Youth

Over the past two weeks, the U.S. Soccer Federation has turned to North Carolina FC Youth-affiliated individuals to fill massively important positions. In addition to the naming of Cindy Parlow Cone as president on March 13, U.S. Soccer tabbed Will Wilson as its new CEO and Secretary General on Monday. 

Wilson, a seasoned industry veteran with experience at MLS and the NFL, most recently worked as an Executive Vice President at global sports agency Wasserman. Additionally, Wilson serves on the NCFC Youth Board of Directors, also chairing the Alliances and Collaborations Committee. 

“I’m very excited to be joining U.S. Soccer,” Wilson said on Monday. “I have always admired the Federation from afar and have long felt that the U.S. Soccer crest is one of the best brands in the business. There is nothing like harnessing our nation’s support behind our Women’s and Men’s National Teams, and I see significant upside in our ability to work with our Membership to grow participation levels, increase our commercial business and drive our ability to compete on the field at the highest level.”

Wilson, an Apex resident who began serving on the NCFC Youth BOD in 2017, has played a critical role in strengthening NCFC Youth’s reputation as one of the top clubs in the nation.

“Will was an outstanding board member who provided strategic insight and understanding of how collaboration and teamwork propels organizations forward,” said NCFC Youth CEO Gary Buete.  “His keen understanding of the youth soccer landscape coupled with a professional sports business acumen had lasting impacts on our operations and will be a tremendous asset as he leads U.S. Soccer in growing the game across all levels. I couldn’t be more excited for Will.”

In conjunction with North Carolina Football Club, NCFC Youth is part of the largest youth-to-pro soccer club in the country, with a pyramid existing from youth recreational leagues up to men’s and women’s professional soccer. In addition to Parlow Cone and Wilson, North Carolina Football Club Owner Steve Malik also serves in a prominent role with U.S. Soccer as a member of the Board of Directors. 

“Over the past few years I’ve been fortunate to work alongside Will on several important initiatives involving our club,” said North Carolina Football Club President and General Manager Curt Johnson. “He’s been a true professional and a great problem solver, as someone always listening to the thoughts and concerns of others. I wish him the absolute best in his new role at U.S. Soccer, where I know he will succeed.” 

Parlow Cone, who serves as NCFC Youth’s Girls Durham-Chapel Hill Girls Classic Director, said on Monday that she is thrilled about adding Wilson to his new role at U.S. Soccer. 

“He brings an unrivaled set of experience and expertise to soccer in America,” Parlow Cone said. “His global perspective, background in marketing and growing sporting events and extensive experience in the sports business will be invaluable in growing soccer at all levels. Soccer is the world’s game and Will is the perfect person to help us grow it to America’s game.”

Over the past two weeks, the U.S. Soccer Federation has turned to North Carolina FC Youth-affiliated individuals to fill massively important positions. In addition to the naming of Cindy Parlow Cone as president on March 13, U.S. Soccer tabbed Will Wilson as its new CEO and Secretary General on Monday. 

Wilson, a seasoned industry veteran with experience at MLS and the NFL, most recently worked as an Executive Vice President at global sports agency Wasserman. Additionally, Wilson serves on the NCFC Youth Board of Directors, also chairing the Alliances and Collaborations Committee. 

“I’m very excited to be joining U.S. Soccer,” Wilson said on Monday. “I have always admired the Federation from afar and have long felt that the U.S. Soccer crest is one of the best brands in the business. There is nothing like harnessing our nation’s support behind our Women’s and Men’s National Teams, and I see significant upside in our ability to work with our Membership to grow participation levels, increase our commercial business and drive our ability to compete on the field at the highest level.”

Wilson, an Apex resident who began serving on the NCFC Youth BOD in 2017, has played a critical role in strengthening NCFC Youth’s reputation as one of the top clubs in the nation.

“Will was an outstanding board member who provided strategic insight and understanding of how collaboration and teamwork propels organizations forward,” said NCFC Youth CEO Gary Buete.  “His keen understanding of the youth soccer landscape coupled with a professional sports business acumen had lasting impacts on our operations and will be a tremendous asset as he leads U.S. Soccer in growing the game across all levels. I couldn’t be more excited for Will.”

In conjunction with North Carolina Football Club, NCFC Youth is part of the largest youth-to-pro soccer club in the country, with a pyramid existing from youth recreational leagues up to men’s and women’s professional soccer. In addition to Parlow Cone and Wilson, North Carolina Football Club Owner Steve Malik also serves in a prominent role with U.S. Soccer as a member of the Board of Directors. 

“Over the past few years I’ve been fortunate to work alongside Will on several important initiatives involving our club,” said North Carolina Football Club President and General Manager Curt Johnson. “He’s been a true professional and a great problem solver, as someone always listening to the thoughts and concerns of others. I wish him the absolute best in his new role at U.S. Soccer, where I know he will succeed.” 

