Photo gallery from Real Salt Lake U-16 vs. Sparta 98 Premier in Far West Regional League on Friday, September 27th.
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Photo gallery from Real Salt Lake U-16 vs. Sparta 98 Premier in Far West Regional League on Friday, September 27th.
Click on one picture and a slider gallery will appear.
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Real Salt Lake U-16 & U-18 teams participated in their second tournament of the season when they traveled up to Phoenix on Saturday and Sunday for the 2013 Tuzos Challenge.
The U-16 Elite team finished first in their group by going unbeaten in three matches for a 1-0-2 finish. They advanced to the U-16 title match and defeated Fuerza Azul 4-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Match #1 goals: Diego Robles (Assist: Josh Allison), Mikey Lanzetta (Assist: Alejandro Parra)
Match #2 goals: Ethan Shacknai
Match #3 goals: NO GOALS
Title Match goals: Robby Orona, Javi Avelar (Assist: Diego Robles), Diego Robles (Assist: Gallo), Austin Tucker
RSL U-16 Elite Season Stats (8 Matches)
Goals: (3) Orona, (2) Gallo, (2) Robles, Parra, Lanzetta, Shacknai, Avelar, Tucker
Assists: (2) Parra, (2) Gallo, Robles, Allison
Clean Sheets: (3) Orton
The photo gallery below is from the weekend’s action. Click on one picture and a slider gallery will form.
Grande News, Performance News, Real Salt Lake, Soccer Academy
Grande Sports Academy U-16 & U-18 Elite teams participated in their first tournament of the 2013-14 season when they traveled to California over Labor Day weekend to play in the 2013 North Huntington Beach Cup.
The NHBC was an important stepping stone for a young U-16 Elite team who only had one returning player from last season.
U-16 Match Recap – U-16 Picture Gallery
Saturday, August 31st, Noon
Match #1 – Real Sale Lake U-16 Elite Team vs. I.E. Surf
Pregame notes: The U-16 Elite team was drawn into group #2 with 3 other teams. The winner and runner-up from the group will advance to the quarterfinals, which will be played on Sunday night.
Starting XI: Conor Orton, Patrick Ring, Ethan Shacknai, Marcos Hernandez, Avery Ferrara, Duncan Storey (C), Erik “Gallo” Virgen, Gio Alcocer, Diego Robles, Josh Allison, Alejandro Parra.
The U-16 Elite team starting XI in the first match of the 2013 NHBC had 10 new faces. The only returning player was Duncan Storey, who was given the captains arm-band by the coaches.
RSL had two nerve-racking moments in the opening minutes when an I.E. Surf attack caught the defense off-guard, however their shots were both wide.
In the 9th minute, RSL ’99 player Erik “Gallo” Virgen started his GSA career with a statement. Gallo, just inside the Surf half trapped a pass and took a touch forward. He looked up at the Surf goalkeeper and unleashed a bomb from 35 yards out. The Surf goalkeeper didn’t have enough time to react as it hit the left-side netting.
RSL had a few more chances and the next best one occurred in the 16th minute when Alejandro Parra trapped a ball for Gio Alcocer. He fired a shot that was wide. RSL goalkeeper Conor Orton was also busy and made some tough shots look easy when he made back-to-back saves just before the half.
The second half was a back and forth contest for both teams, as both teams struggled to control the pace. Alex Valdez did impress in the second half with his pace and athleticism. He had a shot saved and then made some crucial clearances before the final whistle.
However, the unfortunate happened when I.E. Surf equalized in the 54th minute. RSL pushed, but were unable to score the game winner.
Goals:
RSL – ‘9 Gallo
SD Surf – ’54
Saturday, August 31st, 4:00 p.m.
Match #2 – Real Salt Lake U-16 Elite team vs. SD United Black
Pregame notes: RSL allowed 2 points to slip through their hands when I.E. Surf equalized late. RSL could not afford another draw and need 3 points in this second group match.
Starting XI: Conor Orton, Patrick Ring, Ethan Shacknai, Marcos Hernandez, Avery Ferrara, Duncan Storey (C), Erik “Gallo” Virgen, Austin Tucker, Robby Orona, Josh Allison, Alejandro Parra.
