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U.S. Soccer Development Academy
FCMN USSDA Head Coach Phil Presser to Return Home, FCMN USSDA Welcomes UW- Madison Assistant Coach Keith Tiemeyer to USSDA Staff
Butler, WI (March 23, 2013)- When presented with a chance to move his wife and 2 young daughters back home to Indiana where he played the game both as a youth and in college and where he will be closer to family and friends, Coach Phil Presser saw an opportunity that he simply had to take. As a result, effective April 1st, Coach Presser will leave his post with FC Milwaukee's USSDA program to become the USSDA Director of the Indiana Fire, based not too far away from his hometown. FC Milwaukee Nationals extends its sincerest thanks to Coach Presser for the great work he has done to promote the value of the USSDA to the State's aspiring elite boys players.
In the interest of maintaining a consistent NCAA Division I level presence on our USSDA staff, FC Milwaukee is pleased to announce that University of Wisconsin-Madison Men's Assistant Coach, Keith Tiemeyer (pictured at right) will replace Presser on FCMN's USSDA Coaching Staff.
Tiemeyer, who has been UW-Madison Men's Assistant Coach for the past 3 years, will join FCMN's USSDA teams on the bench this Sunday, March 24th for the club's matches against Crew (MI). Tiemeyer is scheduled to join staff members Jon Coleman, Dave Madsen and Chris McCreary, 2 out of 3 trainings per week, beginning the week of April 1st.
"The old cliche, 'the only constant is change' is a poignant one in the world of high level youth soccer coaching opportunities," said FCMN Interim DOC Chris McCreary. "Seeing coaches move on to take advantage of opportunities like Presser's in this case, is really not much different than encouraging individual players to take advantage of opportunities that are right for them," McCreary added.
USSDA Debuts Result in Victory for U18s and former FC Magic Trio
Nike Park, Naperville, IL (March 20, 2013)-The U18's spring season opening 3-0 victory over Sockers FC Chicago, last weekend, featured the USSDA debuts of 3 new players who recently joined FC Milwaukee Nationals from FC Magic (Fox Valley). The players welcomed to FCMN's USSDA program are: Austin "Audi" Jepson (F), Jeremy Nji (DF), and Adam Pohlman (MF).
FC Milwaukee would like to acknowledge FC Magic and the players' former coach Joe DeCoursin for his club's success developing players with the ability to compete and challenge themselves at the USSDA level.
Jepson, Nji, and Pohlman have each made commitments to play NCAA Division I soccer. Jepson and NJI, both seniors, have committed to play next fall at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Pohlman has committed to play at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the fall of 2014. Click here to reference ESPN.com's August 31, 2012 article breaking down the 2013 NCAA Division I commitments by college, high school and club of player origin.
U18s Earn 3-0 Win, U16s Fall 0-1 in USSDA Spring Season Opening Battles At Sockers FC Chicago
Nike Park, Naperville, IL (March 17, 2013)-In the first weekend of the USSDA spring season, FC Milwaukee's U18 team earned a hard fought victory over Sockers FC Chicago. FCMN netted 3 times in the second half in a 3-0 shutout. In the U16 match, despite putting the Sockers under sustained pressure late in the game, the U16s lost 0-1, in game 2 after being caught unsuspecting by a 40 yard 2nd half strike from an unpressurized Sockers midfielder.
In the U18's game, FCMN was able to ride out a storm of intense pressure in the first half. Though the FCMN U18 starters were out shot by double digits, they entered the break with the score tied 0-0, having foreshadowed a glimmer of potential to be dangerous themselves, on the counter attack.
As if to submit proof that results in the game of soccer hinge not on chances created but on chances finished, midfielder Max Karcher (FC Milwaukee since U10) opened the team's goal scoring account at around the 54th minute when a cleared corner kick fell fortuitously at his feet. Under formidable pressure, Karcher quickly controlled the ball, made a fake to freeze onrushing defenders, took another touch to get the ball into a clear shooting lane to his left and calmy slotted the ball into the right side netting from 16 yards.