Parlow Cone, who serves as NCFC Youth’s Girls Durham-Chapel Hill Girls Classic Director, said on Monday that she is thrilled about adding Wilson to his new role at U.S. Soccer. 

“He brings an unrivaled set of experience and expertise to soccer in America,” Parlow Cone said. “His global perspective, background in marketing and growing sporting events and extensive experience in the sports business will be invaluable in growing soccer at all levels. Soccer is the world’s game and Will is the perfect person to help us grow it to America’s game.”

CARY, N.C. (Jan. 23, 2020) – North Carolina FC youngsters Adam Armour, Trace Alphin and Luke Hille are Europe-bound for training opportunities on the other side of the Atlantic. The three NCFC Youth Academy U18-19 teammates recently signed Academy contracts with NCFC ahead of the 2020 USL Championship, allowing them to train and play in first-team matches while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. 

Alphin and Hille began training today with Danish club FC Helsingør, which occupies the top spot in the Danish 2nd Division. Both players will be available for selection in exhibition matches against FA 2000 on Saturday and Swedish club Hoganas BK on Feb. 1. 

Armour, who has 19 caps with the U.S. U-17 National Team, will train with a pair of 2.Bundesliga sides in Germany, first practicing with FC Nürnberg from Feb. 1-8 before linking up with FC St. Pauli from Feb. 9-16. 

John Bradford, the director of the NCFC Youth Academy and an NCFC assistant coach, views the experience abroad as crucial for each player’s development. 

“We are excited for these three young men to challenge themselves in these professional environments in Europe,” Bradford said. “They will see what it is like to be in first-team settings in Denmark and Germany. Certainly their opportunities and experiences at home with our first team and academy program at NCFC have prepared them to represent themselves and the club well.”

Alphin, a 17-year-old goalkeeper, was part of both the NCFC first team and NCFC U-23 squad in 2019. The Wake Forest University commit was named to NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan’s matchday squad three times, twice in USL Championship action and once in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against New York City FC. The 16-year-old Hille is a goalscoring midfielder, who became the 19th player all-time from the NCFC Youth Academy to sign a contract with the NCFC first team when doing so last week. 

Armour, one of the most talented youth defenders in the country, is committed to Duke University and recently played for the U.S. at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil. Like Alphin, Armour was a part of both the NCFC first team and NCFC U-23 in 2019. 

In Bradford’s view, Alphin, Hille and Armour’s opportunity to practice their craft in professional, European setups is the latest example of the NCFC Youth Academy’s mission to provide the best experiences for its players – wherever that might be. 

“Compared to many other professional clubs with youth components, we are open to pushing our players into various professional environments, not just our own first team,” Bradford said. “We are excited to improve and increase the support of our players’ professional ambitions and our community can expect to see many more stories like this in the future.”

In the last five years, the NCFC Youth Academy has had 33 players called into youth national team camps, nine sign professional contracts with MLS clubs and over 100 commit to play at the college level. Three players from the 2019 NCFC U-23 squad were recently selected in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, including first-round selection Jeremy Kelly, a product of the NCFC Youth Academy and the NCFC first team. 

"The player pathway can take various looks in our club," Bradford said. "It can incorporate opportunities with our first team or international professional opportunities, as well  as college soccer environments and even others   It’s important for us to forecast and provide these opportunities for each individual player."

NCFC opens up its 2020 campaign at home against Louisville City FC on Saturday, March 7 at 2:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Single-game tickets for the 2020 season will go on sale on Feb. 3.
 

CARY, N.C. (Jan. 23, 2020) – North Carolina FC youngsters Adam Armour, Trace Alphin and Luke Hille are Europe-bound for training opportunities on the other side of the Atlantic. The three NCFC Youth Academy U18-19 teammates recently signed Academy contracts with NCFC ahead of the 2020 USL Championship, allowing them to train and play in first-team matches while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. 

Alphin and Hille began training today with Danish club FC Helsingør, which occupies the top spot in the Danish 2nd Division. Both players will be available for selection in exhibition matches against FA 2000 on Saturday and Swedish club Hoganas BK on Feb. 1. 

Armour, who has 19 caps with the U.S. U-17 National Team, will train with a pair of 2.Bundesliga sides in Germany, first practicing with FC Nürnberg from Feb. 1-8 before linking up with FC St. Pauli from Feb. 9-16. 

John Bradford, the director of the NCFC Youth Academy and an NCFC assistant coach, views the experience abroad as crucial for each player’s development. 

“We are excited for these three young men to challenge themselves in these professional environments in Europe,” Bradford said. “They will see what it is like to be in first-team settings in Denmark and Germany. Certainly their opportunities and experiences at home with our first team and academy program at NCFC have prepared them to represent themselves and the club well.”

