U16s draw vs FC Dallas

The Sporting Kansas City Juniors opened the spring season of the 2011-2012 U.S. Soccer Development Academy on Friday night at the Sporting Club Training Center in Swope Park. The U18's kicked off the doubleheader against FC Dallas, dropping a 3-0 result versus the Texas Division leaders. Sporting KC fell behind early after conceding a penalty kick and FC Dallas scored twice more in the first half for their 16th win in 19 USSDA matches.

The U16's fared better, sending the visitors home with a 2-2 draw. Jon Parry's squad led twice in the opening 45 minutes on goals from Rockhurst High School classmates. Luke Stanley opened the scoring on a penalty kick and Cole Stevenson put the Juniors back ahead 2-1 with his strike, but an FC Dallas penalty kick in the second half drew the teams level.

Sporting KC will continue the USSDA season at home next weekend when both teams face St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro on Saturday. Mark your calendars, U18s kick off at 11:30am followed by U16s at 2:00pm!

Development Academy resumes

After playing their first six games in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy's 2011-2012 season in November/December, the Sporting Kansas City U16 and U18 teams will resume play in the USSDA tonight at home against fellow MLS foe FC Dallas!

The Under-18 Juniors, led by Paul Rideout, enter the match with a 4-2-0 record but they will be facing an FC Dallas squad that has already played 18 games this season with only one loss. Their match kicks off at 4:30pm at the Sporting Club Training Center in Swope Park.

The Under-16 Juniors, led by Jon Parry, will play after the U18's at Swope with kick off scheduled for 7pm. With a .500 record (2-2-2) through their first six games, the U16's will be out to start 2012 on a winning note against FC Dallas (7-4-7).

Both matches are free and open to the public. Come show your support for Sporting KC and catch a doubleheader of Development Academy action tonight between two Major League Soccer teams.

Video: NSCAA Convention

As promised, all-access video footage from the Sporting Kansas City Under-16 Juniors at the NSCAA Convention earlier this month. Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes led the session, titled "Approach Play in a 4-3-3."

USSDA Winter Showcase

The Sporting Kansas City Under-16 and Under-18 Juniors are off to a successful start at the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Winter Showcase in Sarasota, Florida.

The first matches of the Showcase took place on Saturday, December 3rd. The u18's won 1-0 against D.C. United, while the u16's dropped a 4-0 decision after playing a man down for much of the second half in their battle with the MLS rivals. Check out SportingMembership.com for a full recap and video highlights from Day 1 at the Winter Showcase, as well as a photo album on Facebook.

The second day of the Showcase took place on Sunday, December 4th. Despite the short turnover and heavy legs, both Sporting Kansas City teams recorded victories against strong Baltimore Bays competition. The u18's found the early lead and came away with a 2-1 victory. Whereas the u16's earned the win in a 3-2 come-from-behind victory. Click on the link to see more on Day 2 at the Winter Showcase, with a gallery of images available here.

The last two matches of the showcase for Sporting Kansas City will be held on Tuesday with both teams facing Oakwood Soccer Club. Follow @SKCJuniors on Twitter for all the latest from the tournament!

U16's and U18's USSDA Home Opener

Sporting Kansas City Juniors under-18s and under-16s competed in their home openers earlier this month against the Dallas Texans. The matches took place at Swope Park Training Center on Friday, Nov. 18.

The first game of the double header began at 4:30 p.m. and featured Sporting Kansas City U-18s versus a Texans side that had 1-3-4 record leading up to the match. The Texans came away with a road win, the victory marking their second of the season. The lone goal of the match belonged to Caleb Richardson in the 42nd minute.

Head Coach of Sporting Kansas City U-18s, Paul Rideout, said, “ I was delighted with the way we possessed the ball from back to front, but disappointed we did not turn it into goals”.

The U-16s kicked off at 7 p.m. against an undefeated Texans team. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Sporting Kansas City’s Debray Holliman notched the first goal of the game right before half time. The Texan’s Brandon Aubrey found the equalizer at the 60th minute mark.

The two academy teams will resume play this weekend as Sporting Kansas City head to Sarasota, Florida to face D.C. United, Baltimore Bays and Oakwood Soccer Club at the 2011 Winter Showcase at the Premier Sports Campus.

Turner named to All-Central Conference Starting XI

Sporting Kansas City Juniors goalkeeper Jacole Turner has been named to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy All-Central Conference Starting XI for the 2010-2011 season. The U16s standout and soon-to-be senior at Lee's Summit North H.S. was one of four MLS academy players honored in the Central Conference. Congrats Jacole!