Shortly after the U18's opening goal, the Sockers made changes in an attempt to even the score. As they pressed forward committing greater numbers to attack, they were left exposed defensively. Their risk worth taking change in tactics led to a series of FC Milwaukee breakaways and 2 eventual goals to seal the outcome in the FCMN's U18's favor.
Wins and hard earned points foster sense of determination and growing momentum leading up to Nike International Frendlies and Development Academy Showcase
St. Louis, MO/Milwaukee, WI- After suffering 2 losses the previous Saturday to the Chicago Fire, on Sunday, October 28, FC Milwaukee's USSDA U16 and U18 boys teams both earned points over Indiana United Fire, at FC Milwaukee soccer fields. On Sunday, November 11th, the teams each defeated St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro to earn 3 points a piece.
"The boys played hard and responded well (against Indiana United Fire) after 2 difficult games on Saturday (against Chicago Fire). We made a couple of tactical adjustments and reiterated our game plan, which the teams both executed more effectively. Workman like attitudes, and the perspective that each opportunity to play presents a chance to get better, were the difference makers," said coach Jon Coleman, in post game remarks.
Moon to McCrary on the Mark as U16s Earn 2-1 Road Victory over Magic; U18s Fall 0-3 After Risking All in Attempt to Earn a 1-1 Draw
Chicago, IL- FC Milwaukee's USSDA U16 boys continued to demonstrate forward movement along the developmental path by defeating Mid America Division rival Chicago Magic 2-1 on Sunday, September 30th at College of Dupage Stadium. The team's record entering their bye week (last weekend's) stands at 3-1-1 in the nation's most rigorously competitive and developmentally focused league.
Head Coach Phil Presser was pleased with his team's defensive pressing and transition from defense to attack executed dangerously throughout the match. "I was proud that our boys were able to move the ball quickly once gaining possession from a turnover which enabled the midfield to consistently start attacking actions closer to goal," said Presser.
Who: USSDA U18 and U16 Boys
What: USSDA Home Opener vs Chicago Sockers
When: This Saturday, September 22, at 11:00am (U18s); and 1:30pm (U16s)
Where: FC Milwaukee soccer fields, Germantown, WI
Germantown, WI - FC Milwaukee's USSDA U18 and U16 Boys play host to Sockers FC Chicago this Saturday, at FC Milwaukee soccer fields in Germantown, WI. The U18s kick off the action at 11:00am, followed by the U16s at 1:30pm.
"This weekend will be a big test for our guys. Traditionally, Sockers have been a very physical team that does not give away many goals. Our players must show discipline on both sides of the ball in order to get results at home this weekend," said Head Coach Phil Presser. In last weekend's season opening games on the road in Minnesota, FC Milwaukee's USSDA squad's results were mixed.
U16 & U18 USSDA vs MSOE and Marian College Pre-Season Games Net Results and Insights
Germantown,WI-On August 28th, FC Milwaukee's United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) U16 and U18 teams took to FC Milwaukee soccer fields for evening friendly matches against MSOE to continue pre-season preparation for the upcoming season.
The outcomes against MSOE were mixed with the U18s falling 1-2 in a regulation length match; and the U16s claiming a 2-0 win in a 45 minute match versus MSOE's reserve squad. Marcelle Moss tallied for the U18s in the 2nd half, while Nick Moon and Braden Andryk found the back of the net for the 16s.
FC Milwaukee USSDA Coaches Phil Presser and Jon Coleman saw tremendous value from each team's opportunity to play against college-aged players, themselves preparing for a season ahead.
Recommendations by National Team, Professional, and Wisconsin Collegiate Coaches
In 2007, U.S. Soccer finished a comprehensive review of the player development system in the United States and concluded that the existing environment for youth soccer players in the United States needed significant improvement. In response, in the fall of 2007, U.S. Soccer created the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (the “USSDA”) and selected the top 63 boys clubs in the United States to participate. FC Milwaukee was and still is the only club in the state of Wisconsin to be invited by U.S. Soccer to participate in the U.S. Development Academy.