Alphin, a 17-year-old goalkeeper, was part of both the NCFC first team and NCFC U-23 squad in 2019. The Wake Forest University commit was named to NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan’s matchday squad three times, twice in USL Championship action and once in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against New York City FC. The 16-year-old Hille is a goalscoring midfielder, who became the 19th player all-time from the NCFC Youth Academy to sign a contract with the NCFC first team when doing so last week. 

Armour, one of the most talented youth defenders in the country, is committed to Duke University and recently played for the U.S. at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil. Like Alphin, Armour was a part of both the NCFC first team and NCFC U-23 in 2019. 

In Bradford’s view, Alphin, Hille and Armour’s opportunity to practice their craft in professional, European setups is the latest example of the NCFC Youth Academy’s mission to provide the best experiences for its players – wherever that might be. 

“Compared to many other professional clubs with youth components, we are open to pushing our players into various professional environments, not just our own first team,” Bradford said. “We are excited to improve and increase the support of our players’ professional ambitions and our community can expect to see many more stories like this in the future.”

In the last five years, the NCFC Youth Academy has had 33 players called into youth national team camps, nine sign professional contracts with MLS clubs and over 100 commit to play at the college level. Three players from the 2019 NCFC U-23 squad were recently selected in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, including first-round selection Jeremy Kelly, a product of the NCFC Youth Academy and the NCFC first team. 

“The player pathway can take various looks in our club,” Bradford said. “It can incorporate opportunities with our first team or international professional opportunities, as well  as college soccer environments and even others   It’s important for us to forecast and provide these opportunities for each individual player.”

NCFC opens up its 2020 campaign at home against Louisville City FC on Saturday, March 7 at 2:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Single-game tickets for the 2020 season will go on sale on Feb. 3.
 

North Carolina Football Club’s youth-to-pro-pipeline has been clearly illustrated during the 2019 USL Championship season, with NCFC Youth Academy products Dre Fortune, DJ Taylor, Manny Perez and Caleb Duvernay all featuring for head coach Dave Sarachan. 

This summer, the youth teams those players once featured on, earlier in their development, are busy competing in various U.S. Soccer Development Academy competitions. Here’s a roundup of what teams from the NCFC and NC Courage academies are up to. 

NCFC Youth U-15 
Competition: Boys Summer Showcase
Location: Oceanside, Calif. 
Results: 
– June 20, vs. Met Oval: W, 2-1 (Ervin Cruz 59’, Drew Kerr 75’)
– June 21, vs. Nomads SC: W, 2-0 (Lazaro Gonzalez 26’, Yekeson Subah 80’)
– June 23, vs. De Anza Force: W, 4-1 (Kevin Jimenez 4’ & 70’, Caden Tolentino 9’, Jesus Bustos 26’)

NCFC Youth U-16/17 
Competition: Boys Summer Showcase
Location: Oceanside, Calif. 
Results: 
    – June 18, vs. Nomads SC: W, 5-0 (Jacob O’Connor 6’, Luke Hille 15’, 52’ & 90’, Natanael Martinez 83’)
    – June 19, vs. Cedar Stars Academy-Monmouth: L, 2-0
    – June 21, vs. San Jose Earthquakes: D, 5-5 (Ricardo Yofre 7’, David Molina 13’ & 55’, Luke Hille 19’ & 23’). 

NCFC Youth U-18/19 
Competition: Boys Playoffs
Location: Oceanside, Calif. 
Results: 
    – June 17, vs. Chicago Fire Soccer Academy: W, 4-0 (Colton Peasants 10’, Justin Stone 36’, Owen O’Malley 45’, Alexander Castrilli 59’)
    – June 19, vs. FC Dallas: L, 3-0
    – June 21, vs. Pateadores: W, 3-1 (Colton Pleasants 32’ & 38’, Skyler Wells 86’)

Colton Pleasants, a UNC Wilmington signee who has also featured for NCFC U23, scored three goals as NCFC Youth U-18/19 finished second in its four-team group. Trace Alphin, who has been included in NCFC senior team’s matchday squad twice this season, started at goalkeeper. Defender Adam Armour, a member of the U.S. U-16/17 National Team and NCFC U23, also started. 

NC Courage U-14 
Competition: Girls Summer Showcase
Location: Oceanside, Calif. 
Results: 
    – June 26, vs. LA Galaxy San Diego
    – June 28, vs. San Diego Surf
    – June 29, vs. NEFC

NC Courage U-15 
Competition: Girls Playoffs
Location: Oceanside, Calif. 
Results: 
    – June 22, vs. NEFC: D, 1-1 (Kiera Clemens, 43’)
    – June 24, vs. San Diego Surf
    – June 26, vs. Lonestar SC Academy

NC Courage U-16/17 
Competition: Girls Playoffs 
Location: Oceanside, Calif. 
Results: 
    – June 23, vs. Real So Cal: D, 2-2 (Emily Sapienza, 37’ & 46’)
    – June 25, vs. Nationals
    – June 27, vs. Crossfire Premier

North Carolina Football Club’s youth-to-pro-pipeline has been clearly illustrated during the 2019 USL Championship season, with NCFC Youth Academy products Dre Fortune, DJ Taylor, Manny Perez and Caleb Duvernay all featuring for head coach Dave Sarachan. 

