HOUSTON, TX – Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-18 Residency conclude another successful United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) season on Saturday when they face St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri in the fifth place match at Academy Finals Week.
For the second straight season, the U-18s can finish in the top five amongst the 80 academy teams in the USSDA, an impressive feat for a club that only joined the league last year as the first ever Canadian entry.
WHITECAPS FC
Whitecaps FC finished third in Group 1, behind New York Red Bulls and Albertson SC. Despite a strong effort by the young team, with the ‘Caps conceding only two goals in three games, the ‘Caps came up short just shot of a second consecutive USSDA championship final.
In their final group stage match, the ‘Caps drew 0-0 with Albertson SC, who will now face De Anza Force for third place.
Despite disappointment for the boys, the placement match gives the team a chance to rebound and end their 2013 campaign on a strong note.
The team has had several strong performances this season, including a tough 1-0 loss to New York Red Bulls Academy in their second match of the post season.
Head coach Gordon Forrest is proud of his team’s accomplishments so far this season and received praise from the Red Bulls’ coach on their performance against the East Coast side.
“In talking to the New York Red Bulls coach, he was saying that we were the best team they’ve played all year,” commented Forrest. “We’ve done really well over the course of the season and the boys have progressed very well in their development. We’re very proud of their accomplishments this season and we’ll look to finish up strong on Saturday.”
SLSG MISSOURI
In the group stage of the USSDA playoffs, SLSG Missouri finished in third place in Group 2 behind Shattuck-Saint Mary’s Soccer Academy and De Anza Force. The team also gave up seven goals, the third most of any finals team.
At the conclusion of the regular season, SLSG Missouri finished in sixth place in the Mid-America Division with a record of 16W-11L-6D.
SLSG Missouri are coming off of a 2-2 draw with New England Revolution on Thursday, July 18.
NEXT UP
Following the conclusion to their 2013 season, the ‘Caps will return home and rest before preparations begin for next season, which kicks off in September.
