Arsenal Soccer Club

Ray Chavarria has passed away.

04/20/2012 12:09 PM

We regretfully were notified this morning (4-17-12), that Ray has lost his battle with cancer. Please remember Ray and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Due to the expense associated with Ray's treatments, the family is in need of additional financial support to help cover the costs associated with Ray's burial. An account is active at Wells Fargo for all of those interested in supporting the family. The account # is 216 998 2275 and the Routing # to this account is 122000247. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Arsenal Older Tryouts

04/23/2012 01:01 PM

Arsenal Girls South - Tuesday/Thursday - April 24 & 26 - May 1 & 3 - 5:30pm - 7pm - Birdsall Sports Park. Click Here for the flier. Arsenal Girls North - Monday/Wednesday - April 23, 25 & 30 - May 2 - GU15 & GU16 @ 6:30p - GU17 & GU18 @ 8pm - Ontario Soccer Park.

Arsenal Boys South Tryouts, CLICK HERE.

Arsenal Initializes Grassroots Program

04/17/2012 12:44 PM

Arsenal will start a Grassroots Progam for those players ages 4 to 9 in the Temecula Valley. Trainings will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays. The first session will take place starting April 30th continuing through June 18th. CLICK HERE for the flier and more information.

BU13, BU14, BU16 and BU18 Arsenal Academy Teams Arrive Back From Dallas Cup

04/17/2012 11:20 AM

Arsenal had some great success at the 33rd annual Dallas Cup. Three out of the four teams advanced out of group and both the BU14 and BU18 teams made the Final. Congrats to all four teams for their strong showings. Here are a few links that have been posted by Dallas Cup. BU18 Academy Final Pics. BU14 Academy Final Pics. BU18 Academy Semi Final Arsenal vs Zimbabwe Video. BU14 Academy Pre Game Video.

GU14 ECNL Tryouts

03/19/2012 12:01 AM

Arsenal FC will be hosting tryouts for our 2012/2013 GU14 ECNL team. Tryouts will be Monday, March 19th from 6:30pm to 8pm and Thursday, March 22 from 5pm to 6:30pm at Ontario Soccer Park (60Fwy & Archibald). For more information, please contact Holland Hanson @hhanson@arsenalfc.us.

GU11 FC - State Cup Finalists!

03/12/2012 03:16 PM

Congratulations to Randy Brown and his GU11 FC State Cup Finalists. Great job Girls!!

ECNL Player Development Program Announces Participants

03/03/2012 11:11 AM

GU14 ECNL and Arsenal 1997 Boys Accepted to 2012 Nike Man U Championships!

02/22/2012 05:40 PM

Only 20 teams per gender in the US are accepted to the most prestigious U14/15 tournament in the country. Arsenal is one of a very select few clubs that is represented by both our Boys and Girls Programs. For more information on the event, click here http://www.premierinternationaltours.com/soccer/manchester-united-premier-cup

Arsenal FC Hires Bryant Rueckner

02/21/2012 08:37 PM

Arsenal FC is pleased to announe Bryant Rueckner as our new North GK trainer. Bryant started with Arsenal at age 10 playing for Steve Lucey, eventually earning a total of 35 caps for the US Youth National Teams. For a full list of Bryants accomplishments, CLICK HERE.

Holland Hanson - AFC S Girls Director

02/09/2012 07:23 PM

Arsenal FC is pleased to announce that Holland Hanson will also be the new Arsenal South Girls Director. Holland joined Arsenal a few months ago as the Elite Clubs National League Director, and will now oversee both programs. We are very excited about increasing Holland's involvement with our club and look forward to a great 2012/2013 season.

GU10 White State Cup CHAMPIONS!

02/13/2012 01:45 PM

Congratulations to the GU10 White team for their State Cup Championship. Well deserved girls!!

Congratulations to the following Arsenal Ladies!!

01/31/2012 01:53 PM

US Soccer National Camp Invitees: Julia Bingham, Danika Bowman & Alyssa Carthan. ECNL Player Development Camp Invitees: Haylee Degrood, Carson Dukes, Jazzmin Mancilla, Ifeoma Onumonu, Amber Lasher, Julia Taylor, Kristiana Peraza, Emily Griganavicius, Carlee Bates, Hanna Chua, Vivian Vega and Brittany Rogers. Mexican National Team Camp Invitees: Andrea Herbst, Elizabeth Hernandez, Giselle Avila, Krisene Avila, & Vivian Vega.

Wade Hamilton - 2011 NSCAA All American

01/26/2012 12:24 PM

Congratulations to Wade Hamilton on his selection by the NSCAA committee as a member of the 2011 Youth Boys All American team. Wade is our U18 Academy team Goalkeeper and was rostered for last year’s U17 World Cup Team. Congratulations Wade on a well deserved award!

BU16 & BU18 Academy Fundraiser

02/07/2012 02:57 PM

Please bring any items you would like to donate to Goodwill to Ontario Soccer Park next Monday (Feb 13) and next Wednesday (Feb 15) for our Academy Fundraiser. If you can't make it to Ontario Soccer Park, The last day to drop off is February 18th at Galaxy Burger (Archibald and Philadelphia. Click here to download the flier.

Arsenal South Tryout UPDATE

02/20/2012 12:36 PM

Tryouts this week for Arsenal South are Monday thru Thursday at Murrieta Mesa High School (24801 Monroe Ave - Murrieta 92562). The Boys will run Monday and Wednesday and the Girls will continue with Tuesday and Thursday. For specific age group times, please CLICK HERE.

If you missed tryouts for our North teams (Ontario/Rancho Cucamonga area) please contact Steve Lucey (Boys) - slucey@arsenalfc.us or Randy Brown (Girls) - rbrown@arsenalfc.us for practice information. There is still time to tryout with individual teams as rosters are still being finalized.

