The San Jose Earthquakes U16 and U18 academy teams wrapped up the US Soccer Developmental Academy Showcase on Monday in Florida against some of the best youth competition in the world.
The U16s finished with an undefeated 3-0-0 record at the worldwide tournament, while the U-18s went 0-0-3.
Win or lose, head coach Paul Holocher is pleased with the academy’s performance in the Sunshine State.
“We are very proud of all our young men in the academy,” Holocher said Monday. “We have gone through a tough stretch recently with nine of 12 games on the road but our teams always compete to the fullest and with passion.
The U18s played in quite arguably the most difficult USSDA bracket, matching up against No. 1 ranked BW Gottschee, No. 2 ranked New York Red Bulls and No. 10 ranked Orlando City SC.
“It was always going to be a challenge this week with several key players out due to injury, but the team competed tough and can hold their heads up high,” Holocher explained. “The first match with the New York Red Bulls we conceded an early goal and another right before half.
“The the last match versus BW Gottschee we saw some positive signs as we were able to control the majority of possession and attacked in their half of the field for much of the game.”
The U16s kicked off their weekend with a commanding 4-0 win against PA Classics and never looked back.
In three matches, the U16s tallied 10 total goals against PA Classics, DC United and Columbus Crew SC.
Forward Arda Bulut scored seven of them.
“Forward Arda Bulut had a great week, while our two center-backs, JJ and CJ, were in top form, especially in their build-up play and reading of the game defensively,” Holocher explained. “We only conceded a handful of chances all week. This team has a great mentality and works very hard. It is fun to watch them play.”
The USSDA showcase will be the last tournament for the academy in 2015. Both teams will open the new year Jan. 16 against Sacramento Republic FC at San Jose State University.
“We will use this holiday break to get everyone healthy and to recharge the batteries again before we re-start in early January,” Holocher said. “We are excited to have a lot more homes games in the second half of the season.”
U18 Academy Scoresheet
SJEQ 18 vs New York Redbull (2) 2-3
Goal-scorers: Diego Alonso, David Chavez (PK)
SJEQ 18 vs Orlando City (10) 0-2
SJEQ 18 vs BW Gottschee (1) 0-2
U16 Academy Scoresheet
SJEQ 16 vs PA Classics: 4-0
Goal-scorers: Bulut (assist Trujillo), Paoli (assist Bulut), Bulut (Trujillo) Bulut (PK)
SJEQ 16 vs DC United: 3-1
Goal-scorers: Bulut (Fabretti), Bulut (assist Valencia), Valencia (PK)
SJEQ 16 vs Columbus Crew SC: 3-0
Goal-scorers: Valencia, Bulut (assist Del Mundo), Bulut (Trujillo)
