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RSL U16 Academy Weekend Review
2013 hasn’t been as kind to RSL-AZ U16 who now find themselves in a battle with Real So Cal and Chivas USA for the top two spots in the Southwest Division. With two games in hand RSL needed a strong showing in both games to keep pace with the two opposing clubs.
Saturday, April 6th – RSL vs Crossfire Premier
Starting XI: Chase Bishov, Josh Doughty, Jason Eng, Jack Gayton, Damian German, Dillion Nino, Fito Odolfo, Moises Rodriguez, Bayley Scholz, Diego Silva, Evan Waldrep.
Summary: Going into the game RSL knew they were going to have their work cut out for them this weekend against the #2 and #3 placed teams in the Northwest Division.
RSL came out of the gates strong versus Crossfire Premier but were unlucky on the attacking end. Numerous chances for RSL were not capitalized on in the early stages. Crossfire took the pressure and were able to counter in the 31st minute when a ball was played over the top. A Crossfire Premier player picked up the ball and beat the RSL GK. Few chances for either team as the first half ended.
RSL kept the pressure in the second half but were still not converting their chances in the final third. Players also seemed to get distracted by what they thought were some favorable calls for Crossfire Premier. RSL kept pushing forward and as the clock was ticking down a Crossfire handball in the box was not called. RSL players screamed for a PK as the center ref had a clear look at the incident. The ref ignored it and let play resume. RSL tried to equalize but time expired resulting in a 1-0 Crossfire Premier victory.
Sunday, April 7th – RSL vs Seattle Sounders
Starting XI: Dillion Nino, Fito Odolfo, Bayley Scholz, Jason Eng, Jose Hernandez, Evan Ealdrep, Josh Doughty, Damian German, Jack Gayton, Bofo Saucedo, Luis Barraza
Summary: After suffering a 1-0 defeat the day before, RSL needed a strong showing to be able to return back to Grande Sports Academy with some points.
Just two minutes into the game Seattle had the first chance for either side when a screamer went just over the RSL crossbar. Seattle kept up the pressure and was able to take the lead in the 14th minute when an errant back pass by RSL was picked up by a Sounders FW who calmly finished.
Sounders kept the pressure up and pounded the RSL goal. If it wasn’t for the excellent play from GK Luis Barraza Seattle could have easily scored more. Seattle went into the half with the 1-0 lead.
Things didn’t get any better for RSL who had to battle a tough and physical Sounders team while playing with a heavy rainfall. Sounders doubled their lead in the 14 minutes into the second half. RSl tried to push forward but their efforts didn’t pay off as they lost 2-0.
RSL is now in third place in the Southwest Division.
Pictures From This Week’s Training
With Dallas Cup and spring break now over, things at the Academy are starting to return back to normal. Our players have been working hard this week as a Seattle trip is planned for the Academy teams, U16 & U18 and a Tucson trip, Far West Regional, is scheduled for our U16 Elite team. Below are some pictures from this week’s action. Click on one picture and a slider gallery will appear.
Pictures & Video From This Week’s Training
RSL-AZ players have been working hard this week during their spring break. Below are some pictures from this week’s training. They also played a cross and finish game and if you missed the hilarious video make sure to watch it below.
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RSL-AZ Goalkeepers Performing Well In 2013 – Pictures
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Here at the Grande Sports Academy we have noticed a lack of GK presence on the site. Well we are going to change that right now.
Since Jan. 1st, 2013 our U18 academy goalies have only allowed 7 goals in 6 games while recording 2 clean sheets. On the U16 side the goalies have only allowed 6 goals in 6 games while recording 3 clean sheets.
On the elite side our GK’s have helped the U16’s win the Desert Classic and advance to the quarterfinals in the Presidents’ Day Cup. On the Elite U18 side the GK’s helped the team by going 3-1 in tournament play.
Goalkeeper coach Ignacio Hernandez talks about what they have been working on over the past few months saying, “The guys have been working hard. From the beginning I have been emphasizing 4 different points of improvement. Communication skills, foot skills, how to play out of the back and balls in the air. They have performed well in all of these.”
Congratulations goalkeepers for all the great and hard work.
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Academy Players Excel In The Classroom
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Not only do our players excel on the pitch, they also excel in the classroom.
Diego Silva and Jonathan Min have both been picked as Vista Grande High School – February Students Of The Month. At Vista Grande they define their “sStudents of the Month” as: The Spartan Students of the Month are chosen by the faculty and staff of Vista Grande High School for their achievements. These individuals represent the Spartan spirit. They exemplify what is expected of VGHS students in academics, activities, achievement and improvement.
Chase Bishov has been selected to participate in this summer’s “Brophy’s Annual El Salvador Immersion Experience and Church in the Modern World Senior Theology Elective.” Over 2/3 of Brophy’s junior class applied and students were selected to participate based upon character, faith, academic ability and leadership potential they have demonstrated over the last two and a half years at Brophy.
Congratulations players! Keep up the great work.