Paul Arriola Heads Off To U18 National Team Camp

01/03/2012 02:44 PM

CHICAGO (Jan. 2, 2012) – U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team head coach Richie Williams has named 24 players to the roster that will train Jan. 2-9 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

All 24 players have ties to the Development Academy, with 21 players currently playing in the Academy. The remaining three players on the roster are Academy alumni, with Albertson SC’s Nicholas Gaitan currently at Argentinos Juniors in Argentina, Romain Gall from D.C. United Academy plying his trade at FC Lorient in France and FC DELCO product Zach Pfeffer at the Philadelphia Union. Williams’ roster also includes 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup veterans Kellyn Acosta and Paul Arriola.

Williams leads his first camp since being named head coach in October 2011. He will lead his age group through international tournaments and domestic training camps throughout the year to develop the players and to integrate the U-18 program into the same structure as the Men’s National Team in terms of style of play, training sessions and fitness testing.

U.S. U-18 MNT Roster By Position:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Ethan Horvath (Real Colorado; Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Zackary Steffen (FC DELCO; Downington, Pa.)
DEFENDERS (8): Miguel Alves (Players Development Academy; Newark, N.J.), Robert Michael Amick (De Anza Force; Sunnyvale, Calif.), Suliaman Dainkeh (D.C. United; Reston, Va.), Dylan Greenberg (Albertson SC; Dix Hills, N.Y.), Trevor Haberkorn (Solar Chelsea SC; Keller, Texas), Matthew Habrowski (Crew Soccer Academy Wolves; Berkley, Mich.), Jalen Markey (Seattle Sounders FC; Renton, Wash.), Miguel Polley (Chicago Fire; Woodridge, Ill.)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas; Plano, Texas), Osvaldo Chavez (Texas Rush; El Paso, Texas), Marco Delgado (Chivas USA; Glendora, Calif.), Nicholas Gaitan (Argentinos Juniors; Oceanside, N.Y.), Romain Gall (FC Lorient; Herndon, Va.), Adam Najem (New York Red Bulls; Clifton, N.J.), William Raygoza (LA Galaxy; South El Monte, Calif.)
FORWARDS (7): Jordan Allen (Real Salt Lake AZ; Rochester, N.Y.), Paul Arriola (Arsenal FC; Chula Vista, Calif.), Justin Dhillon (LA Galaxy; Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.), Benjamin Lopez (Real Salt Lake AZ; San Diego, Calif.), Zach Pfeffer (Philadelphia Union; Dresher, Pa.), Ben Spencer (Chivas USA; Albuquerque, N.M.), Jaime Villareal (LA Galaxy; Inglewood, Calif.)

Congratulations to Alejandro Uribe

12/21/2011 11:35 PM

Alejandro Uribe is the winner of the 2011 Arsenal Car Raffle!! He is the new proud owner of a 2012 Honda Civic.

Former Arsenal Academy Player in Final Four Tonight

12/21/2011 11:36 PM

Congratulations to Dion Acoff and Creighton for making the NCAA Division 1 Final Four!! Dion played for Arsenal’s U18 Academy team coached by Steve Lucey. Good luck tonight in the semi’s. We will all be routing for you. For more info on the event, click here.

Former Arsenal Alumni up for Russian Player of the Year

11/30/2011 07:12 PM

Yura Movsisyan, who many of you have met and trained with, has been nominated for theRussian Premier League Player of the Year. Below is the link for voting for him. Please take a second to click on the link and vote for Yura. I know when he returns from Russia he will be coming out to visit us again, so lets see if we can bring back the Voted Best Player of the Russian Year. Also, please feel free to pass this on to anyone who can add their vote. http://www.sovsport.ru/polls-item/1491

Arsenal FC's Lucas Tavill Accepted to West Point!

11/22/2011 02:42 PM

Arsenal FC would like to congratulate Lucas Tavill and his family for his acceptance to West Point. Lucas played on Arsenal’s U16 Academy Team last season coached by Steve Lucey. Famous West Point Graduates include Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, George Patton, Dwight Eisenhower and Norman Schwartzkopf.

Congratulations to Gabi Forss

11/15/2011 08:18 PM

Arsenal FC would like to congratulate Gabi Fors for her recent selection to the "All Event Team" for the Phoenix ECNL Showcase. Click here to read the entire story.

Leggacy College ID Camp

10/28/2011 03:05 PM

Leggacy College ID Camps will be held November 21 - 23 at Birdsall Sports Park in Temecula. Leggacy College ID Camps has secured all four turf fields with space limited to 4 boys teams and 4 girls teams. For more information on the Camp, click here.

GU18 ECNL Team Featured on ESPN

10/14/2011 12:15 PM

Top Team: Arsenal remains unbeaten, unfazed

Being undefeated is one thing. But after six matches, having scored 19 goals while allowing just one, that’s complete domination. Head coach Jason Montgomery says that sometimes the best defense is a good offense.

"The reason we’re playing so well is because top to bottom, we really control the game," Montgomery said after his team went 3-0 this weekend by beating Charlotte SA, Carolina Elite, and Eclipse Select. "Every single player is athletic and talented. I feel very confident in all of them, and they can all bring something into the game."

Arsenal did allow one fluke goal in their final victory, a 4-1 win over Eclipse. It was their first of the season.

Montgomery knows that a good defense requires more than just a good back line.

"The back line is very solid," he said, "but our team defense is good all around. We’re organized and we get behind the ball, and we get in the spots we need to be.”

The squad is now 6-0-0 on the season, and is about to enter a streak on conference games that will include tough matches with Slammers, Real So Cal, and San Diego Surf. And Arsenal knows that while the SoCal Conference is one of the ECNL’s strongest, it also includes one of the most grueling schedules.

"We’re definitely going to beat up on each other, there’s no doubt about that," he said. "It’s such a loaded schedule. You’ve got to have your A-game every time you play."