The USSDA is the only youth soccer program operated by U.S. Soccer and is the nation’s elite developmental program for boys ages 15 -18, with teams and leagues formed at the U16 and U18 age group. In 2008, US Soccer expanded the USSDA to a total of 75 clubs nation-wide.
The USSDA provides the best training environment for the best youth soccer players in the United States to compete against the best competition in the United States. The 75 clubs selected into the USSDA have been identified by U.S. Soccer as consistently providing the highest level of training and coaching in the United States, and therefore as “destination clubs” for elite youth soccer players.
The USSDA is a very unique youth soccer environment in the United States:
- The USSDA provides a scouting network directly to the U.S. National Teams.
- The USSDA Is the primary developmental program for MLS youth development teams.
- The USSDA is the only youth club program operated by U.S. Soccer.
The USSDA represents a fundamental change in elite player development in the United States. Beyond providing an improved training and competitive environment for the USSDA players, the USSDA has several additional unique aspects:
- Competition: Because the USSDA only includes the best clubs in the country, every USSDA game is more competitive and played at a significantly higher speed with more physical, psychological, technical and tactical demands on the players than the “typical” American youth soccer game.
- Training: By eliminating less competitive games and reducing the total number of games played by USSDA teams, USSDA teams and players are able to significantly increase the volume and quality of their daily training environment. As such, USSDA teams and players receive more time and coaching on the training field – where development primarily occurs.
- Substitution Format: USSDA games are played under FIFA substitution rules prohibiting “re-entry” to the game for a substituted player. This replicates soccer as it is played at the highest level throughout the world. Without the massive substitution common in other youth soccer events, USSDA players are forced to adapt to the physical and psychological demands of playing for 90 minutes without the “cushion” of temporary substitution to re-energize or re-focus.
- Starting Requirements: Every USSDA player is required to start in 30% of all USSDA games. As such, every player learns the different mentality and demands required to be a starter and required to be a substitute.
- Program Evaluation: U.S. Soccer carefully monitors the programs offered by USSDA clubs – including the training environment provided and the coaching quality offered. The regular evaluation and guidance provided by U.S. Soccer insures that all USSDA clubs will be consistently improving their training, coaching, and organization.
- Referee Selection: All referees for USSDA games are selected by U.S. Soccer and have already been screened and identified as the best referees in the country. USSDA referees also referee USL First Division, MLS, and national team games.
- Coaching Development: U.S. Soccer has developed various coaching and pedagogical symposiums and coaching development opportunities available only to USSDA coaches, to insure that these coaches receive personal training and development, and are able to improve their craft through collaboration with the National Team staff.
The USSDA provides an elite competitive schedule where every game is played at the highest national level. Because these games are more demanding upon the players, and to provide players the ability to prepare for these higher-level games, the USSDA restricts the total number of competitions for its teams in order to eliminate lower-quality games and prevent the burden of too many games:
- USSDA teams no longer compete in USYS State Cup or USYS State Leagues.
- USSDA teams no longer compete in USYS youth tournaments.
- USSDA teams no longer compete in USYS Regional League or USYS Regional Championships.
Finally, because the USSDA is directly connected to the U.S. National Teams and provides a formal scouting network of both full and part-time scouts for the youth national team programs, USSDA players no longer participate in USYS ODP.
FC Milwaukee is the only youth soccer club in the state of Wisconsin to be invited to participate in the USSDA. As such, FC Milwaukee is able to offer unique developmental experiences to its players that are unmatched by any other Wisconsin club.
