Ricardo Velasco

USLPDL Review – Ricardo Velasco Helps FC Tucson Defeat Phoenix FC In U.S. Open Cup

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

During the summer break hundreds of collegiate players from all over the United States enter the ranks of the USL Premier Development League (USLPDL). It allows college players to play high level competitive soccer without losing their college eligibility. Hundreds of players, who are now professional, played in the PDL and numerous USMNT regulars like Geoff Cameron, Graham Zusi, Brad Evans, Herculez Gomez played a few seasons for teams all over the U.S.

As players leave the Grande Sports Academy and head to college a few have joined up with a PDL team for the summer and we will be providing weekly updates on their performances. As of right now there are three former players in the PDL and here is how the did this past week.

Cole Nagy, M, UCLA, OC Blues Strikers FC – Did not play this weekend in the Strikers 4-3 victory over Southern California Seahorses.
Season: 2 games, 2 starts

Augustine Rey, GK, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, El Paso Patriots – Started, played 90 minutes and made 2 saves in the Patriots 2-2 draw with West Texas in the season opener for both teams. Season: 1 game, 1 start, 2 saves, 2 goals allowed.

Ricardo Velasco, M, Louisville, FC Tucson – Started, played 90 minutes in FC Tucson’s 2-1 upset over Phoenix FC. More on that below.
Season: 2 games, 2 starts

As mentioned above, FC Tucson upset USLPRO side Phoenix FC in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup. FC Tucson qualified for the Cup due to their finish in the standings last year. FC Tucson played an excellent game and were able to score two goals late. The equalizer in the 82nd minute and the game winner in the 92nd. Velasco had an outstanding game almost scored in the first half but his header that went to the far post was cleared off the line. Grande Sports Academy had a chance to catch up with Velasco after the game.

Grande – How special is to for you to play in AZ?
Velasco – “It’s fantastic that I get to play in front of my family and friends in my hometown. I’m actually from Tucson as well and I lived here for a couple of years so it’s more special for me because of my friends and family.”

Grande – Anything you are going to work on this summer?|
Velasco – “Just getting better day by day. Working on my fitness and getting to that next level. Work on the strength because in the higher level it gets very physical and very fast. I want to improve every day whether I’m in school or not.”

Grande – Do you see the PDL as a way to improve?
Velasco – “It’s a very big stepping stone. You are going to see more people from the academy starting in it because it’s a higher level. You have no idea who is watching, a pro team or even a Division I school.”

Grande – Are you going to take a trip to GSA?
Velasco – “I’m going to try to take a couple of trips. I’m still not done with school and I try to come down for games but my whole childhood was the grande so I have to go back.

Ricardo Velasco becomes the first Grande Sports Academy alumni to receive NCAA postseason honors

Soccer News

Last week Ricardo “Richie” Velasco, Grande Sports Academy Class 2012 alumni and Casa Grande resident, became the first Grande Sports Academy player to garner postseason NCAA soccer honors when he was named First Team All-Conference and Conference Freshman of the Year by the California Collegiate Athletic Association, an NCAA Division II athletic conference.

Richie just ended his first season as a freshman at California State University – San Bernardino and had a fantastic start of his collegiate career. Velasco appeared in 14 matches for Cal State San Bernardino and started in 12 of them. In that time he scored a team-leading six goals (three of them game winners) and added an assist. His 13 points this season was also the best on his team. Grande!

Richie was able to provide us with a quick interview to discuss his transition from Grande Sports Academy to the collegiate pitch.

Grande Sports Academy: Richie, congratulations from everyone at Grande Sports Academy family. You spent three successful years training and playing with RSL-AZ Academy at Grande Sports Academy. How did the academy and facilities help you prepare for a college soccer career?

Ricardo Velasco: Grande Sports Academy has helped me so much. It prepared me physically and mentally for my future career as it helped me grow on and off the field, as a player and as a person.

Grande Sports Academy: Has the transition from Grande Sports Academy to college environment been difficult for you? Are there any similarities with the life at GSA? How do you like the life at the Cal State campus?