Arsenal seems to bring their A-game every time out. The squad boasts 16 Division I or Division II recruits on the 19-player roster. Captain Haylee DeGrood is headed to Portland, goalkeeper Carson Dukes will be attending Ohio State, and striker Ifeoma Onumonu will play for Cal Berkeley, to name a few. And Montgomery says, for the first time in a while, they’re 100 percent healthy.

After an impressive weekend, Arsenal resumes conference play by taking on SoCal Blues this weekend. They’ll then have a slate of games in November before breaking for high school play. Across the SoCal conference, Arsenal has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

Raul "Guero" Mendiola off to Manchester City

10/08/2011 01:14 PM

Arsenal would like to wish Guero the best of luck in his efforts in becoming a professional. He will be spedning the next 6 weeks with Manchester City in an effort to see where Guero fits in with their club. Below are a few links relating to this story.

Sky Sports.com

Top Drawer.com

AFC Academy Teams off to a Great Start

10/08/2011 01:20 PM

The U16 and U18 Academy Teams started their season this past month as Arsenal played host to Crossfire Premier, Seattle Sounders, DeAnza Force and Santa Cruz Breakers. The U16 team is 3-0-1 and the U18’s are 2-0-2 after the first four matches.

You can visit the USSDA Academy Link on our website for more information.

College Manuals Now Online

09/21/2011 02:04 PM

Division 1, Division 2 and Division 3 NCAA College Manuals are now online. Please visit our College Prep link to the left.

GU9 FC, GU10 FC and GU11 FC West Coast Futbol Classic Champs!

08/23/2011 12:45 PM

Congratulations to the GU9, GU10 and GU11 FC teams for the WCFC Championships! Great Job!

Eddie Valencia

08/15/2011 01:59 PM

Arsenal FC would like to express our heartfelt condolences to all of Eddie Valencia’s family and friends dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one. Eddie was a very special player and we appreciate the time we had with him here at Arsenal. Rest in Peace Eddie!

GU12 FC Mustang Champs!!

08/08/2011 08:52 PM

Congratulations to Ernie Romero and the GU12 FC team for their Championship at the Mustang Tournament! Great Job!!

GU14 FC 2011 Surf Cup Champs!

07/26/2011 01:31 PM

Congratulations to the GU14 FC team and Noah Kooiman for their Surf Cup Championship! Arsenal would also like to congratulate the GU11 FC team for their efforts in making the finals.

ECNL National Championship

07/13/2011 11:47 AM

Arsenal FC would like to wish the ECNL Teams luck in the ECNL National Championship starting tomorrow in Aurora, CO. The ECNL National Championship will run from July 14th - 16th.

We will be posting information on how the teams are performing in the ECNL National Championship here on the website and also on the NEW Official Arsenal FC Facebook Page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arsenal-FC-USA/150286698376332?sk=app_160628063962200

Academy star makes history with 2nd POY

07/12/2011 05:31 PM

Academy star makes history with 2nd POY

Raul Mendiola (red)

Article Written By Jahmal Corner, ESNN

Wherever Raul Mendiola lands moving forward he’s certainly leaving quite the legacy behind him.

Mendiola became the first player to be named U.S. Development Academy U15/16 Player of the Year in consecutive seasons, after U.S. Soccer announced its season honors.

It’s yet another distinction for the Arsenal FC attacker who appears headed for the big-time - and sooner rather than later.

"It’s a big accomplishment," said the 17-year-old Mendiola. "It’s kind of surprising because I’m one of the younger players. I’ve definitely improved this year, and my team made it easy for me."

Mendiola scored 14 goals this season and continued to win over his many admirers with his dynamic play. There aren’t many players like Mendiola (No. 2 on our 2012 Top 100 Ranking) when he has the ball at his feet, and his striking skill has caught the eye of many scouts.

Having spent half a season in Mexico, his birth country, two years ago with their U15 national team, Mendiola has his sights set on the professional ranks.

The 5-foot-5 speedster, who aptly models his game after Messi, said he has signed with an agent, is receiving offers from professional clubs and could look to head to a team at the end of the year.

"I really want to be a professional, so I have to stay humble and keep working - not let these things go to my head," Mendiola said.

Mendiola is joined by U17/18 Player of the year Christian Hernandez, who was announced a couple days prior. Hernandez currently has his PDA team fighting for a title at the Academy Finals Week.

Read more: Academy star makes history with 2nd POY | Club Soccer Players To Watch(TM) | College Soccer Recruiting News

U16 & U18 Academy Tryouts

07/11/2011 08:03 PM

Academy tryouts will be held on July 13th and 18th. The Academy program offers the opportunity to be a part of a great team, advance your skills to the top level, and be seen by college, professional, and national team coaches.

The scheduled times for each team’s tryouts are listed below.

U16 Academy Tryouts start at 6:30 p.m.

U18 Academy Tryouts start at 7:45 p.m.

The tryout dates and times are also listed on the Event Calendar here on the site.

Raul (Guero) Mendiola named Academy U-15/16 Player of the Year for second time!

07/08/2011 12:08 PM

2010-11 Development Academy U-15/16 Honors Unveiled

U.S. Soccer has announced that Raul Mendiola has earned his second Development Academy U-15/16 Player of the Year honor, as the Development Academy Starting XI, Coach of the Year and conference honors were unveiled just days before the U-15/16 teams kick off Finals Week on July 10 in Milwaukee, Wis.

Arsenal’s Mendiola Earns Second Player of the Year Award; Real Salt Lake AZ’s
Muñoz Takes Coach of the Year Honor

CHICAGO (July 7, 2011) – U.S. Soccer has announced that Raul Mendiola has earned his second Development Academy U-15/16 Player of the Year award as the Development Academy Starting XI, Coach of the Year and conference honors were unveiled just days before the U-15/16 teams kick off Finals Week on July 10 in Milwaukee, Wis.

