ROCKFORD, Ill. (May 27, 2008) - The Schulz Academy U16 Boys and U18 Boys picked up two wins each at the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Spring Showcase over the Memorial Day weekend, May 23-27. The U16 Boys increased their lead over their division opponents and in doing so control their own destiny for qualifications to the National Finals in Carson California. The U18 Boys with their two wins continue to trail the leaders in their division.

The U16 Boys got goals from Hasani Sinclair (5), Reginald Phelps (2), and Sekani Sinclair in wins over Seacoast United (4-2) and Ohio Elite (4-0). The U16 Boys dropped a 1-0 decision to Columbus Crew. The U18 Boys got goals from Folabit Kingsley (2), Shawn Barry (2), and Julian Serrato in wins over Seacoast United (3-1) and Ohio Elite (2-1). Like their younger counterparts, the U18 Boys dropped a 1-0 decision to Columbus Crew.

 

Kingsley score two vital goals including an amazing solo effort for Schulz Academy U18s

Schulz Academy validated their Soccer America number 5 National Ranking by picking up 12 out of 18 possible points. The U16 boys opened an 8 point gap on division rivals Miami FC-Kendall. Hasani Sinclair was on form as he found the back of the net 5 times. Hasini was recently named 2A High School Player of The Year and he was also selected to the U.S. U20 MNT that travelled to Mexico for the Copa Chivas. Younger brother Sekani Sinclair also got in on the scoring as he scored the opener in the U16s 4-0 win over Ohio Elite. Sekani is a ’93 born player and if he keeps scoring against the top ’91s in the country he could find himself a candidate for the U17 World Cup team for 2009. Reginald Phelps, another U.S. YNT select player, scored twice and got high praise from Academy Director Dr. Josef Schulz. It was Phelps’ performance and speed that unsettled the U.S. U16 BNT causing the Nats to drop their first decision 2-1 to Schulz Academy back on March 29, 2008.

 

U18 boys standout, Folabit Kingsley, continues to score vital goals for Schulz as he netted twice this weekend.  One memorable unassisted goal saw Kingsley dribble 5 Seacoast players in the penalty box before beating the keeper low with a soft roller.  Defender Shawn Barry showed why he is a regular YNT selection as he scored twice to help the U18’s cause. Barry’s second goal proved to be the game winner against Ohio Elite giving the U18s a much needed 3 points. Julian Serrato rounded out the scoring for the U18s as he scored the game opener vs. Ohio Elite.

 

The Development Academy and its showcase events provide a quality scouting environment for U.S. National Team coaches to identify and evaluate young talent and build the player pool through the U.S. U-17 Residency Program and other Youth National Team programming.

The Spring Showcase has more than 150 college and professional scouts on hand with a chance to evaluate more than 2,000 of the best young soccer players in the country.

Many Academy players have already been invited into National Team training camps, and currently 14 of the 18 players with the Under-18 MNT at the Lisbon International Tournament in Portugal come from Academy clubs. Earlier this spring, four Academy players were part of an Under-20 MNT training camp in England.

The Academy also gives the U.S. Under-17 Residency coaching staff and other scouts a chance to repeatedly evaluate players being considered for the program in a consistent environment against the top national competition via the weekly Academy schedule and showcases.