The Crew Soccer Academy opened its fifth season with a bang at the 2011 Development Academy Winter Showcase and Nike International Friendlies from Dec. 2-6. Both the CSA and U-17/18 and U-15/16 teams won all three of their non-Conferences matches, going a perfect 6-0 altogether.
On Saturday, Dec. 3, both teams defeated Seacoast United (N.H.) by the score of 3-0. Omar Mohammed scored two goals and Tyler Kidwell added a tally for the U-15/16s, while the 17/18s won with two from Conor Klekota and a goal by Ray Olavarria.
The following day, Dec. 4, the 15/16s shut out the New York Red Bulls Academy, 2-0, behind goals by Michael McKloskey and Andrew McKelvey, while the 17/18s defeated their counterparts from New York, 3-2, with two goals from Brett Elder and another from Klekota.
Finally, on Tuesday (Dec. 6), the 15/16s blanked Potomac (Md.), 1-0, with a goal by George Braima and the 17/18s steamrolled over Potomac, 6-1, behind another brace by Elder and goals by Nicholas Parianos, Gavin Craig, Zachary Mason and David Witkoff.
CSA is scheduled to resume its U.S. Soccer Development Academy schedule on March 3 and 4, when it hosts Andromeda FC and Solar Chelsea SC of Texas, respectively, at the Crew Training Center at Obetz.
MIDFIELDER DILLY DUKA IN NETHERLANDS FOR 2011 GENERATION ADIDAS TOUR, STARS IN FIRST MATCH
Midfielder Dilly Duka traveled to the Netherlands on Monday (Dec. 5), for the 2011 Generation adidas Tour that features three matches against local teams. Duka started, wore the captain’s arm band and scored a goal in the team’s first match, a 4-2 loss against the Ajax reserve team today (Dec. 8). The team will then face FC Volendam on Dec. 13, and Almere City FC on Dec. 14, before returning to the U.S. on Dec. 15. The Generation adidas team will also have a chance to attend some local matches including Ajax’s UEFA Champions League fixture against Real Madrid on Dec. 7. Crew midfielder Tony Tchani was also selected to go on the tour but was forced to stay behind due to illness.
MIDFIELDER DILLY DUKA SELECTED FOR U.S. UNDER-23 WINTER TRAINING CAMP
Crew midfielder Dilly Duka has been named to a 28-man U.S. Under-23 National Team roster for a training camp to be held Dec. 15-23 in Sarasota Fla., in preparation for the 2012 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament starting March 22. The U.S., helmed by the University of Akron head coach Caleb Porter, drew Canada, Cuba and El Salvador in Group A of the tournament and will face all three teams at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn., March 22-26 as the U.S. seeks to earn its 14th Olympic Tournament berth. The camp will be the first for Porter since recently taking the reins of the U-23s.
CSA PRODUCT MICHAEL GREEN AMONG 52 SENIORS INVITED TO MLS COMBINE IN JANUARY
Major League Soccer has announced the initial list of 52 college seniors from 31 Division I schools who have been invited to participate in the 2012 adidas MLS Player Combine. New Mexico midfielder Michael Green, a Crew Soccer Academy product, is among those invited to the showcase which will take place Jan. 6-10, 2012 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The Strongsville, Ohio, native appeared in 81 games during his four-year career with the Lobos, tallying 12 goals and 15 assists, and led them to the third round of the NCAA Tournament as a senior. MLS will announce the final player list of approximately 66 athletes, as well as additional Combine coaches and team assignments at a later date.
CREW HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE IN FULL SWING
The Crew’s annual food drive on behalf of St. Stephen’s House to benefit families in need will continue through Dec. 15. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to Crew Stadium anytime between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday to support this worthy cause. Collection bins will be set up in the Crew Stadium Administrative Office Lobby. Fans that donate 50 cans or more will receive a Crew 2011 team signed poster.
