New England Clubs Get First Taste of Academy

Four Teams Go 4-8-4 in First Development Academy Appearance

February 20, 2008

FRISCO, Texas – Four New England clubs went a combined 4-8-4 in their first US Development Academy appearances in the league’s Winter Showcase held last weekend at Pizza Hut Park.

Forty-Four clubs participated in the 88 games played over two days, including four teams that hail from New England: FC Greater Boston (Mass.), Oakwood SC (Conn.), Seacoast United (NH) and South Central Premier (Conn.).

Seacoast led the way with a 2-2 record, followed by Oakwood with a 1-2-1 record, FC Greater Boston with three ties at a 0-1-3 clip and South Central Premier with a 1-3 mark.

The event, the first Winter Showcase held by the academy after the inaugural showcase was held last fall, was attended by more than 150 college coaches and 16 U.S. Soccer Federation scouts.

“We were extremely pleased with the competition during the Winter Showcase,” said U.S. Soccer Development Academy Director John Hackworth. “This was the first exposure to the Academy for many of the clubs, and in addition to great competition we were able to reinforce in person the principles on which the Development Academy was founded. This event was a tremendous step, and it’s only the beginning of the process. The Development Academy is only six months old and already we are starting to see results.”

For one local scout's opinion of the Academy, click here.

Seacoast turned in an undefeated Sunday, winning both their U16 and U18 games against International SC on the first day of competition. A Ben Lessard goal in the 62nd minute gave United’s U16s a 1-0 win over International SC. In the U18 game, goals from Jonathan Harris, Steven Palumbo and Nicholas Powell helped down International, 3-0.

FC Greater Boston, meanwhile, also turned in an undefeated day, albeit with two draws. The Bolts tied CASA, 1-1, in both U16 and U18 games. Chris Pettiglio scored for the U16s while Ryan Ruffigin potted one home for the U18s.

South Central Premier went 1-1 on Sunday, beating South Charlotte SA, 1-0, behind Chris Heyn’s 11th-minute goal in U16 actions, but losing, 3-0, to South Charlotte’s U18s.

Oakwood didn’t fare as well, dropping 1-0 and 5-1 decisions to Real So Cal on Sunday.

Monday’s games were a different story for Oakwood, though. The club trouced FC Portland, 4-0, in U18 action and tied the same club, 2-2, in U16 play.

FC Greater Boston registered another tie with 2-2 draw against the Chicago magic in U18 play, then lost their first decision of the weekend with a 2-1 loss in U16 action.

Seacoast lost 3-0 (U18) and 3-2 (U16) to Chicago Fire’s youth team.

South Central Premier lost by identical 4-0 scored to Real Colorado in both age brackets.

For full results from the weekend’s Winter Showcase, click here.

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