Alliance Academy Finds Early Success
Four Alliance teams in contention for Nationals
Alliance Academy Press Release - www.soccergrandrapids.com
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - With a little more than two weeks remaining in the USL 2008 Super Y League season, two Alliance Academy teams control their destiny in their respective Midwest Divisional title races while two others are looking for help in order to qualify for Nationals.
"If two of our six teams win their division, we will see this season as a success,” Alliance Director Abrahm Shearer said. “On the other hand, if we end up sending three or four teams to nationals, we will exceed everyone’s expectations."
The U14 Girls coached by Andy Blasco are 4-0-2 and need a win in their final game against the West Michigan Fire Jrs. (0-1-0) to secure their place in the finals in Tampa, FL. In their previous match Alliance walked away with a 5-0 win but, they anticipate a much tighter contest when the teams meet again on July 31.
"With Alliance being new to the league, I think we caught the Fire off guard,” Blasco said. “Their club has been in this league for a few years so, I am sure they will be gearing up for our next match."
On the boys side the U13s (9-0-0) are looking forward to a showdown against the Chicago Magic (7-0-0) on August 1st with the divisional title at stake. The U13s coached by Abrahm Shearer and Ryan Fitzsimmons have one of the league’s stingiest defenses led by Mike Leone, Morris Kamara, and Goalkeeper Landon Collier. The three have been consistent throughout the season allowing only three goals.
The U17 Boys and U13 Girls need help to win their respective divisions and/or qualify for the nationals. With these teams being involved in extremely competitive divisions, anything is possible in the final two weeks. The U15 Boys (2-5-0) and U17 Girls (1-3-1) may not be in contention for post season but have seen excellent competition.
"We came into this league expecting great competition and have found it. We look forward to the final two weekends, competing at Nationals in Florida, and seeing some of our players attending the National ODP camp," Shearer said.
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