February 17, 2021
RECAP
Casa Grande, Ariz –All five Barça Residency Academy Pre-Academy teams competed in the President’s Day Tournament (PDT) that took place at Grande Sports World over the weekend.
The U-18s had a stellar weekend, they only conceded one goal throughout the tournament and were crowned the undefeated 2021 U-18 PDT Champions after a 3-0 shutout win over SC del Sol in the tournament final. The U-16s won their first tournament championship of the season, going 3-0-1 on the weekend with an exciting 2-0 win over Nevada’s Players SC in the final.
The U-17’s advanced to the tournament semi-finals and placed fourth in their division, the U-19s finished the tournament with two wins and two losses, while the U-15s went 1-3.
U-18s Undefeated President’s Day Tournament Champions (4-0)
Barça U-18s advanced to the U-18 top division PDT Final on Monday after defeating Missouri’s Alliance FC Academy 1-0 (Nikolas Chevres) on Firday, California’s Eagles SC 2-0 (Victor Preciado and Kevin Meza) on Saturday, and New Mexico’s Rio Rapids SC ECNL 2-1 (Michael Castellon brace) on Sunday. The U-18s took the field at 8:00AM on Monday morning where they shut out SC del Sol 3-0 behind a first half brace from Osvaldo Fuentes and a goal from Michael Castellon, grabbing their second tournament championship of the season!
“We are very glad to see how the team grows with every game- which has been reflected in the last two competitions, undefeated tournament champions,” said U-18s coach Alex Pozo. “During PDT, we faced different styles of play which was great to experience as the answers were found little by little during each match. Training and competition have increased the connection between our players which improved the collective intelligence of our style. I am very pleased to see these young adults grow and develop in our academy.”
U-16s President’s Day Tournament Champions (3-0-1)
The 2020 Arizona State League Champions earned their first tournament title of the season with a 2-0 win over Players North Premier (NV). Zac Olsen opened the scoring in the 47th minute after a scoreless first half and Nicolas Paz’s penalty kick in the 85th minute sealed the deal.
“I am beyond proud of the performance and the attitude of the team, said U-16s coach Jaime Acuna. “It is delightful and pleasant to see how much the team has grown through the season. The way they are playing is amazing. It is also very gratifying and fulfilling to see how all the dedication, hard work, and effort this team is displaying everyday keeps paying off. I am sure there is more to come from and for them, they have great potential.”
LOOKING AHEAD
The Pre-Academy teams will next compete in the Phoenix Cup, March 19-21
