News

FC Development Academy Continues Success at Spring Showcase
 May 26 2009 - CL

 May 26, 2009. The FC Milwaukee USSDA Program continued its month-long run of success this past weekend in Sarasota, Florida at the US Soccer Development Academy Spring Showcase. All 75 USSDA clubs participated in the Spring Showcase, with each team playing 3 games over 4 days, and participating in the patented SPARQ Athletic Testing on the off-day. FC Milwaukee's USSDA teams combined to post 4 wins and 2 losses over the weekend. The U18 team defeated the New England Revolution (MA) 1-0 and FC Portland (OR) 1-0 after an opening loss to the Clearwater Chargers (FL) 1-4. The U16 team defeated the Clearwater Chargers (FL) 4-1 and FC Portland (OR) 8-2, while dropping a tough 1-2 loss to the New England Revolution (MA).

In addition to the on-field competition and games, FC Milwaukee players were able to attend an intra-squad scrimmage of the U-20 National Team which included a lecture by U-20 National Team Coach Thomas Rongen. Every showcase game was also scouted by US Soccer National Team scouts to identify potential players for national teams of various ages. FC Milwaukee games were scouted by, among others, Bob Gansler (former US Men's National Team Head coach), Caleb Porter (Akron University Head
Coach, and assistant coach US Men's U18 National Team), Louis Mateus (US Soccer National Team Scout Midwest Region), and Bruce Murray (former US Men's National Team player).

"It was a very successful weekend for both teams," said FC Milwaukee USSDA Director Christian Lavers. "Both teams played great soccer, and continued to show that they can compete with anyone in the USSDA. Our players are also beginning to be noticed at higher levels -- which is a
testament to the hard work that everyone has put in to getting better." FC Milwaukee USSDA U-18 Head Coach Billy Solberg agreed: "The teams each showed good teamwork and ideas on the field, and they also really strongly supported each other when they had the opportunity to watch each other. The players have really embraced the "two-teams, one-program" mentality."

The USSDA teams have 6 regular season games remaining in the 2008-2009 USSDA season, and both teams are battling for post-season play-offs. "It was important for each team to get six points this weekend, and both teams will need to get results in our last 6 games - especially our conference games against the Chicago Magic and the Chicago Fire." said Lavers. "We are really looking forward to a strong end-of-season push as the teams peak."