Click here to see the full list of honors on USSoccer.com.

2011 Generation Adidas U-17 Cup

The details for the 2011 Generation Adidas U-17 Cup have been announced. Our SKC Juniors will take on the Seattle Sounders, Philadelphia Union, and FC Dallas Juniors teams in Group B. The tournament takes place at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. The times and dates of our group games are listed below.

July 25, 8:15pm vs. FC Dallas

July 26, 6:30pm vs. Seattle Sounders

July 28, 8:15pm vs. Philadelphia Union


Here’s a cool video from MLSsoccer.com of the teams being drawn into their tournament groups:

2011-12 USSDA schedules announced

Regular season schedules for the 2011-2012 U.S. Soccer Development Academy have been announced. Both our U16s and U18s SKC Juniors will again be members of the Central Conference of the Frontier Division, in a regular season spanning from November 2011 to June 2012. Both SKC Juniors teams will play 18 games in league play; 10 at home and 8 away.

For detailed schedules click on:
U16s
U18s

Get to know...Sporting Juniors

By: Betsy Pollard

Another season of youth soccer has wrapped up in The Sporting Juniors world.  We ended with two teams in Wisconsin competing in Regionals and two team in Texas competing in Playoffs and the Showcase. I traveled with the U18s and U16s to Frisco, TX for the Academy Playoffs and Showcase.

A lot of what we post is results but I would like to give you a small glimpse on items you may or may not know about Academy trip and interesting facts about our youth players.  In other words this post may bore you to death or you may find it interesting.

• The last hotel we stayed at was Aloft (shown on right) and it was a favorite amongst the players
• We always rent four 15-passenger vans once we land in our destination. Coach Rideout and Pardo usually drive the U18s, and Coach Parry and I drive the U16s
• Auxiliary cords are a MUST…thats the cord that goes from the van’s stereo to your iPod.
• Fruit chews are like GOLD, they are probably the most popular snack I purchase. A close second is the small Tangerines, sometimes referred to as “cuties.”  The snacks are usually in my room and the boys come and get snacks, water and Gatorade as they please.
• 8-10 cases of both Gatorade and water is a must
• The best way to pass time is playing Fifa on Xbox or renting Redbox movies
• I always learn a few new hip words on each trip or ways to use normal words in a hip way…a few this time was “fire” (see example below) and “shredding”
• For example, in the last U18s match Sporting Juniors “shredded” Chicago Magic or today the Juniors were just “shredding”!

Things you didn’t or maybe you did know about the U18s

• Tommy Adams is the supplier of the Xbox and eats a lot of meatballs whenever we get them for dinner
• Konner takes a lot of pride in keeping our bench cleaned when he is injured and unable to play
• Ray Lee never is referred to as just Ray…his full name is used almost always.  He usually has his clippers with him…in case you need a quick trim
• If we ever have a meal at Chipotle; Nick Row is the first to ask “can we get sour cream”?
• AB (Andrew Brown) is the most relaxed person/player I have ever been around -- very easy going except when Will is beating him in the “Sock Em” boxing game in the hotel lobby
• Kempin is a Pro… (maybe you already knew that)
• Marques (Mayoras) loves techno music and he just recently attend an eight hour rave
• Paul Oliver is one of the happiest people I have ever met who loves to eat tangerines
• “G” (Garret) loves shoes and probably has more shoes then most females which would include 15+ pairs of cleats alone
• Jordy hates bug as much as I do…especially June Bugs
• Kiwi (Andrew Mobberely) can break dance with his fingers (more on that later)
• Roms (Romeo Munoz) speaks Spanish on the field to Kiwi as Kiwi is from NZ but also speaks fluent Spanish
• Will (Witherspoon) loves heavy metal music.  He also isn’t afraid to throw out a free style rap line here and there

Things you didn’t or maybe you did know about the U16s

• Luke (Blackwell) is going to grow his hair out but not as long as it was (see photo) and he really wants to go to college on the East Coast
• DeJulio is the only player who started in all the games he played in.  He is also the captain of the team
• Daniel (Hare) made a big purchase of real Ray-Ban sunglasses this past weekend
• Hill (Ryan) has decided that he wants to be a Marine -- he is only going to be a junior in HS
• Leichty’s freekick was so “fire” against IMG.  This is the second time he has hit a “fire” freekick like that.
• Seo has the softest skin ever...I’m talking softer than a new born.  It is incredible
• Nate (Opperman) has a corky sense of humor and is so dang fast
• Jules (Ramirez) is a man of few words but likes apples just as much as I do
• Schrick is my co-pilot he always sits shotgun in my van and controls the Garmin
• Luke (Stanley) is a talented snow skier and like to wear dress socks under his shinguards and game socks

