CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – U.S. Soccer Development Academy has announced an elimination format for the 2013-14 Academy postseason in the U-15/16 and U-17/18 age groups.
In a change from the previous format that included a Final Weeks of four matches in seven days, the new rules will consist of a knockout round, semifinals and final.
At the conclusion of the Academy Playoffs, the winning team from each group will be seeded based on their regular-season points-per-game average. The higher-seeded teams will host a knockout-round game on July 7th or 9th. Winners will advance to the semifinals and final round which will be held July 17th and 19th at U.S. Soccer’s National Training Center in Carson, California.
As of March 26, 2014, Real Salt Lake – Arizona U-17/18 is the current leader in the Southwest Division and is the fifth overall seed based on points per game. Real Salt Lake – Arizona U-15/16 is the Southwest Division leader and is the second overall seed.
Since the inception of the Grande Sports Academy in 2010, the U-15/16 and U-17/18 Real Salt Lake – Arizona Academy teams have qualified for the Academy playoffs in every season. In 2010, RSL-AZ U-15/16 finished third at Finals Week and in 2013 RSL-AZ U-15/16 were crowned national champions after they defeated Solar Chelsea in the 2013 USSDA National Championship match in Houston, Texas.
For the latest Development Academy results and standings, visit academy.demosphere.com.