Mendiola, who also won the Player of the Year award for the 2009-10 season, played in 32 games for Arsenal, spending time with both the U-15/16 team and the U-17/18 team. He contributed 14 goals in the highly competitive SoCal Division following up on his seven-goal campaign last season.

The U-15/16 Coach of the Year is Mike Muñoz from Real Salt Lake AZ. Muñoz took over the first-year Academy club part way through the season and led them to an automatic playoff spot by finishing second in the SoCal Division. The team’s 16-8-4 overall record led to a No. 18 seed in the Academy Playoffs, where the side earned a place at the upcoming Finals Week.

Along with Mendiola, D.C. United defender Jalen Robinson and New England Revolution midfielder Diego Fagundez are repeat selections to the All-Academy U-15/16 Starting XI. Fagundez, who was born in 1995, is still age-eligible to play one more season at the U-15/16 level.

Robinson is one of two D.C. United players on the Academy Starting XI team, joined by midfielder Collin Martin, who contributed 13 goals during the club’s run to the top of the Mid-Atlantic Division. Martin, Mendiola and Concorde Fire’s Holden Fender make up the midfield group.

Real Salt Lake AZ defender Julio Alarcon will be the only member of the All-Academy team at Finals Week after helping his team to a No. 18 seed for Playoffs. The rest of the defensive unit includes Crossfire Premier’s Jose Ocampo, another player born in 1995, and Pateadores’ Oscar Sorto. Goalkeeper Alex Bono backstopped an Empire United defense that allowed less than one goal per game en route to the top place in the Northeast Division.

Texas Rush AJ Auxerre forward Kekuta Manneh led all scorers in the Academy with 35 goals in 23 games played. Fellow forwards Fagundez and the New England Revolution’s Roberto Escudero contributed 21 and 11 goals, respectively.

The Development Academy has honored players and coaches with post-season awards since its inaugural season in 2007-08. Past Players of the Year include FIFA U-20 World Cup veteran Dillon Powers and current Major League Soccer forwards Ruben Luna (FC Dallas) and Soony Saad (Sporting Kansas City).

U-15/16 Development Academy Starting XI
GOALKEEPER: Alex Bono (Empire United)
DEFENDERS: Jose Ocampo (Crossfire Premier), Julio Alarcon (Real Salt Lake AZ), Oscar Sorto (Pateadores), Jalen Robinson (D.C. United)
MIDFIELDERS: Holden Fender (Concorde Fire), Collin Martin (D.C. United), Raul Mendiola (Arsenal FC)
FORWARDS: Diego Fagundez (New England Revolution), Kekuta Manneh (Texas Rush AJ Auxerre), Roberto Escudero (Pateadores)
Player of the Year: Raul Mendiola (Arsenal FC)
Coach of the Year: Mike Muñoz (Real Salt Lake AZ)

Central Conference Starting XI
GOALKEEPER: Jacole Turner (Sporting Kansas City)
DEFENDERS: Luis Ramirez (Texas SC Houston), John Pothast (Sockers FC), Vernon Bailey (Dallas Texans), Mo Kaba (Vardar)
MIDFIELDERS: Ricardo Perez (Colorado Rapids), Zachary Mathers (Solar Chelsea SC), Alan Arellano (Houston Dynamo)
FORWARDS: Kekuta Manneh (Texas Rush AJ Auxerre), Nick Jones (St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri), Bobby Edet (FC Dallas)
Coach of the Year: Billy Thompson (Crew Soccer Academy)

East Conference Starting XI
GOALKEEPER: Alex Bono (Empire United)
DEFENDERS: Jalen Robinson (D.C. United), Tyler Turner (South Central Premier), Dylan Greenberg (Albertson SC), Billy McConnell (Players Development Academy)
MIDFIELDERS: Romilio Hernandez (Baltimore Bays Chelsea), Collin Martin (D.C. United), Mael Corboz (NJSA 04)
FORWARDS: Diego Fagundez (New England Revolution), Stefanos Stamoulacatos (Empire United), Connor Maloney (PA Classics)
Coach of the Year: Steve Klein (PA Classics)

South Conference Starting XI
GOALKEEPER: Rafael Urbina (Kendall SC)
DEFENDERS: Javier Clavijo (Weston FC), Peter Lam (McLean Youth Soccer), Anthony Ricci (Weston FC), Reed Norton (Concorde Fire)
MIDFIELDERS: Holden Fender (Concorde Fire), Dakotah Millard (South Carolina United), Eddie Millien (Weston FC)
FORWARDS: Nestor Jaramillo (South Carolina United), Ben Burdon (Charlotte Soccer Academy), Fernando Castellanos (CASL Chelsea FC Academy)
Coach of the Year: Carlos Somoano (CASL Chelsea FC Academy)

West Conference Starting XI
GOALKEEPER: Juan Cervantes (Pateadores)
DEFENDERS: Elijah Martin (Cal Odyssey), Julio Alarcon (Real Salt Lake AZ), Oscar Sorto (Pateadores), Jose Ocampo (Crossfire Premier)
MIDFIELDERS: Raul Mendiola (Arsenal FC), Juan Samayoa (Real So Cal), Slater Meehan (Santa Cruz County Breakers Academy)
FORWARDS: Roberto Escudero (Pateadores), Christian Carrillo (Chivas USA), Justin Dhillon (LA Galaxy)
Coach of the Year: Mike Muñoz (Real Salt Lake AZ)

Dennis Flores of Arsenal FC in Starting XI for the West Conference

07/08/2011 12:04 PM

U.S. Soccer Announces Development Academy U-17/18 Post-Season Awards

U.S. Soccer has announced the U-17/18 Development Academy Starting XI, Player and Coach of the Year and conference honors for the 2010-11 season just before the start of Finals Week from July 9-16 in Milwaukee, Wis.

