Real Salt Lake Academy

Three former GSA players make a decision on their collegiate futures

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – Three former Grande Sports Academy players recently made a decision on their collegiate futures.

Seniors Bayley Scholz and Elias Rieland have signed with the University of Wisconsin and Sacramento State, respectively. Junior Chandler Maynes has committed to the University of South Florida.

“Playing college soccer has always been one of my goals as it’s a step to becoming a professional soccer player,” said Scholz, who currently plays for FC Wisconsin Nationals. “I am thankful for everything the GSA provided me with. The coaching staff, academic staff, hotel staff and everyone else at the Grande helped make memories that I will cherish throughout my life. Without the GSA I would have never gotten the exposure to college coaches. GSA is the place to be if you want to reach your goals in soccer. I would also like to thank my family and friends who have helped me.”

Scholz and Rieland were both on the Real Salt Lake U-16 Academy squad, which won the 2013 USSDA U-15/16 National Championship in July, 2013.

“The Academy helped me grow as a player and a person,” said Rieland, who currently plays for Sacramento United. “It showed me what a true professional environment was and to always hold myself to the highest standard.”

Maynes currently plays for Orland City Academy.

Q & A: Seattle Sounders forward Eriq Zavaleta talks about life as an Academy player at the Grande Sports Academy

Grande News, Soccer Academy

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – For the second straight year the Seattle Sounders have participated in a friendly match at the Grande Sports Academy, and a familiar face was among the Rave Green.

Eriq Zavaleta, who spent a portion of his youth career at the Grande Sports Academy was one of four players who have ties to the GSA to make his professional debut in 2013. Zavaleta was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2013 MLS draft by the Sounders and a little over two months later he made his professional debut against the San Jose Earthquakes.

GSA had an opportunity to speak to Eriq about his life at the GSA after a recent Sounders 2-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Photo gallery of Eriq playing in Sounders vs. Whitecaps match after Q & A.

Grande: Eriq it’s good to have you back at the Grande Sports Academy, how does it feel?

Zavaleta: “It’s interesting. It’s a different experience coming back with a professional team versus an academy kid who was watching these professional teams and aspiring to be them. But at the same time it’s a cool experience it brings back memories. In the short time I was here I learned a lot and made some good relationships.”

G: As an Academy player at the GSA you had the opportunity to watch the professionals train. Did that help you in any way?

Z: “It gives you something to aspire to. You see the level first hand and it’s not every day you watch the professionals practice. You watch games a lot, but it’s a lot different being on the field level and seeing how they work out and how they are in the gym. You see the everyday life of these guys and you understand that it takes a lot to be a pro and it definitely helps.”

G: The GSA is one on the few full time residential Academies in the U.S. How did being immersed in this environment help you?

Z: “First and foremost this facility is incredible. You have everything you need here from good fields, to a great weight room, to ice tubs and everything else you could possibly need. It helps you learn how to become a pro because you have the facilities that are necessary to become a good pro. Greg (Vanney) was a great leader for us and I learned a lot from him. We had good talent on the team and the level was great.”

G: Looking back on your rookie season, what were your thoughts on how you performed for the Sounders and San Antonio Scorpions while on loan?

Z: “It was a learning experience and I feel like I’ve taken it in stride. This year is not so much about can I adjust can I learn. It’s now how can I contribute. I didn’t contribute and help the team as much as I would have liked last year. I felt like I wanted to contribute more and I felt like I could, but now coming in after a season in I’ve learned the ropes and I know what it takes and I’m ready to help this team.”

G: If you could go back to and give yourself advice while you were here at the Academy, what would you say?

Z: “I think coming here is one step in learning on how to be a pro and learning how to work hard. But until you get to the professional level you really don’t know how to work had and that was something for me to learn. A lot of these Academy kids have talent. You cannot make it on talent alone, especially in the professional level. If you can learn and watch these how these guys treat this job like it’s a job and understand that not every day is for taken granted, but then use the talent you have as well. That is how you are going to be successful.

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

By the numbers: 2013 Real Salt Lake Academy season to date

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

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – The Real Salt Lake Academy has dominated the opposition in the U-15/16 and U-17/18 age groups this season and has posted some impressive numbers in the process.

Here are a few interesting numbers from the 10 matches each team has played in the 2013-14 season:

2.50

The U-15/16 Academy team has the third highest points per game average in the nation for their age group. Through 10 matches, they have won 8, lost 1, drawn 1 and are the current leaders of the Southwest Division.

3.6

Goals per game that the U-15/16 team is averaging through 10 matches, which is the best in the nation for their and U-17/18 age group.

Goals against average per game for the U-15/16 team, which is the second best in the nation for their age group.

40%

Percentage of goals scored by new Academy players: Tate Schmitt, U-15/16 (5); Corey Baird, U-17/18 (4); Eric Carbajal, U-17/18 (4); Niki Jackson, U-17/18 (4); Fahot Yogol, U-15/16 (3); Pato Yrizar, U-17/17 (1); Kris Fourcand, U-15/16 (1); Daniel Lee U-15/16 (1); Grant Livingston, U-15/16 (1).