Ricardo Velasco: The transition to college environment hasn’t been too difficult, because I am doing the same things I did back home and at Grande Sports Academy, i.e. go to school, study and play soccer. The only thing that is rather difficult is that I’m away from home and I do get home sick sometimes and miss my family and friends but it is not really that bad. There is definitely a couple of similarities with the program at Grande Sports Academy, for example you get to meet people from all around the country and become close friends with the soccer players. However, it is not like at GSA where you become almost brothers with your teammates. Still pretty close though. I really enjoy the life at Cal State. I have really good friends. The campus is very nice and the best thing is that I get to do what I love the most, play soccer every day!

Grande Sports Academy: Is the style of play in collegiate soccer different than what you were taught at RSL-AZ Academy?

Ricardo Velasco: For the most part it’s different. At RSL-AZ I was used to playing on the ground, keeping possession of the ball, but in collegiate soccer it’s all about going forward, putting a lot of pressure on the other team trying to force a mistake and just playing really at a really fast pace.

Grande Sports Academy:What effect has being surrounded by some of the best coaches and young players in the country and training at these amazing Grande Sports Academy facilities had on you and your soccer development?

Ricardo Velasco: Absolutely, it had a huge effect on me and my development. It helped me mature as a player and helped me better understand the game of soccer. Being coached by experienced coaches and surrounded by great players every single day also created an environment with very high level of competition. At Grande Sports Academy we trained with full speed and commitment every day and improved with each practice. I learned new things from the coaches and players each day.

Grande Sports Academy: Please describe what was in your opinion the most influential thing during the time you spent at Grande Sports Academy?

Ricardo Velasco: That was without a doubt the whole Grande Sports Academy family, from players, coaches, tutors, the staff and the owners. Each and every one of them influenced me every day and helped me become a better person and soccer player. They all were and always will be a part of my unforgettable experience at Grande Sports Academy.

Grande Sports Academy: You are still at the beginning of your career. What are your plans for the future? Are you still thinking about maybe turning pro or you want to hold off that thought for until after college?

Ricardo Velasco: My plans are exactly the same as they have been all my life, and that is to become a professional soccer player. My plans have not changed since I have gone to college, if anything the whole experience so far has made me want to achieve my goal and my dreams even more.

Grande Sports Academy: What do these awards mean to you? Is there anyone in particular you would like to dedicate these awards to?

Ricardo Velasco: These awards mean a lot to me. They showed me that hard work and dedication always pay off and helped me realize that I can achieve much more in my soccer career. I would like to dedicate these awards to my family and friends, all my teammates and coaches at CSUSB and of course the whole Grande Sports Academy family who has supported me and helped me with everything including school and soccer. Thank you Grande Sports Academy for letting me be a part of such a wonderful family!

The “Real” Real Salt Lake – Arizona Shows Up for the Last Game of the Season

Soccer News

RSL-AZ U18 Player, Danny Gavin weaving around Strikers FC It took only six minutes for Real Salt Lake-Arizona’s soccer academy U18 team to go one up on the travelling Strikers FC, as the Arizona squad dominated with an eight goal barrage.

Miguel Salazar opened the scoring, slicing through the Strikers’ defense before driving a low shot past the helpless goalkeeper. Next, it was Danny Gavin who put the ball into the back of the net. Ricardo Velasco drove down the bye line hitting a low cross that Gavin tapped in for his first goal.

Real Salt Lake-AZ went three up before the half ended as Jean Pierre Bello finished off a nice combination between Etiandro Tavares and Velasco.

Four minutes into the second half, Strikers were given a lifeline as the referee awarded a dubious penalty kick. Real Salt Lake – Arizona defender, Julio Alacron chased down Striker forward Avery Schwartz, who appeared to have stepped on the ball before tumbling to the ground. RSL-AZ goalkeeper Elliot Farmer saved the initial attempt, but the referee ruled that a Real Salt Lake – Arizona player had stepped into the box too early and awarded a retake. Schwartz made no mistake with his second opportunity.

Stung by what they believed were two bad decisions against them, RSL-AZ raised their level of play and were rewarded two minutes later as Velasco powered his way into the box before depositing the ball into the back of the net.

RSL-AZ U16 Trevor Hyman against the Strikers FC

Three minutes later Velasco would strike again with his second and the team’s fifth goal. Again, RSL-AZ academy’s forwards combined well with Velasco arriving late to finish the play.

In the 57th minute Gavin would collect his second goal of the game as he arrived at the back post area to power home the ball, Velasco again being the provider.