Player Development Academy’s Christian Hernandez Takes Player of the Year;
Weston FC’s Marcelo Neveleff Named Academy Coach of the Year; Academy and
Conference Starting XI Awards Announced

CHICAGO (July 6, 2011) – U.S. Soccer has announced the U-17/18 Development Academy Starting XI, Player and Coach of the Year and conference honors for the 2010-11 season just three days before the start of Finals Week, which is set for July 9-16 in Milwaukee, Wis.

Players Development Academy midfielder Christian Hernandez has been named the U-17/18 Player of the Year after scoring 16 goals in 26 appearances. Hernandez, who was named U-17/18 Player of the Week on March 13, helped his team to a 7-2-1 divisional record, which was enough to seal the top place in the Liberty Division and the No. 6 seed overall in Playoffs. Hernandez will be a key part of the Players Development Academy team as its moves through Finals Week.

Marcelo Neveleff has been named the Development Academy Coach of the Year for the U-17/18 age group after turning around a Weston FC team that finished 4-8-4 in the Southeast Division last season, leading them to a first-place finish in the division in 2010-11 and a place in Finals Week. Neveleff also coached three players to the South Conference Starting XI this season, and also leads the U-15/16 Weston FC team.

FC Dallas is the only club with two players named to the All Academy team as defenders Jack Coleman and Moises Hernandez were both honored. The two other defenders are Pateadores’ Javan Torre and New York Red Bulls’ Bryan Gallego. The group of midfielders includes Cosmos Academy West standout and 2009-10 U-17/18 Player of the Year Marvin Iraheta, Wil Trapp from Crew Soccer Academy and Player of the Year Christian Hernandez from Players Development Academy.

The forward corps boasts Cal Odyssey’s Villyan Bijev, Real Salt Lake AZ’s Maikon Orrellana and Weston FC’s Xavi Silva, the only U-17/18 player to twice be named Player of the Week during the 2010-11 season. Jesus Guzman from the San Jose Earthquakes was recognized as the top goalkeeper in the U-17/18 age group this season.

Moises Hernandez and Iraheta are the only two players to earn U-17/18 Academy honors for the second-consecutive season, while Gallego and Trapp were named to the U-15/16 All Academy team in 2009-10.

The Development Academy has honored players and coaches with post-season awards since its inaugural season in 2007-08. Past Players of the Year include FIFA U-20 World Cup veteran Dillon Powers and current Major League Soccer forwards Ruben Luna (FC Dallas) and Soony Saad (Sporting Kansas City).

U-17/18 Development Academy Starting XI
GOALKEEPER: Jesus Guzman (San Jose Earthquakes)
DEFENDERS: Javan Torre (Pateadores), Jack Coleman (FC Dallas), Bryan Gallego (New York Red Bulls), Moises Hernandez (FC Dallas)
MIDFIELDERS: Marvin Iraheta (Cosmos Academy West), Wil Trapp (Crew Soccer Academy), Christian Hernandez (PDA)
FORWARDS: Villyan Bijev (Cal Odyssey), Maikon Orrellana (Real Salt Lake AZ), Xavi Silva (Weston FC)
Coach of the Year: Marcelo Neveleff (Weston FC)

Central Conference Starting XI
GOALKEEPER: Jeff Gal (Sockers FC)
DEFENDERS: Jack Coleman (FC Dallas), AJ Cochran (St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri), Moises Hernandez (FC Dallas), Peter Beasley (Chicago Fire)
MIDFIELDERS: Victor Pineda (Chicago Fire), Wil Trapp (Crew Soccer Academy), Tony Rocha (Texans SC Houston)
FORWARDS: Khiry Shelton (Lonestar SC Academy), Jon Top (FC Dallas), Amadou Dia (Real Colorado)
Coach of the Year: Oscar Pareja (FC Dallas)

East Conference Starting XI
GOALKEEPER: Andrew Harris (Baltimore Bays Chelsea)
DEFENDERS: Tim Parker (Albertson SC), Taylor Washington (FC Westchester), Bryan Gallego (New York Red Bulls), Matt Jeffrey (PDA)
MIDFIELDERS: Jimmy McLaughlin (FC DELCO), Marcos Ugarte (FC Greater Boston), Christian Hernandez (PDA)
FORWARDS: Brandon Allen (New York Red Bulls), Alex Swanger (Empire United), Hiroki Kobayashi (FC Westchester)
Coach of the Year: Tom Garigen (Empire United)

South Conference Starting XI
GOALKEEPER: Andrew Wolverton (Concorde Fire)
DEFENDERS: Nathan Diehl (Birmingham United), Jonathan Campbell (NC Fusion), Joaquin Del Rosario (CASL Chelsea FC), Mitch Lurie (Concorde Fire)
MIDFIELDERS: Jordan McCrary (Concorde Fire), Brian James (Weston FC), Cooper Vandermaas-Peeler (CASL FC Chelsea)
FORWARDS: Monbo Bokar (CASL FC Chelsea), Xavi Silva (Weston FC), Verneri Valimaa (Weston FC)
Coach of the Year: Marcelo Neveleff (Weston FC)

West Conference Starting XI
GOALKEEPER: Jesus Guzman (San Jose Earthquakes)
DEFENDERS: Javan Torre (Pateadores), Isaiah Trejo (Cal Odyssey), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC), Grant Silvester (California Development Academy)
MIDFIELDERS: Marvin Iraheta (Cosmos Academy West), Dennis Flores (Arsenal FC), Seth Casiple (California Development Academy)
FORWARDS: Reed McKenna (San Diego Surf), Maikon Orrellana (Real Salt Lake AZ), Villyan Bijev (Cal Odyssey)
Coach of the Year: Dan Calichman (Cosmos Academy West)

CHAMPIONS!

06/26/2011 04:24 PM

The AFC GU13 & the AFC GU14 teams are CHAMPIONS in the US Youth Soccer Region IV Championships! AFC GU13 beat Sereno 98 White from Arizona by a score of 2-1, and AFC GU14 beat Leahi 97 Premier from Hawaii by a score of 3-0.