This summer, the youth teams those players once featured on, earlier in their development, are busy competing in various U.S. Soccer Development Academy competitions. Here’s a roundup of what teams from the NCFC and NC Courage academies are up to. 

NCFC Youth U-15 
Competition: Boys Summer Showcase
Location: Oceanside, Calif. 
Results: 
– June 20, vs. Met Oval: W, 2-1 (Ervin Cruz 59’, Drew Kerr 75’)
– June 21, vs. Nomads SC: W, 2-0 (Lazaro Gonzalez 26’, Yekeson Subah 80’)
– June 23, vs. De Anza Force: W, 4-1 (Kevin Jimenez 4’ & 70’, Caden Tolentino 9’, Jesus Bustos 26’)

NCFC Youth U-16/17 
Competition: Boys Summer Showcase
Location: Oceanside, Calif. 
Results: 
    – June 18, vs. Nomads SC: W, 5-0 (Jacob O’Connor 6’, Luke Hille 15’, 52’ & 90’, Natanael Martinez 83’)
    – June 19, vs. Cedar Stars Academy-Monmouth: L, 2-0
    – June 21, vs. San Jose Earthquakes: D, 5-5 (Ricardo Yofre 7’, David Molina 13’ & 55’, Luke Hille 19’ & 23’). 

NCFC Youth U-18/19 
Competition: Boys Playoffs
Location: Oceanside, Calif. 
Results: 
    – June 17, vs. Chicago Fire Soccer Academy: W, 4-0 (Colton Peasants 10’, Justin Stone 36’, Owen O’Malley 45’, Alexander Castrilli 59’)
    – June 19, vs. FC Dallas: L, 3-0
    – June 21, vs. Pateadores: W, 3-1 (Colton Pleasants 32’ & 38’, Skyler Wells 86’)

Colton Pleasants, a UNC Wilmington signee who has also featured for NCFC U23, scored three goals as NCFC Youth U-18/19 finished second in its four-team group. Trace Alphin, who has been included in NCFC senior team’s matchday squad twice this season, started at goalkeeper. Defender Adam Armour, a member of the U.S. U-16/17 National Team and NCFC U23, also started. 

NC Courage U-14 
Competition: Girls Summer Showcase
Location: Oceanside, Calif. 
Results: 
    – June 26, vs. LA Galaxy San Diego
    – June 28, vs. San Diego Surf
    – June 29, vs. NEFC

NC Courage U-15 
Competition: Girls Playoffs
Location: Oceanside, Calif. 
Results: 
    – June 22, vs. NEFC: D, 1-1 (Kiera Clemens, 43’)
    – June 24, vs. San Diego Surf
    – June 26, vs. Lonestar SC Academy

NC Courage U-16/17 
Competition: Girls Playoffs 
Location: Oceanside, Calif. 
Results: 
    – June 23, vs. Real So Cal: D, 2-2 (Emily Sapienza, 37’ & 46’)
    – June 25, vs. Nationals
    – June 27, vs. Crossfire Premier

CHICAGO (April 22, 2019) — North Carolina FC’s Adam Armour will represent the United States Under-17 Men’s National Team at the 2019 Concacaf U-17 Championship, set for May 1-16 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Armour is part of a 20-player roster called by head coach Raphael Wicky.
 
This year’s tournament brings a new format, as 20 nations participate in the competition. The four semi-finalists will qualify for this fall’s 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Brazil as representatives of Concacaf. 
 
The USA was drawn into Group F and kicks off its tournament against Canada on Thursday, May 2 at 6 p.m. ET. The U.S. then faces Barbados on Saturday, May 4 at 4 p.m. ET and finishes group play against Guatemala on Monday, May 6 at 6 p.m. ET. 
 
All three of the USA’s group stage games will be broadcast on Univision Deportes Network and the Concacaf GO app, available on iTunes, Google Play and online. 
 
“I’m very excited about the team we’ve put together for this World Cup qualifying tournament,” Wicky said. “There’s a lot of very good quality in this group. We brought together a strong roster for the mini-camp earlier this month, and now we’ve added a few more pieces with a lot of good characteristics. The players have brought a great mentality and we’re excited and ready for a number of interesting games ahead.”
 