Substitute Carlos Garay, danced his way past two Striker defenders before slipping the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper giving the home side a six goal cushion. Josh Goss scored the eighth and final goal after a scramble in front of the Strikers goalmouth.

The RSL-AZ U16 soccer academy team met up with a determined Strikers team that was convinced that they could defend strongly and maybe snatch a winner on a counter attack. After 29 long minutes the Real Salt Lake – Arizona

academy broke through with forward Jose Navarro getting on the end of a flowing attacking move, down the right flank, finishing his opportunity with conviction. RSL-AZ 1 – Strikers FC 0

Andrew Brody, with a solo run scored the second goal after 37 minutes. RSL-AZ had been knocking on the door for most of the first half and went into the halftime break two goals up.

The Strikers, who had some counter opportunities in the first half did capitalize on the break 10 minutes into the second half. Romario Sanchez got in behind the Real Salt Lake – Arizona defense and pulled one back.

Before the Strikers could finish celebrating, RSL-AZ had regained their two goal lead. Benji Lopez sliced through the Strikers rearguard and stroked the ball home for his team’s third goal of the game.

Now completely in control of the game, Real Salt Lake – Arizona went further ahead when Trevor Hyman collected a pass from Navarro 25 yards from goal and hit a thunderbolt that the motionless Striker’s keeper did not see until it hit the back of the net.

With the game in hand, RSL-AZ took their foot off the gas and the Californians made them pay. Forward Felipe Liborio stole in behind the Real Salt Lake – Arizona defense and cracked home a nice goal for his team’s second goal

The U18 team also played their final conference game but will have to wait for results from other games before they can claim a playoff spot. The USSDA playoffs begin, June 24, in Dallas Texas.of the game. Less than a minute later the referee called time with the home team’s 4-2 victory enough to guarantee a playoff spot.

Real Salt Lake – Arizona Soccer Academy Split with Real So Cal

Soccer News

Real Salt Lake-Arizona’s U18 soccer academy team started with a bang versus Real So Cal. Etiandro Tavares score in the seventh minute lead the initial attack, but the RSL-AZ soccer academy boys could not hold on to the lead as they lost a heartbreaker 1-2 to the visiting Californian academy.

The morning game started brightly as Tavares knifed his way through the RSC’s defense, before combining with Ricardo Velasco, crashing the ball high into the net. RSL-AZ continued their tough attack of the Californian’s goal, but could not finish the attack and missed several good opportunities for goals.

The second half started in the same fashion as RSL-AZ continued its attack and Real So Cal stoutly defend their end of the pitch. Halfway through the second period, Jordan Allen, whose exploits down the left flank had caused RSC’s defense all kinds of problems, was pulled down as he cut into the penalty area for a penalty kick. Allen stepped up to the spot but although his effort beat the goalie, but the ball crashed off the upright and away from danger.

Real So Cal capitalized on the miscue catching Real Salt Lake-AZ’s goalkeeper in possession of the ball and forward Richard Martinez stole the ball and tied the game for Real So Cal at 1-1. With two minutes left in regulation RSC forward Lucas Reilly, scored off a corner kick as he arrived at the front post area, heading the ball home for the lead. As time expired, Real So Cal held on to take all three points.

The Real Salt Lake-AZ’s U16 squad fought a fierce battle against a resolute Real So Cal team determined to go home with at least a share of the spoils.

The first half went by with RSL-AZ having the advantage in territory and possession, but at the end the half, the score was still nil to nil.

The second half was a little different as RSL-AZ winger, Bay Kurtz, wrestled the ball away from a Real So Cal defender before finding Trevor Hyman at the top of the box. Hyman took a touch and then hammered the ball past the Real So Cal goalkeeper for a 1 to nil RSL-AZ lead.

Ten minutes later Real Salt Lake – Arizona soccer academy would go two up. This time it was Jose Navarro, who found space in the penalty area and made sure of his chance.

In the 57th minute Real So Cal pulled one back as Real Salt Lake-AZ defender Jon Zabasajja, in an attempt to clear the ball, deflected it into his own goal, giving the travelling team a glimmer of hope.

Determined not to throw away the game, RSL-AZ forward Jose Navarro took the game by the scruff of the neck, finding the net in the 73rd minute and closing out the game in a 3-1 win, giving RSL-AZ U16’s all three points.

Real Salt Lake-AZ U18 and U16 soccer academies return to the field at the Grande Sports World fields on Saturday, May 19 at 10:00am and 12:30 pm respectively.