Total number of goals scored by 20 different Academy players for both U-15/16 and U-17/18 teams combined.

Total number of clean sheets the Real Salt Lake U-15/16 and U-17/18 teams have combined to record: Christian Herrera, U-15/16 (7); Luis “Wicho” Barraza U-17/18 (4).

Number of players who have made at least one appearance for the U-15/16 and/or U-17/18 Academy teams.

Real Salt Lake U-18 Academy and Shattuck-Saint Mary’s U-18 play to scoreless draw in first match at 2013 Winter Showcase

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

SARASOTA, Fla. – The Real Salt Lake U-18 Academy played Shattuck-Saint Mary’s Soccer Academy U-18 to a scoreless draw on Wednesday afternoon in the first match at the 2013 Winter Showcase. The draw extends RSL’s unbeaten start to eight matches in which they have won six matches, outscored opponents 21-4 and are the current leaders of the Southwest Division.

Photo Gallery: RSL U-18 vs. SSM U-18

Real Salt Lake had the majority of the chances, but couldn’t find the right combination to beat a stingy SSM defense, who lost to the Claret-and-Cobalt’s next opponent, in the Winter Showcase, the New York Red Bulls U-18 in last year’s U.S. Soccer Development Academy Championship match.

For extended periods of time in the first half, RSL controlled and dictated the flow of the match, but were thwarted by a resilient SSM defense, which held its shape and played team defense. Just after the half-hour mark, RSL forward Niki Jackson was played a tight pass in the middle from Jose Hernandez. Jackson dribbled into the box and fired a shot, which took a deflection across the face of goal and missed by inches. RSL played a quick corner to Corey Baird, who whipped in a curling shot with pace for the backpost, which was punched out for a corner by the SSM goalkeeper.

RSL then dominated the remainder of the half and shots by Damian German, Te Wihongi and Jose Hernandez were all saved or fired high.

The second half was a mirror image of the first half, as shots by Jackson, German and Brooks Lennon missed their marks.

In the closing minutes of the match, RSL earned four corners in a row, but couldn’t find a way to knock it into the back of the net. On the third corner, Lennon almost converted an “olimpico”, but a heads up play by the SSM goalkeeper preserved the shutout.

On the defensive side on the ball, the Claret-and-Cobalt defense limited SSM to just one shot on net, which was saved by Luis “Wicho” Barraza in the 84th-minute.

Thursday is a busy day for the Real Salt Lake Academy. The RSL U-18 team will face NYRB at 12:14 PM EST on Field #3. The Real Salt Lake U-16 team faces Chicago Magic PSG at 3:30 PM EST on Field #18. At 4:00 PM EST, defender Miles Stray will play in the Academy Select match and at 6:00 PM EST, goalkeeper Christian Herrera will suit up.

All matches will be LIVE Tweeted on the Grande Sports Academy Twitter account @GrandeSportsA

Goals by Period 1 2 F

Real Salt Lake U-18 Academy 0 0 0

Shattuck-Saint Mary’s 0 0 0

Scoring Summary:

None

Real Salt Lake: Luis “Wicho” Barraza, Moises Rodriguez (Pato Yrizar, 80′), Santi Carrillo, Erik Holt, Te Wihongi, Luis Lopez (Jack Gayton, 63′), Brooks Lennon, Jose Hernandez (Matthias Binder, 86′), Corey Baird, Niki Jackson (Eric Carbajal, 63′), Damian German (Sam Gleadle, 80′)

GSA Exports: 2013 Tippeligaen season sends for Spencer as Salcedo, Lopez and Fernandez prepare for MLS Cup

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

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – GSA Exports is a feature in which we track the progress of our former Academy players who are playing professionally. There are currently 8 players with ties to the Grande Sports Academy playing in 5 different countries.

NOTE: Nico Muñiz signed with RSL, and is no longer with a team.

For a full run down on all the weekend’s action, check out the capsules below. Descriptions are from November 26-December 3 and stats are from domestic competitions only unless otherwise noted.

Major League Soccer

Carlos Salcedo, D, Real Salt Lake: Not in the 18 for RSL’s 1-0 win over Portland in the second leg of the Western Conference Finals. RSL advanced to the MLS Cup on a 5-2 aggregate over Portland and will face Sporting Kansas City on December 7th.
Season: 13 games, 12 starts (US Open Cup: 4 games, 4 starts)

Benji Lopez, F, Real Salt Lake: Not in the 18 for RSL’s 1-0 win over Portland in the second leg of the Western Conference Finals. RSL advanced to the MLS Cup on a 5-2 aggregate over Portland and will face Sporting Kansas City on December 7th.
Season: 0 games, 0 starts

Lalo Fernandez, GK, Real Salt Lake: Not in the 18 for RSL’s 1-0 win over Portland in the second leg of the Western Conference Finals. RSL advanced to the MLS Cup on a 5-2 aggregate over Portland and will face Sporting Kansas City on December 7th.
Season: 0 games, 0 starts (USL PRO loan, Phoenix FC: 1 game, 1 start, 3 saves, 0 goals allowed, 1 clean sheet)