Fantastic Job Ladies! CONGRATULATIONS

To see the schedules and scores from the tournament please go to: http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2011-Region-IV-Championships/ .

GU13 & GU14 IN THE FINALS!

06/26/2011 09:31 AM

Both Arsenal FC teams, GU13 FC & GU14 FC, have made it to the FINALS in the US Youth Soccer Region IV Championships that will be played today, June 26.

Both teams have faced difficult opponents throughout the tournament, and the Finals will be no different. The GU13 FC team will be playing Sereno 98 White from Arizona, and the GU14 FC team will be playing Leahi 97 Premier from Hawaii.

GOOD LUCK IN THE FINALS!

To follow the games, stories, video and photos from the event please go to http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2011-Region-IV-Championships/ .

U.S. Soccer Development Academy Playoffs & Showcase

06/23/2011 07:32 PM

Arsenal FC would like to wish the U16 Academy Team luck in the Academy Showcase, and the U18 Academy Team luck in the Academy Playoffs starting tomorrow in Frisco, TX. The Academy Showcase and Playoffs will run from June 24-28.

We will be posting information on how the teams are performing in the Showcase and Playoffs here on the website and also on the NEW Official Arsenal FC Facebook Page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arsenal-FC-USA/150286698376332?sk=app_160628063962200

U.S. U-17 MNT Keeper Wade Hamilton

06/23/2011 02:48 PM

Wade Hamilton is one of Arsenal FC’s stand out keepers. His participation with the U.S. U-17 MNT began after his participation in the Nike Manchester United Tournament. The U-15 Arsenal FC team that Wade was a part of won the North American competition, and went on to compete in England with other top clubs from around the world. Wade won the Golden Gloves award in England for his fantastic goal keeping skills throughout the tournament. After the tournament Manchester United FC’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson commented to Wade’s coach, Steve Lucey, on how impressed he was with Wade’s goal keeping abilities.

After the Nike Manchester United Tournament Wade was selected to participate in U.S. Soccer’s Residency Program. Through Residency Wade has been selected as one of the U.S. U-17 MNT keepers representing the United States in the 2011 U-17 World Cup in Mexico.

Arsenal FC is extremely proud of Wade Hamilton in all that he has accomplished. We only see more success for this young man in the future.

Paul Arriola's Q&A with Ussoccer.com

06/23/2011 01:51 PM

Q & A with Paul Arriola

U.S. U-17 MNT forward Paul Arriola has earned a place on the FIFA U-17 World Cup roster despite not playing a minute at the CONCACAF U-17 Championship due to a stress fracture. Now, back to 100 percent, Arriola started the USA’s opening match in Mexico, notching an assist against in the 3-0 win against Czech Republic.

IN THE IMAGE: Paul Arriola celebrates with Alejandro Guido during the team's first game at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

U.S. U-17 MNT forward Paul Arriola has earned a place on the FIFA U-17 World Cup roster despite not playing a minute at the CONCACAF U-17 Championship due to a stress fracture. Now, back to 100 percent, Arriola started the USA’s opening match in Mexico, notching an assist against in the 3-0 win against Czech Republic. Ussoccer.com chatted with the Chula Vista, Calif.-native about his experience between Jamaica and Mexico, and what he’s learned along the way.

ussoccer.com: You had a bit of an injury during the qualifying tournament. How difficult was that for you to deal with?
Paul Arriola: “Going into Jamaica, it wasn’t really much of an injury and I was looking forward to playing. The injury came up and I wasn’t able to play. It was tough mentally and I was struggling a lot with the situation, but my teammates got me through it. It definitely helped me grow as a player and realize that I need to take care of my body. Soccer players don’t get to play for very long in their careers so it’s important to take of your body and to do everything to help yourself out.

ussoccer.com: How has that experience helped you grow as a person?
PA: “I make sure I’m eating well and that if I pick up a little knock, I’m taking care of it, getting treated and making sure I’m 100 percent. I think now I’m mentally stronger. Throughout Residency, since I got here, just battling for spots on rosters and working through tough situations has really helped me just to push through.”

ussoccer.com: You were one of the most experienced players on the team of players born in 1995 that went to France in May. What was that experience like?
PA: “We went to France for the Mondial Minimes and we faced Portugal, France and Japan in the group, so it was the tougher of the two groups. The group of ‘95s that were there I think was a little inexperienced, so the fact that I was at qualifying and had been through some friendlies, I was able to take more of an important role in leading that team. I tried to do that and I think I did okay with it.”

ussoccer.com: What did you tell your teammates going into that tournament, and what did you take away from that role?
PA: “What I told them was that you can’t underestimate teams, or think that a team isn’t that good because they lost to another team. Just to play and make sure we weren’t scared when we stepped on the field. There were a lot of people in France watching so you looked out in the crowd and it was a bit intimidating. We just had to try to stay calm and play the way we normally play. I think I’m more confident after that experience, both on and off the field. I had a pretty good tournament and so that gave me a bit of a boost.”

ussoccer.com: How did you find out that you were going to be part of this World Cup team?
PA: “Playing in Bradenton and practicing every day, even though there were signs that I was going to have a chance to be with this team at the World Cup, you have to just keep playing. We just had to play well and after that (Coach Cabrera) let us know.”

ussoccer.com: What is it like to finally be here in Mexico?
PA: “It is amazing. It’s a feeling I’ve never felt before. Coming into Residency, we always talked about the World Cup, but you never really think that you’re going to be there. When I found out I was coming, it was just amazing. I couldn’t believe it. Sometimes, still, I lay in my bed and think ‘wow, I’m at the U-17 World Cup.’ I’m just really excited to play. Not getting to play during qualifying, now I just can’t wait to get on the field and be able to be a part of the World Cup. I remember a couple of years ago, being at home and watching the U.S. play Spain in Nigeria, and I remember thinking that maybe I’d be doing that. But, it was a long way away then, and now that I’m here it’s just amazing.”

ussoccer.com: What is the feeling on the team right now?
PA: “It’s crazy. All the work that everybody has put in, we’ve been waiting so long. Some of the guys have been here for two years, I’ve been here for one year and some guys have been here for six months. It doesn’t matter though. We always work hard and we always dream. This has been a dream of mine to go to a World Cup and to know that I’ve made my dream come true is just a great feeling.”