Clash of the Top USSDA Soccer Academies Game Recap

Soccer News

In a weekend that pitted Real Salt Lake-Arizona’s soccer academy against one of the best academies in the country, the Los Angeles Galaxy, there was a feast of goals as RSl-AZ’s Under 18 academy scored seven goals in 3-1 and 4-1 victories. RSL-AZ Under 16 academy lost 3-0 and tied 2-2.

U-18 Game Recaps:

The Galaxy has one of the stingiest defenses in the country giving up only five goals in nine league games and 12 goals overall in 18 games played. Real Salt Lake-Arizona led by Maikon Orrellana and Jean Pierre Bello, scored seven goals against the Galaxy in two games.

In the first game of the weekend, LA Galaxy took the lead on a goal by Jose Villarreal in the 31st minute. Ten minutes later the game was even as Orrellana, on a great feed from Ricardo Velasco, drove the ball home.

RSL-AZ continued to attack as the Galaxy defense wilted in the heat. Orrellana was again the scorer, notching his second, after a great individual run from the United States U-18 International player, Jordan Allen. Allen, who was tormenting the Galaxy defense with his exploits down the left flank, finished the scoring in the 66th minute with a superb goal.

In the U-18’s second game of the weekend, Real Salt Lake-AZ continued its attack. The LA Galaxy held firm throughout the first half, but they could not stop the eventual goal rush. Seven minutes into the second half, Bello went in on goal all alone and was upended by the Galaxy goalkeeper. The referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot and Bello stepped up to hammer the ball past the goalie and into the net.

Barely 10 minutes later, Real Salt Lake-Arizona went two up. Carlos Salcedo on a tremendous individual effort, pushed forward from his defensive position, to challenge the Galaxy goalkeeper. Again the keeper pulled down the Real Salt Lake-Arizona player and the referee once again indicated a penalty kick. Bello stepped up and put the goalkeeper the wrong way with his well-placed spot kick. Bello completed his hat trick in the 75th minute giving his team a three goal cushion.

LA Galaxy showed their quality, not willing to go home with their tails between their legs and they continued to push forward. In the 87th minute they were rewarded. Pedro Lugo, redirecting a free-kick from the left wing, pulled one back for the Los Angeles academy, but it was not enough as RSL-AZ continued to attack.

RSL-AZ was stung by the loss of the shutout and turned up the heat. Etiandro Tavares finished off the scoring with a fine individual effort in the 90th minute giving Real Salt Lake – Arizona the three points and all six points available on the weekend.

U-16 Game Recaps:

RSL-AZ’s U-16 squad started their first game of the weekend in good form, tied 0-0 at half time despite having several good chances. RSL-AZ became undone in the second half as central midfielder, Luis Chavez, was shown a straight red card for a two-footed tackle. Down a man, it was only a matter of time before the LA Galaxy would press home their advantage.

Within two minutes after the sending off, Galaxy was awarded a penalty kick. Rolando Munoz stepped up and finished his chance. Galaxy continued to possess the ball taking full advantage of their extra player. Two quick Galaxy goals from Josue Espana and Justin Dhillon in the 64th and 69th minutes, respectively finished of the game and gave Galaxy the three precious away points.

The U-16’s second game of the weekend started off similar to the first, but this time RSL-AZ took their chances and went two goals up at halftime. Trevor Hyman scored the first with a well-placed shot into the back of the net. Benji Lopez then hit an unstoppable shot from all of 30 yards that the Galaxy goalkeeper did not see until it hit the net behind him.

The second half was another story as Real Salt Lake-Arizona faltered in the heat. In a seven minute spell, RSL-AZ gave up two goals. Despite pressing forward and taking the game to the Galaxy, Real Salt Lake-Arizona could not capitalize on their possessions and the Los Angeles team hit them on the break, Juan Reyna scoring the Galaxy’s first goal.

LA then got the equalizer as the RSL-AZ defense dropped off, leaving the opposition’s midfielders open and with no pressure on the ball. Danil Slepukhin hit a long drive over the outstretched hands of RSL-AZ goalkeeper Cesar Cobos for the tying goal and a share of the spoils.

Real Salt Lake-AZ’s soccer academies continue their season at the Grande Sports World on Sunday, May 6 versus The Seattle Sounders.