Eriq Zavaleta, F, Seattle Sounders: Seattle were eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals on 5-3 aggregate to Portland.
Season: 4 games, 0 starts (NASL loan, San Antonio Scorpions: 4 games, 4 starts, 1 goal)

Tippeligaen (Norway – First Division)

Ben Spencer, F, Molde FK: The 2013 Tippeligaen season has come to a close for Spencer and Molde FK, who finished in sixth place. Molde, however, qualified for 2014–15 UEFA Europa League after defeating Rosenborg 4-2 in 2013 Norwegian Football Cup Final.
Season: 2 games, 0 starts

Superliga (Denmark – First Division)

Maikon Orellana, F, Brondby IF: Not in the 18 for Brondby’s 1-3 loss to København on Sunday.
Season: 0 games, 0 starts

Bundesliga (Germany – First Division)

Kainoa Bailey, F, Bayer Leverkusen: Bailey is back with Bayer Leverkusen after featuring in three matches for the U-20 MNT.
Season: 0 games, 0 starts

Ligue 1 (France – First Division)

Romain Gall, F, FC Lorient: Gall is back with FC Lorient after scoring a goal, notching an assist and featuring in three matches for the U-20 MNT.
Season: 0 games, 0starts

Weekend Soccer Preview: Real Salt Lake Academy to host Pateadores; Elite teams compete in FWRL

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

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – It’s another busy weekend for the Grande Sports Academy home of the Real Salt Lake Academy, as the U-16 and U-18 Academy teams will host Pateadores on Saturday, while the U-16 and U-18 Elite teams will compete in Far West Regional League Play.

Full weekend schedule at bottom of page

Academy

The Real Salt Lake U-18 team’s five match winning streak came to an end last week when the 10-men Claret-and-Cobalt conceded a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw with the San Diego Surf. Before the draw, RSL was the only team in the nation to not drop any points. They are now one of six U-18 teams in the nation to not suffer a loss in league play. Niki Jackson continues to be a dominant force up front and leads the team in scoring with four goals. Jose Hernandez is second with three, while Brooks Lennon leads the team in assists with four. Co-captain and defender Erik Holt committed to UCLA last week.

In last week’s match against the Surf, RSL went down a man when Moises Rodriguez was shown a straight red for a mistimed tackle in the 18th-minute. Even though RSL was down a man they continued to dominate possession and scored the opening goal on a Jackson cross to Hernandez on the back post for an easy header moments before the halftime break. RSL had a few more chances in the second half, but couldn’t find the back of the net. Surf countered in the 77th-minute and finished a cross-and-volley for the equalizer.

The Claret-and-Cobalt face a Pateadores side, who is 5th in the Southwest Division with a 2-2-1 record. In the Pateadores most recent match, they lost to Real So Cal 2-0 on November 16th.

The Real Salt Lake U-16 team has been perfect at home this season through three matches. They have outscored opponents 11-0 and have won all three including the latest on November 26th against the San Diego Surf. The U-16s lead the Southwest Division and are scoring on average four goals per match. Sebastian Saucedo leads the team in scoring with five, while Josh Doughty and Miles Stray both have four. Goalkeeper Christian Herrera has earned four clean sheets and is on a currently on a three-match clean sheet streak.

In last week’s match against the Surf, first half goals by Diego “Diablo” Silva and Saucedo carried the Claret-and-Cobalt to a 2-0 win. The U-16s face a Pateadores side, who is 4th in the Southwest Division with a 3-2-1 record. In the Pateadores most recent match, they lost to Real So Cal 2-0 on November 16th.

The U-18s play first at 10:00 a.m., which will be followed by the U-16 match at 12:30 p.m.

Elite

The Real Salt Lake U-16 and U-18 Elite teams will be playing local and out of state teams this weekend in Far West Regional League Play. The U-16s kept their postseason chances alive with a dramatic come from behind victory against TSA Red on Sunday. They scored two goals in the second half and captured their first victory through five matches in FWRL play. This weekend they face Nevada side LVSA 98 Boys Red, who has yet to play a FWRL match, on Saturday, 3:00 PM at Fear Farm in Phoenix.

The U-18 Elite team needs a strong showing this weekend to get back into the discussion for postseason play. They have picked up one point through three matches and face TSA Red, who have also picked up one point through three matches, on Friday night. On Sunday the U-18s will travel to Phoenix and face Nevada side LVSA, who have yet to play a FWRL match.

FWRL website

Date	Time	Team		Team	Location
Nov. 22	6:00 PM	RSL U-18 Elite	vs	TSA Red	GSA
Nov. 23	10:00 AM	RSL U-18 Academy	vs	Pateadores U-18	GSA
Nov. 23	12:30 PM	RSL U-16 Academy	vs	Pateadores U-16	GSA
Nov. 23	3:00 PM	RSL U-16 Elite	vs	LVSA 98 Boys Red	Fear Farm (Phoenix)
Nov. 24	10:00 AM	RSL U-18 Elite	vs	LVSA BU 18	Fear Farm (Phoenix)