2019 Concacaf U-17 Championship Roster by Position (Club; Hometown; U-17 Caps/Goals)
GOALKEEPERS (2): 1-Damian Las (Chicago Fire; Norridge, Ill.; 13/0), 12-Chituru Odunze (Vancouver Whitecaps FC/CAN; Calgary, Alta.; 4/0)

DEFENDERS (7): 4-Axel Alejandre (FC United; Chicago, Ill.; 14/0), 3-Adam Armour (North Carolina FC; Cary, N.C.; 11/0), 13-Mauricio Cuevas (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.; 2/0), 14-Tayvon Gray (New York City FC; Bronx, N.Y.; 10/0), 5-Kobe Hernandez (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.; 14/1), 2-Joseph Scally (New York City FC; Lake Grove, N.Y.; 14/1), 15-John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls; Chatham, N.J.; 3/0)

MIDFIELDERS (5): 7-Gianluca Busio (Sporting Kansas City; Greensboro, N.C.; 7/2), 20-Gilbert Fuentes (San Jose Earthquakes; Tracy, Calif.; 13/0), 8-Bryang Kayo (D.C. United; Poolesville, Md.; 0/0), 6-Daniel Leyva (Seattle Sounders FC; Las Vegas, Nev.; 0/0), 16-Adam Saldana (LA Galaxy; Panorama City, Calif.; 17/1)

FORWARDS (6): 18-Jack de Vries (Philadelphia Union; Wayne, Pa.; 0/0), 17-Tyler Freeman (Sporting Kansas City; Shawnee, Kan.; 3/1), 19-Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (Tacoma Defiance; Kent, Wash.; 14/5), 9-Ricardo Pepi (North Texas SC; McKinney, Texas; 6/1), 10-Giovanni Reyna (Unattached; Bedford, N.Y.; 8/1), 11-Griffin Yow (D.C. United; Clifton, Va.; 6/3)      
                                                                                 
The new Concacaf U-17 Championship format featured four qualifying groups and four main groups drawn directly into the tournament proper. The qualifying groups played in round-robin competition from March 16-25 and April 1-7 with the four group winners (Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe and Puerto Rico) advancing directly to the Round of 16. The top three finishers from each of the main groups will also advance to the Round of 16. From there, it’s a single-elimination bracket that will qualify four semifinalists to the U-17 World Cup as well as crown a confederation champion. 
 
This year’s tournament marks the USA’s 18th appearance in the Concacaf U-17 Championship, which began in 1983. The USA last took home the title in 2011, its third championship (1983, 1992). The U.S. has qualified for a record 16 FIFA U-17 World Cups, tied with Brazil for the most in the tournament’s history. The U.S. has qualified for a record 16 FIFA U-17 World Cups, tied with Brazil for the most in the tournament’s history. Brazil will also participate in this year's competition, gaining entry as the host nation.
 
At the 2017 Concacaf Championship, the USA lost the title game to Mexico in heartbreaking fashion, falling in penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw. The team went on to reach the quarterfinals of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India, where it lost to eventual champion England. 

 

###

CHICAGO (April 22, 2019) — North Carolina FC’s Adam Armour will represent the United States Under-17 Men’s National Team at the 2019 Concacaf U-17 Championship, set for May 1-16 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Armour is part of a 20-player roster called by head coach Raphael Wicky.
 
This year’s tournament brings a new format, as 20 nations participate in the competition. The four semi-finalists will qualify for this fall’s 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Brazil as representatives of Concacaf. 
 
The USA was drawn into Group F and kicks off its tournament against Canada on Thursday, May 2 at 6 p.m. ET. The U.S. then faces Barbados on Saturday, May 4 at 4 p.m. ET and finishes group play against Guatemala on Monday, May 6 at 6 p.m. ET. 
 
All three of the USA’s group stage games will be broadcast on Univision Deportes Network and the Concacaf GO app, available on iTunes, Google Play and online. 
 
“I’m very excited about the team we’ve put together for this World Cup qualifying tournament,” Wicky said. “There’s a lot of very good quality in this group. We brought together a strong roster for the mini-camp earlier this month, and now we’ve added a few more pieces with a lot of good characteristics. The players have brought a great mentality and we’re excited and ready for a number of interesting games ahead.”
 
2019 Concacaf U-17 Championship Roster by Position (Club; Hometown; U-17 Caps/Goals)
GOALKEEPERS (2): 1-Damian Las (Chicago Fire; Norridge, Ill.; 13/0), 12-Chituru Odunze (Vancouver Whitecaps FC/CAN; Calgary, Alta.; 4/0)

DEFENDERS (7): 4-Axel Alejandre (FC United; Chicago, Ill.; 14/0), 3-Adam Armour (North Carolina FC; Cary, N.C.; 11/0), 13-Mauricio Cuevas (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.; 2/0), 14-Tayvon Gray (New York City FC; Bronx, N.Y.; 10/0), 5-Kobe Hernandez (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.; 14/1), 2-Joseph Scally (New York City FC; Lake Grove, N.Y.; 14/1), 15-John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls; Chatham, N.J.; 3/0)