• Clay (Stewart) is the president of the make-believe gang called Swope Park Rangers (we get bored in airports…so funny things happen...like getting my eyebrows stringed)
• Tuso really wants to get his ear’s pierced
• Evan (Wright) thinks his GK Uniform of white jersey, white shorts and white socks makes him look like a cow
• Jacole can eat more than anyone I have ever seen…on the last day we went to In & Out and he had a 4x4; which is 4 beef patties and 4 pieces of cheese.
• Wes (White) has the best fo-hawk and plays better when his hair is done correctly
• Zembas just got a 35 out of 36 on his ACT (crazy smart)

U16s Win 3-1 in Playoff Finale

The Sporting Kansas City U16 Juniors ended their run at the US Soccer Development Academy playoffs at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas with a 3-1 win on Tuesday over IMG Academy. Clay Stewart opened the scoring for the U16s in the first half on a corner kick from Daniel Hare, then David Leichty earned man of the match honors with two superb goals in the second half. His first strike came on a perfectly placed free kick to double the U16s advantage before he scored the team's third goal on a chip over the IMG Academy goalkeeper.

The U16s finished in a tie for third place in Group 3 behind fellow MLS clubs LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo, after qualifying as a Top 25 seed for the USSDA Playoffs and earning an automatic entry with a first place finish in the Frontier Division of the Central Conference of the US Soccer Development Academy.

Sunday Juniors results

It was a busy day for all SKC Juniors teams, with three of the four teams earning victories. First, the U18’s defeated the Virginia Rush at the USSDA Showcase, in Frisco, Texas. Will Witherspoon and Jordan Rideout provided the goals in this one, helping the U18’s go 2-0-0 in the tournament.

Also from Frisco, the U16's fell to the Houston Dynamo, 1-4. Their final game of the tournament will be Tuesday against IMG Academy.

At the Region II Championships in Fox Cities, Wisconsin, the U15’s defeated St. Louis Scott Gallagher on goals from Joey Piatczyc and Cole Stevenson. The most impressive result of the day was also from the Region II Championships; a 6-0 win for the U13’s. The goals came from Trevor Cissell (2), Absalom Solorio, Jacob Weaver, Dominick Parry and Peyton Brown.

Saturday Recap

Action continued on Saturday for the Juniors as the U13, U15 and U16 teams all had games.

The U13s drew with FC Milwaukee, 1-1, in their first game of the Region II Championships in Wisconsin. Jacob Weaver scored the team’s only goal and was assisted by Dakota Karns. They play Minnesota Thunder on Sunday, a team they beat 3-0 back in April.

Also in Wisconsin, the U15s lost to the CUP (Cincinnati United Premier) Crew Jrs Gold squad, 0-1, on Saturday. They’ll face local opponents, St. Louis Scott Gallagher early Sunday morning.


In Frisco, Texas the U16s lost their first game of the USSDA playoffs to the LA Galaxy, 1-2. The team’s leading goal scorer, Nate Opperman, found the back of the net once again. The Galaxy were seeded as the country’s fourth-best U16 team so they should find easier waters in their upcoming two matches with the next one coming Sunday against Houston Dynamo.

After Friday’s 3-0 win, the U18s next opponent will be the Virginia Rush, who they play on Sunday. That match starts at 9am.

Make sure to follow the Juniors Twitter feed @SKCJuniors to keep up with all the latest action on the youngsters.

Opperman on TDS Team of the Month

Sporting Kansas City U16 Juniors midfielder Nate Opperman was one of 12 players selected to Top Drawer Soccer's Team of the Month for May in the Heartland Region. Opperman took home the honors with four goals in US Soccer Development Academy Play as the U16s secured second place in the Frontier Division of the Central Conference, earning a berth in the USSDA Playoffs this week in Frisco, Texas.

The Olathe South High School senior has started in two Reserve League matches for the senior team and leads the U16 Juniors with eight goals on the season, scoring twice in a 4-1 win over St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro on May 22nd and adding goals against Minnesota Thunder Academy and Colorado Rush AJ Auxerre.

Be sure to check out TopDrawerSoccer.com throughout the USSDA Playoffs for their continuing coverage of the top youth soccer players and teams in the U.S. Opperman is one of several Sporting Kansas City Juniors academy players on their Top 20 2011 and 2012 Players to Watch for the Heartland Region.