To read the article at Ussoccer.com please visit http://www.ussoccer.com/News/U-17-MNT/2011/06/Q-and-A-with-Paul-Arriola.aspx

GU13 & GU14 Advance to the Quarter Finals

06/23/2011 01:30 PM

Both Arsenal FC teams, GU13 FC & GU14 FC, have made it to the Quarter Finals in the US Youth Soccer Region IV Championships that will be played Friday, June 24. The semifinal games will be held on Saturday, June 25, and the US Youth Soccer Region IV Champions will be crowned following final games on Sunday, June 26.

Both teams faced difficult opponents during pool play. The GU13 FC team played extremely well, and won their group. Both teams will face tough opposition in the Quarter Finals. The GU13 FC team will be playing Elite F.C. Brazil, and the GU14 FC team will be playing West Coast FC.

Good Luck Ladies! You are doing a fantastic job.

To follow the games, stories, video and photos from the event please go to http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2011-Region-IV-Championships/ .

U-17 MNT Opens World Cup with Convincing 3-0 Win

06/20/2011 01:18 PM

Alejandro Guido Sets Pace with Early Goal; Esteban Rodriguez and Alfred Koroma Add Second Half Tallies
Seven Players Representing U.S. Soccer Development Academy Start Match in Torreon, Mexico
USA to face Uzbekistan on Wednesday, June 22 with Live Coverage on Galavision and ESPN3 at 4 p.m. ET

TORREON, Mexico (June 19, 2011) – The U.S. opened the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup with an emphatic 3-0 win against the Czech Republic on Sunday in Torreon, Mexico. Goals from midfielders Alejandro Guido and Esteban Rodriguez, as well as a late strike from substitute forward Alfred Koroma gave the USA a deserved three points in scorching three digit temperatures.

The U.S. currently sits in second place in Group D behind New Zealand on goals scored. The Young All Whites powered to a 4-1 win against Uzbekistan earlier in the evening. The U.S. can secure a berth to the second round with a win against Uzbekistan on Wednesday, June 22. That match, also from Estadio Torreon, kicks off at 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. CT) live on Galavision and ESPN3, and on tape delay on ESPNU.

"It’s a very important result for us because it’s our first game of the tournament and against a great European team in Mexico," said head coach Wilmer Cabrera. "It’s very positive for the kids. They were nervous like every kid, for sure. They played the game, made themselves feel comfortable, and got the result by playing well. That’s important and that’s going to give us confidence to continue improving throughout the tournament. The Czech Republic is a great team and that’s why we played the game very seriously, very hard. We never tried to change our script."

With the win, the U.S. improved its record against European teams at the U-17 World Cup to 6-8-2. This was the first time the U.S. has won its opening game at the U-17 World Cup since 2005.

Seven players representing U.S. Soccer Development Academy clubs started the match for the United States: goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh, defenders Kellyn Acosta, Joe Amon and Zach Carroll, midfielders Marc Pelosi and Esteban Rodriguez, and forward Paul Arriola.

The U-17s started the match brightly, controlling possession in the early exchanges, and Guido opened the scoring with a wonderfully taken effort in the fifth minute. The U.S. midfielder picked the pocket of Patrik Svoboda, and took one touch before firing a left-footed scorcher from 25 yards out that dipped under the crossbar and gave the Czech goalkeeper little chance.

It was the second consecutive World Cup where the USA started with an early goal, after Jack McInerney scored for the USA against Spain in the opening match of the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria. On that day the USA would succumb to the eventual third place team from that tournament. This time around there was no comeback from the Europeans.

After the goal, the USA continued its positive start with Pelosi trying his luck with a left-footed shot. Moments later Mario Rodriguez skimmed a header wide after taking up a good position at the far post.

The Czech Republic began to get into the game and after 30 minutes fashioned a few dangerous chances. In their first opportunity, Ondrej Karafiat whipped in a dangerous cross where Michael Lueftner headed it wide from close range. In the 38th minute USA goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh was called into action, springing to his right to expertly palm away a close-range effort from the Czech Republic’s Lukas Julis and preserve the USA’s lead heading into the break.

The USA started the second half with similar impetus and midfielder Pelosi smashed a shot from distance off the crossbar in the 49th minute.

Three minutes later the USA would double its lead when Arriola teed up Esteban Rodriguez inside the area. Arriola picked the ball up from a USA throw-in and shimmied past his defender on the endline. Picking his head up, he found Rodriguez streaking into the box and cut it back for his onrushing teammate who slotted a one-time finish into the far post with aplomb.

The USA turned its attention to defending following the second goal and the backline did well to deal with a dangerous corner in the 63rd minute. Proceedings were generally slowing down, the 100-degree weather no doubt contributing to the decline in the game’s pace, but the USA was firmly on top of its opponent.

McIntosh remained alert throughout the second half, scampering off his line to snuff out a Czech Republic through ball in the 76th minute. Three minutes later Czech Republic’s Michal Travnik tried a shot from 20 yards out that went past McIntosh’s right hand post and proved to be the last bit of offense for the young European team.

There was still time for another bit of magic on the offensive end for the USA, with substitute Alfred Koroma getting into the action. After coming on minutes earlier, Koroma’s first involvement in the game saw him pick up a pass from Pelosi in the 89th minute. Two stepovers later, Koroma went by two defenders and cracked a left-footed shot from 20 yards low to the far post to seal the USA’s win.