MIDFIELDERS (5): 7-Gianluca Busio (Sporting Kansas City; Greensboro, N.C.; 7/2), 20-Gilbert Fuentes (San Jose Earthquakes; Tracy, Calif.; 13/0), 8-Bryang Kayo (D.C. United; Poolesville, Md.; 0/0), 6-Daniel Leyva (Seattle Sounders FC; Las Vegas, Nev.; 0/0), 16-Adam Saldana (LA Galaxy; Panorama City, Calif.; 17/1)

FORWARDS (6): 18-Jack de Vries (Philadelphia Union; Wayne, Pa.; 0/0), 17-Tyler Freeman (Sporting Kansas City; Shawnee, Kan.; 3/1), 19-Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (Tacoma Defiance; Kent, Wash.; 14/5), 9-Ricardo Pepi (North Texas SC; McKinney, Texas; 6/1), 10-Giovanni Reyna (Unattached; Bedford, N.Y.; 8/1), 11-Griffin Yow (D.C. United; Clifton, Va.; 6/3)      
                                                                                 
The new Concacaf U-17 Championship format featured four qualifying groups and four main groups drawn directly into the tournament proper. The qualifying groups played in round-robin competition from March 16-25 and April 1-7 with the four group winners (Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe and Puerto Rico) advancing directly to the Round of 16. The top three finishers from each of the main groups will also advance to the Round of 16. From there, it’s a single-elimination bracket that will qualify four semifinalists to the U-17 World Cup as well as crown a confederation champion. 
 
This year’s tournament marks the USA’s 18th appearance in the Concacaf U-17 Championship, which began in 1983. The USA last took home the title in 2011, its third championship (1983, 1992). The U.S. has qualified for a record 16 FIFA U-17 World Cups, tied with Brazil for the most in the tournament’s history. The U.S. has qualified for a record 16 FIFA U-17 World Cups, tied with Brazil for the most in the tournament’s history. Brazil will also participate in this year’s competition, gaining entry as the host nation.
 
At the 2017 Concacaf Championship, the USA lost the title game to Mexico in heartbreaking fashion, falling in penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw. The team went on to reach the quarterfinals of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India, where it lost to eventual champion England. 

 

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CHICAGO (Nov. 26, 2018) — Acting U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team head coach Shaun Tsakiris has named a 24-player roster for the annual Nike International Friendlies, to be held at the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2. The elite four-team tournament will feature the USA, Brazil, Portugal and Turkey. The USA kicks things off against Portugal on Wednesday, Nov. 28 (6:30 p.m. ET), takes on Turkey on Friday, Nov. 30 (6:30 p.m. ET) and wraps up versus Brazil on Sunday, Dec. 2 (5:30 p.m. ET). 

All tournament matches will be streamed live on ussoccer.com, Facebook and YouTube.

“The Nike International Friendlies are another important opportunity to evaluate players who have done well with their clubs,” Tsakiris said. “The reality of the National Team is that the player pool is constantly being evaluated. High-level games like these provide an invaluable opportunity to see the progress of our players and for them to show us that they deserve to be a part of our group moving forward.”

This year’s Nike International Friendlies will feature players born on or after Jan. 1, 2002, the age cut-off date for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup, to be held in Peru in Oct. 2019. It will serve as important preparation as all four nations attempt to qualify for the World Cup next spring.

2018 Nike International Friendlies Roster by Position (Club or College; Hometown; Caps/Goals)
GOALKEEPERS (3): Trace Alphin (North Carolina FC; Raleigh, N.C.; 0/0), Damian Las (Chicago Fire; Norridge, Ill.; 11/0), Chituru Odunze (Vancouver Whitecaps FC/CAN; Calgary, Alberta; 3/0)

DEFENDERS (8): Axel Alejandre (FC United; Chicago, Ill.; 12/0), Adam Armour (North Carolina FC; Cary, N.C.; 8/0), Sebastian Falsone (Virginia Development Academy; Warrenton, Va.; 0/0), Jonathan Gomez (FC Dallas; Keller, Texas; 0/0), Tayvon Gray (New York City FC; Bronx, N.Y.; 7/0), Kobe Hernandez (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.; 11/1), Mason Judge (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER; Tampa, Fla.; 10/0), Joe Scally (New York City FC; Lake Grove, N.Y.; 11/1)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Masango Akale (Minnesota Thunder Academy; Minneapolis, Minn.; 0/0), Andre Luiz Costa (Rayo Vallecano/ESP; Madrid, Spain; 0/0), William Reilly (Atlanta United FC; Decatur, Ga.; 2/0), Giovanni Reyna (Unattached; Bedford, N.Y.; 5/1), Adam Saldana (LA Galaxy; Panorama City, Calif.; 14/1), Peter Stroud (West Ham United/ENG; Chester, N.J.; 12/0)