U16s and U18s Conclude Season

This past weekend, the Sporting KC Juniors U16 and U18 teams played the last two games of the USSDA regular season. Both teams ended the season with a tie and a loss to the Colorado Rapids U16s and U18s. The Sporting KC U16s are currently 2nd in their conference, while the U18s are currently in 6th. The U16s are also in line for a playoff spot depending on the results from other games in the conference this weekend. Complete results for both teams can be found here and here

Juniors fighting for spots in the playoffs

It’s the final weekend of regular season play in the USSDA for our U16 and U18 SKC Juniors. Both teams will be hosting the Colorado Rapids at Sporting Club Training Center at Swope Park on Saturday and Sunday.

U18s:
Saturday at 11:30am vs. Colorado Rapids U18s
Sunday at 10am vs. Colorado Rapids U18s

U16s:
Saturday at 2pm vs. Colorado Rapids U16s
Sunday at 12:30pm vs. Colorado Rapids U16s

This is the first time this season that the U16s and U18s will face the Rapids youth teams. Both sets of teams are fighting for playoff berths, so this should be an exciting group of matches. Again, these games are at Sporting Club Training Center at Swope Park, so be sure to come out and support our boys as they make their push for the playoffs!

3 Juniors called up for Colorado reserve match

The SKC reserves are in Colorado on Sunday, and three Juniors have made the roster. Each player selected has been called up before, with Wes White and Nate Opperman featuring in previous matches. Wes White looks to continue his streak of getting into each reserve match this season, while Nate Opperman hopes to make his first reserve appearance since the Houston Dynamo match in early April. Eric DeJulio was selected but did not play in the last match in Chicago.

The game is set for 12pm on Sunday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Follow @SKCgameday for live twitter updates.

U16s stay atop standings

In Sporting KC Juniors action, the U18s and U16s faced off against St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro in two games on Sunday.

The U18s played first and fell a bit short from a win; losing to Scott Gallagher Metro 0-2. St. Louis was able to score fairly early in the match, with two goals in the 17th and 19th minutes of the contest. This loss dropped the U18s to third place.

The U16s fared a lot better in their match with St. Louis, winning 4-1. Starting off the game with an early goal in the 10th minute, the first place U16s were able to maintain their lead for the rest of the contest, scoring three more goals and only giving up one.

In other news, tryouts will begin today for the U16s and U18s and are going to go until Wednesday, May 25th. Tryouts will be from 5-7 PM for the U16s and from 7-9 PM for the U18s.

U18's and U16's host Scott Gallagher Metro on Sunday

After mixed results last weekend, the focus for both the U16’s and U18’s turns to St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro.

The second place Sporting KC Juniors U18’s look to return to winning ways at home on Sunday. They’ll face a St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro side currently sitting fourth place in the Frontier Division. This game is set for 10 a.m.

Following the U18’s match, the U16’s will host a matchup that features the Frontier Division’s first and last placed teams. Our SKC U16’s will be looking to feed off their great results from last weekend, and extend their lead at the top of the table. This match is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 p.m.

Both games will be held at Sporting Club Training Center at Swope Park. As always, these matches are free, so come on out and watch our boys beat their cross state opponents.

Kempin headed to Portugal with U18 MNT

SKC goalkeeper and former SKC Junior, Jon Kempin, was selected for the U18 MNT that will travel to Portugal for the Lisbon International Tournament on Thursday. The Leawood, KS native was the first ever homegrown player signed by Sporting KC. He’ll hopefully be featuring in games against the Netherlands, Portugal, and Finland next week.

In other big news for next week - Sporting KC Juniors U18's and U16's tryouts are scheduled to take place Monday through Wednesday (23rd-25th) at Sporting Club Training Center at Swope Park.

Juniors head to Colorado

USSDA play gets underway once again this weekend in Colorado for the first-place Sporting KC U16 and U18 teams. The boys will be taking on Real Colorado and Colorado Rush AJ Auxerre.

Earlier in the season, the U18s were defeated by both teams, but didn't have a full squad at the moment. This time around, things will surely be different considering their current four-game win streak. As for the U16s, they picked up two wins and two clean sheets last time around against the Colorado clubs.

Check back next week for results, and in the meantime, here's a video of Jordan Rideout scoring the opening goal of last weekend's match against Shattuck-Saint Mary's. The U18s won the game 3-2.