The U-16s had a few more chances late, but couldn’t extend the lead and closed out the first match at the DCT with a 2-1 win.

Match #2: Saturday, February 8th

RSL-AZ U-16 Elite 3 : Ahwatukee 98 Boys White 0. Goals: Robby Orona, Alejandro Parra (assist: Gio Alcocer) and Diego Robles (assist: Parra)
Starting XI: Conor Orton, Patrick Ring, Marcos Hernandez, Ricardo Niebla, Ryan Flood, Gallo, Mikey Lanzetta, Austin Tucker, Alejandro Parra, Robby Orona, Gio Alcocer.

Looking to shake off a less than impressive opening match, the U-16s came out firing in the opening minutes and jumped out to the lead within moments on Parra cross that went into the box. Alcocer ran up and volleyed a shot. The Ahwatukee ‘keeper got a touch before Robby Orona tapped the ball into the net. RSL doubled their lead in the 9th minute on an aggressive Alcocer run down the left-wing. He sent a long ball to the backpost, which found an unmarked Parra, who calmly took a touch and slotted the ball under the diving goalkeeper.

RSL continued to assert their dominance and added a third goal in the 52nd minute on a brilliantly executed counter from an ill-fated Ahwatukee corner. Austin Tucker collected the ball near the midfield and dribble up the halfway line. He played a through ball to Parra on the wing, who continued to dribble forward before sending Robles on a run. The Ahwatukee goalkeeper ran out, but was steps behind Robles, who finished far post.

RSL moved the ball around with ease after the third goal and closed out the second match with a 3-0 win.

Match #3, Sunday, February 9th

RSL-AZ U-16 Elite 2 : SC del Sol 1. Goals: Josh Allison and Diego Robles
Starting XI: Conor Orton, Patrick Ring, Ricardo Niebla, Ryan Flood, Mikey Lanzetta, Gallo, Austin Tucker, Gio Alcocer, Robby Orona, Alejandro Parra.

In the third and final match at the DCT, the U-16s squared off against a familiar SC del Sol opponent. After 24 minutes opening play, which saw chances limited for both sides, Robles was subbed in a provided an immediate spark from the bench. He and Parra connected in the 31st minute when they dribbled and passed through the SC del Sol defense. Robles fired a shot from the left-wing, which was deflected out by the ‘keeper, but to an unmarked Josh Allison who made sure not to miss from a few yards out.

SC del Sol settled down and was on the fortunate end of an unfortunate clearance by Ethan Shacknai, who went to clear a ball in the box. As he kicked the ball a SC del Sol player ran up and blocked the clearance, which bounced back and into the RSL goal for the equalizer.

However, on the other side of the pitch, the U-16s caught a break in the 57th minute when Alcocer beat a defender down the line and cut into the box before he was tackled from behind. Robles stepped up and converted the penalty for the eventual match winner.

RSL knocked the ball around and limited SC del Sol’s chances en route to a 2-1 win.

Weekend Soccer Rewind: 2013 Nomads Thanksgiving Tournament

Grande News, Performance News, Real Salt Lake, Soccer Academy

SAN DIEGO, Cali. – Playing in their first ever Nomads Thanksgiving Tournament, the Real Salt Lake U-18 and U-16 Elite teams went a combined 4-2-1 and outscored opponents 16-5 in seven matches. The U-18 Elite team shook off a less than stellar performance in their opening match and closed out the tournament with consecutive shutouts while the U-16 Elite team went undefeated in group play and advanced to the quarterfinals.

For a full run down on all the weekend’s action, check out the recaps below.

U-18 Elite

Match #1 (group play) vs. Strikers FC Whittier – McManus

The Real Salt Lake U-18 Elite team kicked off the tournament with the perfect start, scoring just four minutes into the match when Danny Moreno cleaned up and finished a deflection from an Albert Molina shot. Unfortunately for RSL they couldn’t maintain the start, as the defensive allowed two goals in quick succession halfway through the first half. Strikers FC Whittier put the game on ice in the 56th-minute when they doubled their lead and put the match out of RSL’s reach.

Match #2 (group play) vs. San Diego United

Looking to put the opening group loss behind them, the Real Salt Lake U-18 Elite team wanted to win big in the second match and unfortunately for San Diego United they were matched up against a motivated RSL.

One of those motivated players was Ishan Atit, who turned in one his best performances for the Claret-and-Cobalt, as he assisted on four goals and recorded a brace in a 7-0 win over San Diego United. Paul Bin scored two first half goals; the first from an Atit cross in the 3rd-minute and the second from an Atit long ball in the 35th-minute. Bin returned the favor on RSL’s second goal, when his low cross was converted by Atit. Atit’s second goal came right before the break when he dribbled two players and finished far post.

Atit connected with Luke Novick twice in the match. The first in the 21st-minute when he played a clever through ball to Novick and the second in the 60th-minute. RSL scored their final goal in the 62nd-minute when Jonathan Min lofted a ball over the goalkeeper, which allowed Novick to storm the goal and finish off his impressive performance with a hat-trick.

Match #3 (group play) vs. Inter FC 96 Premier

Heading into the final match, the U-18s needed a win and help to advance to the quarterfinals. Atit’s impressive form extended into this match, when he whipped in a corner, which found Albert Molina for RSL’s opening goal in the 12th-minute. RSL doubled their lead on another corner 20 minutes later when Luke Novick converted a Danny Moreno cross. Novick wrapped up his outstanding weekend on an individual effort in the 40th-minute for his fifth goal in the tournament. RSL defeated Inter 3-0, but were eliminated from group play and did not qualify for the lone wildcard spot, which ended their tournament run.