FORWARDS (7): Cameron Dunbar (LA Galaxy; Chula Vista, Calif.; 0/0), Ruben Hernandez (Club Leon/MEX; Manteca, Calif.; 0/0), Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (Seattle Sounders FC; Kent, Wash.; 12/5), Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas; McKinney, Texas; 3/0), Daniel Robles (Seattle Sounders FC; White Center, Wash.; 5/0), Alex Villanueva (Seattle Sounders FC; Maple Valley, Wash.; 0/0), Griffin Yow (D.C. United; Clifton, Va.; 3/2)

2018 Nike International Friendlies Schedule

Wednesday, Nov. 28
Turkey vs. Brazil, 3:30 p.m. ET
USA vs. Portugal, 6:30 p.m. ET

Friday, Nov. 30
Portugal vs. Brazil, 3:30 p.m. ET
USA vs. Turkey, 6:30 p.m. ET

Sunday, Dec. 2
Portugal vs. Turkey, 2:30 p.m. ET
USA vs. Brazil, 5:30 p.m. ET

Started in 2001, and adopting their current format in 2008, the Nike International Friendlies were founded to provided top-level competition for the U-17 MNT and stand as one of the premier annual events on the youth soccer calendar. Seven players on the latest senior Men’s National Team roster competed at the Nike International Friendlies: Kellyn Acosta, Tyler Adams, Shaq Moore, Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent, Luca de la Torre and Tim Weah, while the event has also seen international talent like Brazil’s Phillipe Coutinho, Neymar and Marcelo and England’s Jadon Sancho pass through the Premier Sports Campus.

The event is held annually in conjunction with the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Winter Showcase, which brings together every Academy club from across the country for a series of highly-competitive matches. Eighteen players called to the U-17 MNT roster are currently competing in the 2018-19 Academy season, while 22 of 24 have spent time playing in the Academy. 

The USA will seek its first Nike Friendlies title since 2016, when the USA, featuring current MNT players Sargent and Weah, topped the same three teams that will feature in this year’s competition by a combined score of 15-2. The U.S. finished last year’s tournament 0-2-1 as it kicked off the cycle against England, Netherlands and Brazil, capping off the tournament with a spirited 1-1 draw versus the South Americans.

Tsakiris has called in a mix of experienced players and newcomers for the tournament. Sixteen of the 24 players that will represent the USA in Florida have been capped at this level, while eight are participating in their first training camp/event with the U-17s. Three players: goalkeeper Damian Las, defender Axel Alejandre and midfielder Adam Saldana, have appeared in all eight events of the U-17 cycle thus far. 

As the USA prepares for next spring’s 2019 Concacaf U-17 Championship, the U-17s have played 14 international games in 2018, compiling an 8-4-2 record. Those results include three international tournaments: the 2018 Sportchain Cup, where the U.S. defeated India and Norway twice each to take home the title, Mexico’s Four Nations Tournament, that featured showdowns with the host, Argentina and Chile as well as England’s U-17 International Tournament, where the USA rallied for late wins against Brazil and Russia to claim second place.

All three of the USA’s opponents are frequent foes at the competition. Brazil has appeared at every edition of the tournament since it assumed its current format in 2008, and also sent teams in 2006 and 2007. Portugal and Turkey have appeared at the competition four of ten times since 2008, tied with England for second-most all-time.

CHICAGO (Nov. 26, 2018) — Acting U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team head coach Shaun Tsakiris has named a 24-player roster for the annual Nike International Friendlies, to be held at the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2. The elite four-team tournament will feature the USA, Brazil, Portugal and Turkey. The USA kicks things off against Portugal on Wednesday, Nov. 28 (6:30 p.m. ET), takes on Turkey on Friday, Nov. 30 (6:30 p.m. ET) and wraps up versus Brazil on Sunday, Dec. 2 (5:30 p.m. ET). 

All tournament matches will be streamed live on ussoccer.com, Facebook and YouTube.

“The Nike International Friendlies are another important opportunity to evaluate players who have done well with their clubs,” Tsakiris said. “The reality of the National Team is that the player pool is constantly being evaluated. High-level games like these provide an invaluable opportunity to see the progress of our players and for them to show us that they deserve to be a part of our group moving forward.”

This year’s Nike International Friendlies will feature players born on or after Jan. 1, 2002, the age cut-off date for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup, to be held in Peru in Oct. 2019. It will serve as important preparation as all four nations attempt to qualify for the World Cup next spring.