Moments after the opening whistle was blown, the U-16 Elite team played much improved soccer. The first match was a crash course in the “RSL Way” and the second match was an opportunity for the players to show what they have learned hours before.
The first chance came in the 10th minute when a fortunate deflection for RSL just went over the United crossbar. Players then continued to hold possession and control the flow of the game. The next chance to RSL came in the 27th minute when a Diego Robles shot just missed the mark.
Then Erik “Gallo” Virgen scored another spectacular goal right before the half. He collected the ball just outside of the 18 and dribbled through 4 defenders and finished the effort far post. With the lead in hand the U-16 Elite team gained confidence and were even more deadly in the final third of the second half.
Robles had two shots saved and Alejandro Parra had one as well. United never threatened in the second half and RSL doubled their lead in 58th minute when Parra dribbled down the right-wing. He then sent in a low cross and Robby Orona redirected the ball into the back of the net.
Goals:
RSL – ’30 (2) Gallo, ’58 Orona (Assisted by: Parra)
Legends –
Clean Sheet
RSL – Orton
Sunday, September 1st, 9:20 a.m.
Match #3 – Real Salt Lake U-16 Elite team vs. RSF Attack Green
Pregame notes: The U-16 Elite team had 4 points from two games. 3 points would secure automatic advancement and 1 point with help would advance RSL to the quarterfinals.
Starting XI: Corona Orton, Avery Ferrara, Marcos Hernandez, Ethan Shacknai, Patrick Ring, Duncan Storey (C), Mikey Lanzetta, Erik “Gallo” Virgen, Josh Allison, Robby Orona, Alejandro Parra
RSL wasted no time when they jumped out to an early lead in the opening minutes. Gallo played a through ball to Alejandro Parra, who finished far post. RSL continued to create chances because of high pressure. RSL controlled the majority of the first half and went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
After the halftime break RSF pounced on an errant back pass and took advantage of the defensive breakdown and equalized in the 34th minute. Two minutes later RSF grabbed the lead when a well-timed pass was converted inside the box.
Goalkeeper Conor Orton then made some big saves in the 45th and 46th minutes. Three minutes after Orton made the saves, Robby Orona was on the fortunate end of an attempted clearance by the RSF defense. He took a touch and finished a tough shot far post to equalize the game. Diego Robles had RSL’s last chance in the 57th minute when his shot went just over the crossbar.
The one point RSL picked up in the draw was enough to advance to the quarterfinals, which would be played later in the day.
Goals:
RSL – ‘3 Parra (Assisted by: Gallo), ’49 (2) Orona
Cyclones -’34, ’36
Sunday, September 1st, 4:30p.m.
Match #4 – Real Salt Lake U-18 Elite Team vs. DMS
Pregame notes – RSL has advanced to the quarterfinals. If they win this match they advance to the semifinals, which will be played on Monday.
Starting XI: Conor Orton, Alex Valdez, Marcos Hernandez, Ethan Shacknai, Patrick Ring, Erik “Gallo” Virgen, Duncan Storey (C), Alejandro Parra, Gio Alcocer, Josh Allison, Robby Orona
The U-16 Elite team finished group #2 as the runner-up going unbeaten in three games for a 1-2-0 record. Their opponent was DMS11 Academy, who won all three of their group games. Moments into the quarterfinals match, DMS showed RSL why they were one of the better teams at the tournament.
In the 4th minute a penalty was called on RSL deep inside their half. A DMS player stepped up and fired a low screamer that was heading for the far post. RSL goalkeeper Conor Orton dived for the ball, but was not able to make the save. Down a goal early coaches and players had to play catch up, which surprisingly resulted in the best soccer the U-16 Elite team played all weekend. The possession, width and quality in the final third were all on display. The backline of Marcos Hernandez, Alex Valdez, Patrick Ring and Ethan Shacknai were aggressive and stonewalled many DMS attack players. The one thing that was lacking was the equalizing goal.
After the halftime break RSL continued to push for the goal and received a break when a DMS player was shown a second yellow card. RSL now up a man threw players forward and started to create better chances when Ryan Flood was inserted into the game. His piercing runs down the left-wing created matchup problems for the DMS defense.
