ANOTHER GREAT PERFORMANCE IN CALIFORNIA

 

 

After his 2 goals in California, Felipe Noguerol leads the team in scoring with 10 goals

 

 

 

Like always, Verneri Valimaa, was again one of the most consistent players at the Winter Showcase in California

 

 

With this extraordinary performance against high level teams from all over the country the Schulz Academy U16’s extended their overall lead in the Southeast Division of the Development Academy League. 

 

 

Standing (first 3 only):

 

 

Team                                       Games Points  Wins  Losses  Ties  GF  GA

 

 

1 Schulz Academy                     14          32          9        0            5      25   3

 

 

2 Birmingham                            16          28          8        4            4      17   12

 

 

3 IMG Academy                         13          24          7        3            3      23   14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The team played on Friday 0-0 vs. a strong team from Texas, SOLAR FC. On Saturday they tied LAFC CHELSEA ACADEMY in an extreme contested match also 0-0. This definitely was the strongest opponent of the season. Schulz Academy had the better first 20 minutes with some nice goal scoring opportunities, but after this first part of the half LAFC Chelsea, the top team in California, took over and controlled the game till halftime.

 

 

 

In the second half the game picked up pace, and both teams opened up to win the game. This offensive thinking led to goal scoring opportunities for both teams.

 

 

 

The last 20 minutes of this game looked like a professional game, with all 22 players fighting for each inch on the field. At the end both coaches were satisfied with the tie, especially because of the high level of play and the quality of players on the pitch.

 

 

 

After finishing the SPARQ testing on Sunday morning the team had their best performance on Monday, beating PA Classics from Pennsylvania 2-1. Felipe Noguerol scored both goals, the second after Sharif Shears hit the post with a nice individual effort. In addition to the 2 goals Schulz Academy hit the post 3 times. One of the highlights of the game was a free kick from 35 yards taken by Verneri Valimaa hitting the post.  

 

Felipe Noguerol scores all goals at the Winter Showcase, and in 12 out of the 14 games the team didn’t concede a goal

 

“To concede only 3 goals in 14 games on this level is quite an accomplishment. The tactical awareness of all the players is outstanding”, praises Josef Schulz, the coach of the team. “We had tough opponents at the Showcase, and especially the game vs. LAFC Chelsea Academy from California was very intense. Both teams had the chance to decide the game, and 3 minutes to the end, Sekani Sinclair had the possible game winner, after Santiago Allaria played him open with a pass into the box. These are the games which make the players stronger, more experienced and better”, continues Josef Schulz.

 

 

 

The Schulz Academy U16 squad didn’t concede a goal in 12 of their 14 games played in the Development Academy League, which is a remarking record in this league.