Competition:
- FC Milwaukee is a member of the Frontier Division of the Central Conference of the USSDA. In addition to FC Milwaukee Nationals, the Frontier Division consists of the following teams:
- Chicago Fire
- Chicago Magic AS Monaco
- Sockers FC Chicago
- St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro
- St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri
- Colorado Rapids
- Colorado Rush AS Monaco
- Real Colorado
- FC Milwaukee Nationals competes in a 30 game schedule from December – June. Games consist of division games, intra-conference games, and USSDA collegiate showcase tournaments.
Training:
- FC Milwaukee National’s USSDA teams begin training in mid-November. Beginning on January 1, and extending through the end of the season, FC Milwaukee USSDA teams train a minimum of 3 times per week.
Who can compete in the USSDA?
The USSDA is for boys ages 15 – 18, and USSDA teams are formed at the Under-16 and Under-18 age brackets with the best players available, regardless of age. For example, the Under-16 USSDA team will be comprised of the best players available at the Under-15 and Under-16 USSDA age groups.
Which clubs participate in the USSDA?
There are 75 clubs in the USSDA from across the country. See www.ussda.demosphere.com for detailed information, rosters, and schedules for every USSDA team.
What is the competitive schedule of the FC Milwaukee Nationals USSDA Teams?
FC Milwaukee Nationals competes against the best teams in the country in a USSDA schedule of conference, cross-conference, and collegiate showcase games. FC Milwaukee Nationals is in the Frontier Division of the Central Conference of the USSDA, which includes the Chicago Fire, Chicago Magic AS Monaco, Colorado Rapids, Colorado Rush AS Monaco, Real Colorado, Sockers FC Chicago, St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri, St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro.
FC Milwaukee Nationals will play a 30 game schedule: (i) 16 conference games (home and away against each conference opponent), (ii) 6 cross-conference games (3 at home, 3 away), and (iii) 8 games at USSDA collegiate showcases. The complete schedules for all teams in the USSDA are available at www.ussda.demoshere.com.
Why is the USSDA a better developmental environment for elite player development?
There are several reasons that the USSDA creates a better developmental environment for elite players.
Competition: Through careful screening and selection, U.S. Soccer has identified the best boys clubs throughout the country. As such, every USSDA game is more competitive and played at a significantly higher speed with more physical, psychological, technical and tactical demands on the players than the “average” game. The consistency of this competition and the demands it imposes creates more skillful, intelligent, and focused players.
Training: By reducing the number of uncompetitive games, USSDA teams and players are able to significantly increase the volume and quality of their daily training environment. As such, USSDA teams and players receive more time and coaching on the training field – where development primarily occurs.
Substitution Format: USSDA games are played under FIFA substitution rules prohibiting “re-entry” to the game for a substituted player. Without the massive substitution common in other events, players are forced to adapt to the physical and psychological demands of playing for 90 minutes without the “cushion” of substitution to refocus themselves.
Starting Requirements: Every USSDA player is required to start in 30% of all USSDA games. As such, every player learns the different mentality and demands required to be a starter and required to be a substitute.
Program Evaluation: U.S. Soccer carefully monitors the programs offered by USSDA clubs – including the training environment provided and the coaching quality offered. The regular evaluation and guidance provided by U.S. Soccer insures that all USSDA clubs will be consistently improving their training, coaching, and organization.
Referee Selection: All referees for USSDA games are selected by U.S. Soccer and have already been screened and identified as the best referees in the country. USSDA referees also referee USL First Division, MLS, and national team games.
Do FC Milwaukee Nationals USSDA Teams compete in USYS State Cup or USYS Regional Championships?
In forming the USSDA, US Soccer concluded that elite players needed an increase in the quality and quantity of training, an increase in the number of quality games, but a reduction in the overall amount of games. As such, USSDA teams no longer compete in USYS State Cups, USYS Regional Championships, USYS State Leagues, or USYS Regional Leagues.
Do FC Milwaukee USSDA players participate in USYS ODP?
Due to the formal scouting program established by U.S. Soccer solely for the USSDA, USDDA players no longer participate in USYS ODP. The scouting program for the USSDA is tied directly into the residency program for the U17 National Team Program and to all U.S. Soccer national team programming.