RSL then equalized in the 50th minute when Hernandez headed a cross into the back of the net. However his celebration was short-lived because the linesman signaled for a offside. DMS then started to kick the ball around and parked the bus, which made the task even more difficult for the U-16 Elite team. Time ran out for RSL and they were eliminated from the 2013 NHBC following to 1-0 loss.
Goals
RSL –
CUSC – ‘4
Grande News, Performance News, Real Salt Lake, Soccer Academy
A new season means new players and to help introduce and welcome our new players we have provided a player profile and a quick Q&A below.
Name – Marcos Hernandez
Hometown – Petaluma, CA
Age – 15
Position – DEF
Previous Club – Marin FC
Q- Why did you join Grande Sports Academy?
A – Heard about it through a friend, Miles Stray.
Q – What made you interested in joining the Academy?
A – Came out here and the whole setup was professional, which made me want to come out and play.
Q – What plans do you have for your future?
A – College and then see where it takes me.
Hobbies – Hanging with friends
Favorite Team – Real Madrid
Favorite Player – Sergio Ramos
Team in FIFA 14 – Real Madrid
Name – Jose Miguel Tapia
Hometown – Guadalajara, Mexico
Age – 16
Position – MID
Previous Club – C.D. Guadalajara
Q- Why did you join Grande Sports Academy?
A – Miha Kline invited me out and I really liked it.
Q – What made you interested in joining the Academy?
A – I really liked the franchise, the work system and how they play hard and work every day.
Q – What plans do you have for your future?
A – Graduate from college go to MLS.
Hobbies – Soccer
Favorite Team – Real Madrid
Favorite Player – Mario Balotelli
Team in FIFA 14- Real Madrid
Name – Patricio “Pato” Yrizar
Hometown – Queretaro, Mexico
Age – 18
Position – MID/FW
Q- Why did you join Grande Sports Academy?
A – Be a soccer player and be a better person.
Q – What made you interested in joining the Academy?
A – I was here two years ago, but I couldn’t play because of a FIFA rule. Now I’m 18, can play and I’m very excited.
Q – What plans do you have for your future?
A – If not professional, then college in America.
Hobbies – Practicing with the ball, gym
Favorite Team – Barcelona
Favorite Player – Andrés Iniesta
Team in FIFA 14- Brazil or Bayern Munich
Name – Erik Holt
Age – 16
Hometown – San Diego, California
Position – DEF
Previous Club – Surf
Q- Why did you join Grande Sports Academy?
A – The level of play, caliber of player and it’s a MLS club.
Q – What made you interested in joining the Academy?
A – The talent level. Just how good the team was when I played against them.
Q – What plans do you have for your future?
A – Go to college and maybe become a pro.
Hobbies – Gym, training, beach, surfing
Favorite Player – Bayern Munich
Player – Pepe
Team in FIFA 14 – Bayern Munich
Name – Austin Tucker
Hometown – Brooklyn, New York
Age -14
Position – MID
Previous Club – FC Westchester
Q- Why did you join Grande Sports Academy?
A – Because my brother was here and he enjoyed it a lot. I want to share the same experience.
Q – What made you interested in joining the Academy?
A – My brother.
Q – What plans do you have for your future?
A – Play pro.
Hobbies – Music, soccer
Favorite Team – Chelsea
Player – Marco Reus
Team in FIFA 14 – Borussia Dortmund
Name – Michael Lanzetta
Hometown – Bronx, New York
Age – 15
Position – MID
Former Club – FC Westchester
Q- Why did you join Grande Sports Academy?
A – I came her for a trial and feel in love with the place.
Q – What made you interested in joining the Academy?
A – The environment of soccer every day. It’s 24/7.
Q – What plans do you have for your future?
A – Become a pro player.
Hobbies – Gold and ping-pong
Favorite Team – Juventus
Favorite Player – Cristiano Ronaldo
Team in FIFA 14 – USMNT
Name – Avery Ferrara
Hometown – Hammond, Louisiana
Age – 14
Position – DEF
Previous Club – Baton Rouge Soccer Club (BRSC)
Q- Why did you join Grande Sports Academy?
