Crew Soccer Academy Enjoy Successful Run at 2009 Winter Showcase

CSA 15/16s and 17/18s combine to go 5-1-0 at premier event in Phoenix

COLUMBUS, OH – The Crew Soccer Academy (CSA) 15/16 and 17/18 squads completed a successful run in the 2009 edition of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Winter Showcase, held at the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix, Dec. 4-8. All 154 teams in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, representing 77 Development Academy clubs, participated in 234 games during the extended weekend. CSA compiled a combined record of 5-1-0 over the competition, with the 15/16s earning a 2-1-0 record and the 17/18s going unbeaten with a 3-0-0 mark.

The action kicked off on Friday, Dec. 4, with both sides taking on Atlanta Fire United. The 15/16s opened the weekend with a 4-0 victory over their counterparts from AFU, thanks to goals by Ben Crognale, Brett Elder, Alex Ranalli and Max Riehemann. The 17/18s followed with a stirring 6-1 win over Atlanta Fire United, thanks to two goals from Aaron Horton and single tallies by Vaughn Spurrier, Sam Stull, Jack Thompson and Matt Walker.

The squads continued play on Saturday morning, with the 15/16s kicking things off with a 1-0 win over San Diego Surf, behind another goal from Elder. The 17/18s then earned a 2-0 win over Surf, thanks to tallies by Kyle Culbertson and Will Walker.

After resting on Sunday, the teams returned to action on Monday (Dec. 7), concluding the Showcase with matches against D.C. United. While the 15/16s suffered their lone defeat of the weekend, a 4-0 setback, the 17/18s completed an undefeated weekend with an impressive 2-1 win over D.C., with the goals coming from Stull and Tyler Ranalli.

The Winter Showcase incorporated the overall theme for the Development Academy’s 2009-10 season – “Every Day Environment.” The “Every Day” theme, which included individual training, team training, off field routines and games, were highlighted throughout the weekend in video content featuring members of the Men’s National Team and youth national team coaches, and player education opportunities found inside the Players Lounge. Players also had the opportunity to have their individual skills analyzed by a U.S. Soccer national staff coach.

Academy coaches also had the unique opportunity to attend Nike Soccer+ Master Control training sessions, which are a collaboration between Nike and FC Barcelona. Coaches learned about the fundamentals of ball control and possession through live on-field demonstrations, active participation and interactive videos featuring some of the world’s best players. In addition to Master Control sessions, U.S. Soccer’s national staff coaches and members of the youth national team scouting network lead field and classroom educational opportunities for Academy coaches.

The two CSA squads will now enjoy two and a half months off before kicking off its 2010 schedule on the weekend of Feb. 20 at the Ultimate Soccer Arena in Pontiac, Mich. Both teams will take on Derby County Wolves on Saturday, Feb. 20 with the 15/16s kicking off at 3 p.m., followed by the 17/18s at 5 p.m. Then on Sunday, Feb. 21, the two teams will take on Vardar, with the 15/16s again getting things started with their match at 10 a.m., followed by the 17/18s at 12 noon.

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