RSL U-18 Elite Season Stats (20 matches)
Goals: (13) Luke Novick, (7) Paul Bin, (6) Albert Molina, (5) Matthias Binder, (5) Radu Marcu, (4) Josh Taylor, (4) Ishan Atit, (2) Kiuno Cann, (2) Victor Alvarez, (2) Danny Moreno, Trent Lowe, Gavino Carranza, Nate Deaton, Nicholas LaMonica, Tevin Lowe
Assists: (7) Binder, (6) Atit, (3) Novick, (3) Alvarez, (3) Bin, (3) Moreno, (2) Aaron Herrera,(2) Trent Lowe, Carranza, Adam Ferguson, Judah Rashirai, Deaton, Jonathan Min
Clean Sheets: (7) Miguel Martinez

U-16 Elite

Match #1 (group play) vs. Placer Utd 98B Red

The Real Salt Lake U-16 Elite team jumped out to an early lead against Placer United when Chris Fourcand’s sustained pressure saw him strip the final defender in the 4th-minute and finish the effort. Mikey Lanzetta scored one of the best goals a Grande Sports Academy player will score this year in the 42nd-minute when curved a free kick from 28-yards out around the Placer wall into the upper 90. Lanzetta’s goal became the match winner for RSL, as they conceded a late own goal in the 2-1 opening win.

Match #2 (group play) vs. Encinitas Express

Looking to build off of the opening victory, RSL scored the opening goal for the second consecutive match when Erik “Gallo” Virgen converted a Gio Alcocer pass in the 15th-minute. The second goal eluded the Claret-and-Cobalt throughout the match and RSL saw their lead slip away in the 55th-minute when an Express corner was converted into the far post. RSL pushed for the winner, but were unable to find the back of the net in the 1-1 draw.

Match #3 (group play) vs. Diablo FC 97B

With four points through two matches, the RSL U-16 Elite team was in control on its own destiny and a win would secure advancement to the quarterfinals. For the third consecutive match, the Claret-and-Cobalt scored the opening goal in the early minutes and just like the first match Chris Fourcand and Mikey Lanzetta provided the fireworks. A great combination in the 13th-minute saw Alejandro Parra spring Fourcand through for the opening goal. Parra notched his second assist in the 57th-minute when his pass allowed Lanzetta to attack space and finish his effort. The 2-0 win propelled RSL to first in their group and a quarterfinals match up against Strikers FC Irvine.

Match #4 (quarterfinals) vs. Strikers FC Irvine

Playing in their fourth match in two days, the Real Salt Lake U-16 Elite team and Strikers FC Irvine played a physical match, which saw limited chances for both sides. After 60 minutes of scoreless soccer the match went straight into PKs, as per the tournament rules, which saw the Strikers eliminate the U-16 Elite team.

RSL U-16 Elite Season Stats (24 Matches)
Goals: (6) Diego Robles, (5) Robby Orona, (5) Gallo, (4) Javi Avelar, (4) Austin Tucker, (4) Ryan Flood, (4) Gio Alcocer, (4) Mikey Lanzetta, (4) Chris Fourcand, (3) Alejandro Parra, (2) Josh Allison, Ethan Shacknai, Marcos Hernandez, Patrick Ring
Assists: (6) Parra, (5) Gallo, (3) Duncan Storey, (3) Robles, (2) Avelar, Allison, Alex Valdez, Fourcand, Ring, Alcocer, Flood,
Clean Sheets: (4) Marcel Ruzan, (4) Conor Orton, Avelar

RSL U-16 Elite team defeat TSA 3-2 for first win in FWRL

Grande News, Performance News, Real Salt Lake, Soccer Academy

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – The Real Salt Lake U-16 Elite team came from behind and scored two goals in the second half on Sunday at the Grande Sports Academy, which propelled the Claret-and-Cobalt to a 3-2 win over TSA Red for their first points in the Far West Regional League.

The RSL U-16 Elite team went down a goal early when the defense tried to play it out of the back. A TSA player intercepted a pass and finished the effort for the opening goal. RSL scored equalizer minutes later when Erik “Gallo” Virgen whipped in a cross from a corner. The TSA goalkeeper ran out and mistimed his jump. His fingers got a touch, but the ball had too much pace and curved into the goal.

As RSL was busy celebrating the equalizer, TSA pushed down the right flank with urgency. Poor marking allowed a TSA player to send in a cross to an unmarked teammate, who finished the effort.

After some halftime adjustments, RSL found new life and scored another equalizer when Gallo played a ball up to Diego Robles. He trapped the ball with his chest, brought it down to his feet and slotted it near post. Robles continued to abuse the TSA defense and with 10 minutes left he rifled a shot at the goalkeeper, who made a diving save to his right. The ‘keeper wasn’t able to clear it and an opportunistic Gio Alcocer pounced on the ball and finished for the match winning goal.

Through five FWRL matches, the Real Salt Lake U-16 Elite team is 1-4.

RSL U-16 Elite Season Stats (20 Matches)
Goals: (6) Diego Robles, (5) Robby Orona, (4) Javi Avelar, (4) Austin Tucker, (4) Ryan Flood, (4) Gallo, (4) Gio Alcocer, (3) Alejandro Parra, (2) Mikey Lanzetta, (2) Chris Fourcand, (2) Josh Allison, Ethan Shacknai, Marcos Hernandez, Patrick Ring
Assists: (5) Gallo, (4) Parra, (3) Duncan Storey, (3) Robles, (2) Avelar, Allison, Alex Valdez, Fourcand, Ring, Alcocer, Flood,
Clean Sheets: (3) Conor Orton, (3) Marcel Ruzan, Avelar