With their inaugural academy regular season officially over, Sacramento Republic FC’s three Academy teams are still busy training each day, putting in their final preparations for their 2016 postseason.
Both the U-17/18s and U-15/16s teams are headed to the United States Soccer Development Academy Playoffs from June 22-26 at Toyota Park in Frisco, Texas. Meanwhile, the U-13/14s—which do not have a playoff for their age group—will compete in the Academy Summer Showcase from June 20-23 at Toyota Park.
“Our group is special. We have a special group of guys—the players and coaches—and even the parents. The parents have been super supportive. The group has worked hard,” said Academy Director Rod Underwood about the Academy’s standout success in their inaugural season. “It’s a huge accomplishment.”
Led by Coach Ben Ziemer, the U-17/18s earned an automatic bid to Playoffs with a 17-8-7 overall record, finishing second in the Western Conference Northwest Division behind Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s U-17/18s residency program. They are highest ranked non-MLS operated Academy in the Western Conference to earn a Playoffs spot.
The U-17s/18s will compete in Group C of the U-17s/18s Playoffs against the New York Red Bulls (18-4-4), Sockers FC (17-5-3) and Pateadores Soccer Club (18-11-7). Republic FC will open against Sockers FC at 5:30 p.m. PT on June 22.
For their part, the U-15/16s, led by Brian Wiley, earned a wildcard spot in their Playoffs after earning a 3-0 win against Seattle Sounders FC 15/16s in their final regular season match on June 4. With a 16-13-3 overall record, the U-15/16s finished fifth in the Northwest Division.
In the U-15/16s Playoffs, Republic FC are in Group D with Crew SC Wolves (17-5-3), Montreal Impact (14-5-7) and Real So Cal SC (20-11-4). Republic FC will open their group play against Crew SC Wolves at 3 p.m. on June 22.
Each age group features eight groups with the winners of each group advancing to the knockout rounds of the Development Academy postseason, which begins July 6. The Championships will be held July 14 and 16 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Meanwhile, although the U-13/14s do not have a playoff, Republic FC will also head to the Toyota Center on June 20 to compete in the Academy Summer Showcase, which features teams from across the country. During the showcase, Republic FC U-13/14s will play matches against Crew SC Wolves, NYCFC and Georgia United.
Coached by Simon Elliot, the U-13/14s ran away with a 19-4-2 regular season record, a club best. Finishing the season on a nine-match winning streak, Republic FC U-13/14s outscored their opponents 49 to five.
Despite the early success of Republic FC’s Academy—which also has had eight players called to their respective youth national teams—the best, according to technical staff is still yet to come.
“It’s early days,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “It’s been a brilliant start with what we’ve done. Now it’s about taking it to the next level. The long goal is to have players (reach) the first team. Then the academy becomes a really useful tool to the club.”
With their inaugural academy regular season officially over, Sacramento Republic FC’s three Academy teams are still busy training each day, putting in their final preparations for their 2016 postseason.
Both the U-17/18s and U-15/16s teams are headed to the United States Soccer Development Academy Playoffs from June 22-26 at Toyota Park in Frisco, Texas. Meanwhile, the U-13/14s—which do not have a playoff for their age group—will compete in the Academy Summer Showcase from June 20-23 at Toyota Park.
“Our group is special. We have a special group of guys—the players and coaches—and even the parents. The parents have been super supportive. The group has worked hard,” said Academy Director Rod Underwood about the Academy’s standout success in their inaugural season. “It’s a huge accomplishment.”
Led by Coach Ben Ziemer, the U-17/18s earned an automatic bid to Playoffs with a 17-8-7 overall record, finishing second in the Western Conference Northwest Division behind Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s U-17/18s residency program. They are highest ranked non-MLS operated Academy in the Western Conference to earn a Playoffs spot.
The U-17s/18s will compete in Group C of the U-17s/18s Playoffs against the New York Red Bulls (18-4-4), Sockers FC (17-5-3) and Pateadores Soccer Club (18-11-7). Republic FC will open against Sockers FC at 5:30 p.m. PT on June 22.
For their part, the U-15/16s, led by Brian Wiley, earned a wildcard spot in their Playoffs after earning a 3-0 win against Seattle Sounders FC 15/16s in their final regular season match on June 4. With a 16-13-3 overall record, the U-15/16s finished fifth in the Northwest Division.
In the U-15/16s Playoffs, Republic FC are in Group D with Crew SC Wolves (17-5-3), Montreal Impact (14-5-7) and Real So Cal SC (20-11-4). Republic FC will open their group play against Crew SC Wolves at 3 p.m. on June 22.
Each age group features eight groups with the winners of each group advancing to the knockout rounds of the Development Academy postseason, which begins July 6. The Championships will be held July 14 and 16 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Meanwhile, although the U-13/14s do not have a playoff, Republic FC will also head to the Toyota Center on June 20 to compete in the Academy Summer Showcase, which features teams from across the country. During the showcase, Republic FC U-13/14s will play matches against Crew SC Wolves, NYCFC and Georgia United.
Coached by Simon Elliot, the U-13/14s ran away with a 19-4-2 regular season record, a club best. Finishing the season on a nine-match winning streak, Republic FC U-13/14s outscored their opponents 49 to five.
Despite the early success of Republic FC’s Academy—which also has had eight players called to their respective youth national teams—the best, according to technical staff is still yet to come.
“It’s early days,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “It’s been a brilliant start with what we’ve done. Now it’s about taking it to the next level. The long goal is to have players (reach) the first team. Then the academy becomes a really useful tool to the club.”