-- U.S. U-17 MNT Match Report --

Match: U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team vs. Czech Republic
Date: June 19, 2011
Competition: FIFA U-17 World Cup; Group D
Venue: Estadio Torreon; Torreon, Mexico
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Attendance: 15,083
Weather: 100 degrees, clear

Scoring Summary:             1              2              F
USA                                     1             2              3
CZE                                     0              0              0

USA - Alejandro Guido                                       5th minute
USA – Esteban Rodriguez (Paul Arriola)                52
USA – Alfred Koroma (Marc Pelosi)                      89

Lineups:
USA: 1-Kendall McIntosh; 16-Kellyn Acosta, 6-Mobi Fehr, 2-Zach Carroll, 4-Joe Amon; 8-Esteban Rodriguez, 5-Matt Dunn, 10-Alejandro Guido (14-Tarik Salkicic, 75), 11-Marc Pelosi (capt.); 9-Mario Rodriguez (7-Alfred Koroma, 87), 18-Paul Arriola (13-Nico Melo, 90)
Subs not used: 12-Fernando Pina, 3-Nathan Smith, 15-Alessandro Mion, 17-Andrew Souders, 19-Jack McBean, 20-Dillon Serna
Head Coach: Wilmer Cabrera

CZE: 16-Lukas Zima; 2-Ondrej Karafiat, 3-Jan Filip, 6-Michael Lueftner, 15-Jan Sterba (capt.); 4-Petr Nerad (12-Lukas Stratil, 54), 7-Ales Cermak, 9-Nikolas Salasovic (19-Michal Travnik, 72), 17-Dominik Masek (8-Jindrich Kadula, 61); 10-Lukas Julis, 11-Patrik Svoboda
Subs not used: 1-Patrik Macej, 21-Ondrej Kolar, 5-Lubos Adamec, 13-Patrik Kundratek, 14-Dominik Spavelko, 18-Marek Strada, 20-Daniel Cerny
Head Coach: Josef Csaplar

Stats Summary: USA / CZE
Shots: 10 / 13
Shots on Goal: 4 / 3
Saves: 3 / 1
Corner Kicks: 0 / 7
Fouls: 17 / 10
Offside: 0 / 3

Misconduct Summary:
USA – Tarik Salkicic (caution) 86th minute

Officials:
Referee: Diego Abal (ARG)
Assistant Referee 1: Carlos Herrera (ECU)
Assistant Referee 2: Christian Lescano (ECU)
Fourth Official: Omar Ponce (ECU)

ussoccer.com Man of the Match: Mobi Fehr

To read this article on the US Soccer website please follow this link:

http://www.ussoccer.com/News/U-17-MNT/2011/06/U17-MNT-Opens-World-Cup-with-Convincing-30-Win.aspx

Arsenal FC Signs 2 Year Sponsorship with POWERADE

01/16/2010 08:18 PM

POWERADE is proud to announce the creation of the POWERADE Premier Soccer Club (PPSC), a fraternity of 16 top youth soccer clubs around the country. The brand surveyed and evaluated hundreds of clubs based on skill, reputation, attitude and location before assembling the powerful soccer alliance.

“We picked these clubs because they represent a persona similar to that of the POWERADE brand--they’re bold, competitive, confident and authentic,” said POWERADE Brand Director Frank Bracken.

POWERADE products such as coolers, cups, towels and signage will adorn the sidelines at club games and practices to keep players hydrated on the pitch. In addition, POWERADE will use its local marketing teams to strengthen club relationships through such activities as fundraisers, camps, clinics and tournaments.

Through the unveiling of the PPSC and its role as the official sports drink of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, POWERADE has established itself as a major player in the soccer space.

The POWERADE Premier Soccer Club is made up of the following clubs:

Albion Hurricanes FC (Houston)
Andromeda SC (Dallas)

Arsenal FC (San Diego/LA)

Bethesda FC (Washington DC)

Cajun SC (New Orleans)

Charlotte United FC (Charlotte)

Cisco SC (Phoenix)

Cobb FC (Atlanta)

Colorado United (Denver)

Novi Michigan Jaguars FC (Detroit)

FC Greater Boston (Boston)

PA Classics (Eastern, PA/Philadelphia)

Sparta United (Salt Lake City)

Weston FC (Miami)

Eclipse Select SC (Chicago)

De Anza Force SC (San Francisco)

AFC Goalkeeping Thriving

12/16/2009 01:49 PM

The Gunners are thriving in the goalkeeper department.

PG Says the club's goalkeepers are progressing "brilliantly".

PG is Charged with the Development of the Club's goalkeepers working with them on a day to day basis both on the training ground and on match days.

Turner is Arsenal's current number one after putting a injury-disrupted 2008 campaign behind him to rebound strongly this time.

I'm delighted for Turner because he had his injury worries during last year and it took him a few games to really get his confidence back. Touch wood, he looks pretty near to the peak of his performances again and he's receptive to what we're putting together for him in terms of the training and the club likes him to keep goal.

He's certainly ticking a lot of the boxes at the moment he's in fantastic form and was just called up to train with the U17 US National Team training camp in Florida.

Canadian Frosty is waiting patiently in the wings for a chance to dislodged Turner as Number one for the Club. Frosty has impressed PG with his attitude. in training.

Frosty is desperate to improve. He puts absolutely everything into his training sessions and this has helped his performances in games.

Meanwhile Whitey has been the Surprise package of the league season.

The 14 year old has spent a lot of time working with the likes of Griff, Sippo, Frosty & Turner and is leaner, meaner and fitter and has impressed during the league season.

Whitey has held off competition to hang on to the spot after impressing staff and players within the club. His attitude has earned him a lot of respect from the older Gk's in the club.

Full credit to him and I hope he keeps going. I would like to think Turner, Frosty and Whitey have a very good future ahead of them.

US Soccer Development Academy - What's It About

10/15/2008 02:52 PM

Click on the link below to watch a video on the US Soccer Development Academy.

USSDA