A – To get better at soccer.
Q – What made you interested in joining the Academy?
A – When they won the U.S. Soccer Academy U-16 National Championship.
Q – What plans do you have for your future?
A – To go to college and then become a pro player.
Hobbies – Soccer, golf and fishing.
Favorite Team – USMNT
Favorite Player – Cristiano Ronaldo
Team in FIFA 14 – USMNT
Name – Alex Valdez
Hometown – Maui, Hawaii
Age – 15
Position – FW
Previous Club – Matanusca Soccer Club (MSC)
Q- Why did you join Grande Sports Academy?
A – Everything is just good here. The player here are stronger and faster.
Q – What made you interested in joining the Academy?
A – Heard about them and saw them play. Then I came for a summer camp.
Q – What plans do you have for your future?
A – Major League Soccer
Hobbies – Dirt biking, video games and working out.
Favorite Team – Real Madrid
Favorite Player – Cristiano Ronaldo
Team in FIFA 14 – Barcelona
Name – Luke Novick
Hometown – Mill Valley, California
Age – 16
Position – FW
Previous Club – Marin FC
Q- Why did you join Grande Sports Academy?
A – Just how good the players are here.
Q – What made you interested in joining the Academy?
A – I knew someone who was here.
Q – What plans do you have for your future?
A – Play college and then go pro.
Hobbies – Hanging out with friends.
Favorite Team – Chelsea
Favorite Player – Drogba
Team in FIFA 14 – Chelsea
Name – Thomas Ziemer
Hometown – Santa Rosa, California
Age – 17
Position – MID
Previous Club – Dinamo Zagreb
Q- Why did you join Grande Sports Academy?
A – I think it’s a good place to improve as a soccer player. Incredible facilities and a great coaching staff.
Q – What made you interested in joining the Academy?
A – The reputation as a soccer environment.
Q – What plans do you have for your future?
A – Play pro.
Hobbies – Movies, music
Favorite Team – Tottenham
Favorite Player – Sergio Busquets
Team in FIFA 14 – Tottenham
Name – Josh Taylor
Hometown – Anchorage, Alaska
Age – 16
Position – MID
Previous Club – Alaskan North Stars
Q- Why did you join Grande Sports Academy?
A – A couple of friends from ODP spoke very highly of it.
Q – What made you interested in joining the Academy?
A – I came to the summer camp and improved a lot in just the one week I was here.
Q – What plans do you have for your future?
A – Play Division I then go pro.
Hobbies – Skydiving, fishing, hiking, biking, hanging out with friends
Favorite Team – Manchester City
Favorite Player – Neymar
Team in FIFA 14 – Manchester City
Name – Corey Baird
Hometown – Escondido, California
Age – 17
Position – MID
Previous Club – Surf
Q- Why did you join Grande Sports Academy?
A – I wanted to be on another high level team.
Q – What made you interested in joining the Academy?
A – Justen Glad helped convince me.
Q – What plans do you have for your future?
A – Go to Stanford, I’ve already committed.
Hobbies – Soccer
Favorite Team – Manchester United
Favorite Player – Mario Götze
Team in FIFA 14 – Chelsea or Real Madrid
On Tuesday afternoon, players and coaches took to the field for the first training session on the 2013/14 season. Crazy to think that we just won the title 3 weeks ago and were now back at it working hard to defend the U-16 National Championship title. Pictures are from the training session.
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On Saturday night, Grande Sports Academy held a welcome dinner for the 20 new players we will have this season. After the dinner, two videos were shown. One showed what the new season will be like and the other was one goalkeeper coach Ignacio “Nacho” Hernandez made for the U-16s during their playoff run. Below are pictures from the dinner.
Danilo Acosta, Giovany Alcocer, Corey Baird, Matthais Binder, Avery Ferrara, Marcos Hernandez, Erik Holt, Michael Lanzetta, Luke Novick, Rory O’Meara, Miguel Jose Tapia, Joshua Taylor, Austin Tucker, Alex Valdez, Fahat Yogol, Pato Yrizar, Thomas Ziener, Pablo Paleaz, Kiuno Cann, Paul Sunkyu Bin.
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