Analisa Marquez may be done playing soccer at the University of Arizona but she’s not done playing the sport just yet. After being invited to tryout for the Boston Breakers, a professional women’s soccer program, she has made the cut to 24 after being invited back for a second tryout. She’s expected to be with the team for a trip to Florida later in March.
Champions!
94 Girls White wins Pima Cup
TSA’s White U17 Girls team won first place in the gold bracket in the Pima Cup. En route to the title, TSA White beat Rush 93, tied CDO and beat TSA 92. It then beat CDO again for the title.
Youth camp
TSA's Y-Academy has started; best time for younger kids
Youth coach Ryan Ringdahl will be holding the Y-Academy once again beginning February 16 and going through April 9. It’ll be every Tuesday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park. Registration is $100. The participant will get great training in addition to two shirts, a bag and ball for participating. For more information contact Ringdahl at: 520-227-7804 or at rringdahl@gmail.com. You can register your child at www.tucsonsocceracademy.com. “I think the Youth Academy is helping our younger players develop and learn the game from experienced coaches who understand what is age appropriate training,’’ Dave Cosgrove said. “TSA continues to see great dividends from the Y Academy.’’
Champions
U12 Select team wins Silver division
The TSA U-12 Select boys won the silver championship 2-1 against the Ft Lowell Gunners in the annual Pima Cup. TSA finished with an impressive 4-0 record, with 11 goals scored and one goal allowed for the tourney. The team is coached by Bruce Caris and Steve Tkachyk.
Team Espana at Picture day, U9 Boys
Pictures are ready for many of those younger groups who took pictures on Feb. 13 at Mehl Park. Team photos and individuals can be requested through Steve.Rivera95@gmail.com. Because of the lateness of season, packages include an 11x17 poster and an 8 1/2 x11 duplicate (along with a 300-400 word story on the team) can be purchased. Also a disk of the team individual shots can be purchased. Contact Steve via email.
Velazco shines in Orlando
Ricardo Velazco, a member of the 93 Red Boys team, was selected as an all-star for the 93 Region IV team at the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program held at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.Regional teams competed in December. Regional teams get together and play games in front of the National staff and other USSF/USYSA coaches. Ricardo was the only Arizona player selected for the 18-player team.
98 Boys Red win in Las Vegas
The 98 Boys Red team was able to continue some strong play in Las Vegas when it won the title at the Silver State tournament.
“The 98s won in Vegas, beating the #2 team in Nevada,’’ Cosgrove said “What I like most is the in the last eight games we have conceded only two goals. The team is starting to become more organized and disciplined. There is lots of work to be done on technique, physical development and attacking soccer but we have made progress and have worked hard and improved in our organization.’’
This from a press release from the ODP camp: “This is quite an accomplishment for these talented athletes who handled themselves with professionalism and pride, showed resiliency, passion, and an overall love of the game,’’ the release said in talking about the players listed. “We are proud of the success of all our teams, most of which advanced to the semi finals, while the 93 boys went on to compete for the Regional Championship. This is no small task, and we are thankful for the clubs continuing support to ensure that Arizona is well represented at the Regional and National levels.’’
Toia helps win title; then tries out for Real Salt Lake
Donny Toia is living out a dream. Could it get any better? First he scored all four goals in Canyon del Oro’s runaway 4-1 victory over Sahuaro and then he gets invited to workout with Real Salt Lake of the MLS the next day. Real has a camp based in Casa Grande so Toia made the trip up the road just hours after helping his team win the title. He plays for 92 Boys Red.
Got questions? We have the answers!!
If you have questions about any TSA program, contact David Cosgrove, TSA Director of Coaching 370-3717.
For questions about registration, contact Kim Kenworthy, TSA Administrator, at 991-2118.
And if you have any notes you feel are worthy for the TSA website, contact Steve Rivera at 661-5302.