Are the USSDA age groups different than USYS age groups?
Yes, USSDA age groups are formed differently than USYS age groups. USSDA age brackets are based on the calendar year and run from January 1 – December 31. (USYS age brackets are based on the school year and run from August 1 – July 31.)
The impact of this change is that each age group in the USSDA includes a wider age range to provide elite young players the opportunity to compete against more physically mature and experienced players.
What are the costs of participating in FC Milwaukee Nationals’ USDDA program?
Costs for participating in FC Milwaukee’s USSDA program are similar to the costs of competing in any nationally competitive USYS club in the Midwest. FC Milwaukee Nationals is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is committed to keeping the costs of participation in all of its programs as low as possible. The fees for participation in FC Milwaukee Nationals’ USSDA program are in-line with other competitive programs offered by FC Milwaukee Nationals. Scholarships are available for those with financial need. FC Milwaukee Nationals is always searching for more ways to reduce the expenses of its programs, and welcomes any assistance that may be provided from local businesses and organizations. For information on specific costs for any program, please contact us directly.
Does the USSDA provide exposure to collegiate coaches for collegiate recruiting?
Yes, the USSDA provides 3 major showcase tournaments each year – a fall, winter, and spring showcase.
Where can I get more information on the USSDA?
The U.S. Soccer website (www.ussoccer.com) has several pages dedicated to the USSDA, providing an overview of the program, latest news, scores, and schedules. Detailed information about each team in the USSDA is available at www.ussda.demosphere.com.
Recommendations by National Team, Professional, and Wisconsin Collegiate Coaches
“I'm very excited about the establishment of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Program. It is very important for U.S. Soccer to work with our top clubs to ensure that our best young players are constantly being challenged in an environment that best promotes player development. The Academy will be the main place for elite players to play and develop, and therefore we know the best players will on average be coming out of this program, so our scouting will be more organized.”
-- Bob Bradley, U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach
“FC Milwaukee is in a unique situation to be the only Wisconsin based club to be able to offer its U16 and U18 boys the opportunity to not only to play but to be seen by scout and coaches from around the world. Soccer is the world game and parents need to understand that there is more than one way to get to the pros. There are far more options for American players now as the world knows we have a lot of talented youth player playing soccer. The US developmental academy has already made an impact on select soccer. This program will only help in making US soccer more excepted as a force worldwide.”
--Michael King, Milwaukee WAVE Player and 4 Time NPSL/MISL Champion, Director of Coaching Milwaukee Kickers
“The US Developmental Academy has been a fantastic addition to our recruiting calendar at Marquette. I believe the US Developmental Academy schedule has allowed me to recruit more effectively by seeing Wisconsin players compete against the best opposition in the country. FC Milwaukee National's selection to US Developmental Academy has taken their club to a new level. The players in the club will benefit greatly by the national exposure and increased competition. If there is a better program than the US Developmental Academy in the country to prepare you for top-flight college soccer I would like to see it. FC Milwaukee Nationals will benefit greatly by being selected to participate in this program.”
--Stan Anderson, Associate Head Men’s Coach Marquette University
“The US Soccer Developmental Academy Program is a great tool for quality player development through high level training and competing against top competition weekly. Players can be identified and evaluated by college and National team coaches at the club level which is in contrast frommy experienceasa National team player of the past. Most players were identifiedin a tryout setting.Many players perform better in a club setting because they are more familiar with club teammates andstaff coaches.The US Soccer Developmental Academy Program gives players the opportunity to reach their highest potential in the club team environment which in my opinion is a more sufficient and accurate way to evaluate talent."
--Jimmy Banks, Head Men’s Coach Milwaukee School of Engineering, 1990 Men’s World Cup Player
For more information on the FC Milwaukee USSDA program, please contact:
Christian Lavers
FC Milwaukee USSDA Program Director
(608) 213 – 4686