2018 Nike International Friendlies Roster by Position (Club or College; Hometown; Caps/Goals)
GOALKEEPERS (3): Trace Alphin (North Carolina FC; Raleigh, N.C.; 0/0), Damian Las (Chicago Fire; Norridge, Ill.; 11/0), Chituru Odunze (Vancouver Whitecaps FC/CAN; Calgary, Alberta; 3/0)

DEFENDERS (8): Axel Alejandre (FC United; Chicago, Ill.; 12/0), Adam Armour (North Carolina FC; Cary, N.C.; 8/0), Sebastian Falsone (Virginia Development Academy; Warrenton, Va.; 0/0), Jonathan Gomez (FC Dallas; Keller, Texas; 0/0), Tayvon Gray (New York City FC; Bronx, N.Y.; 7/0), Kobe Hernandez (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.; 11/1), Mason Judge (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER; Tampa, Fla.; 10/0), Joe Scally (New York City FC; Lake Grove, N.Y.; 11/1)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Masango Akale (Minnesota Thunder Academy; Minneapolis, Minn.; 0/0), Andre Luiz Costa (Rayo Vallecano/ESP; Madrid, Spain; 0/0), William Reilly (Atlanta United FC; Decatur, Ga.; 2/0), Giovanni Reyna (Unattached; Bedford, N.Y.; 5/1), Adam Saldana (LA Galaxy; Panorama City, Calif.; 14/1), Peter Stroud (West Ham United/ENG; Chester, N.J.; 12/0)

FORWARDS (7): Cameron Dunbar (LA Galaxy; Chula Vista, Calif.; 0/0), Ruben Hernandez (Club Leon/MEX; Manteca, Calif.; 0/0), Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (Seattle Sounders FC; Kent, Wash.; 12/5), Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas; McKinney, Texas; 3/0), Daniel Robles (Seattle Sounders FC; White Center, Wash.; 5/0), Alex Villanueva (Seattle Sounders FC; Maple Valley, Wash.; 0/0), Griffin Yow (D.C. United; Clifton, Va.; 3/2)

2018 Nike International Friendlies Schedule

Wednesday, Nov. 28
Turkey vs. Brazil, 3:30 p.m. ET
USA vs. Portugal, 6:30 p.m. ET

Friday, Nov. 30
Portugal vs. Brazil, 3:30 p.m. ET
USA vs. Turkey, 6:30 p.m. ET

Sunday, Dec. 2
Portugal vs. Turkey, 2:30 p.m. ET
USA vs. Brazil, 5:30 p.m. ET

Started in 2001, and adopting their current format in 2008, the Nike International Friendlies were founded to provided top-level competition for the U-17 MNT and stand as one of the premier annual events on the youth soccer calendar. Seven players on the latest senior Men’s National Team roster competed at the Nike International Friendlies: Kellyn Acosta, Tyler Adams, Shaq Moore, Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent, Luca de la Torre and Tim Weah, while the event has also seen international talent like Brazil’s Phillipe Coutinho, Neymar and Marcelo and England’s Jadon Sancho pass through the Premier Sports Campus.

The event is held annually in conjunction with the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Winter Showcase, which brings together every Academy club from across the country for a series of highly-competitive matches. Eighteen players called to the U-17 MNT roster are currently competing in the 2018-19 Academy season, while 22 of 24 have spent time playing in the Academy. 

The USA will seek its first Nike Friendlies title since 2016, when the USA, featuring current MNT players Sargent and Weah, topped the same three teams that will feature in this year’s competition by a combined score of 15-2. The U.S. finished last year’s tournament 0-2-1 as it kicked off the cycle against England, Netherlands and Brazil, capping off the tournament with a spirited 1-1 draw versus the South Americans.

Tsakiris has called in a mix of experienced players and newcomers for the tournament. Sixteen of the 24 players that will represent the USA in Florida have been capped at this level, while eight are participating in their first training camp/event with the U-17s. Three players: goalkeeper Damian Las, defender Axel Alejandre and midfielder Adam Saldana, have appeared in all eight events of the U-17 cycle thus far. 

As the USA prepares for next spring’s 2019 Concacaf U-17 Championship, the U-17s have played 14 international games in 2018, compiling an 8-4-2 record. Those results include three international tournaments: the 2018 Sportchain Cup, where the U.S. defeated India and Norway twice each to take home the title, Mexico’s Four Nations Tournament, that featured showdowns with the host, Argentina and Chile as well as England’s U-17 International Tournament, where the USA rallied for late wins against Brazil and Russia to claim second place.

All three of the USA’s opponents are frequent foes at the competition. Brazil has appeared at every edition of the tournament since it assumed its current format in 2008, and also sent teams in 2006 and 2007. Portugal and Turkey have appeared at the competition four of ten times since 2008, tied with England for second-most all-time.

CARY, N.C. (November 15, 2018)– Yesterday was an important day for North Carolina Football Club – and specifically NCFC Youth. On National Signing Day, the next class of college-bound high school seniors from the largest youth-to-pro club in the country signed National Letters of Intent to continue soccer careers at their respective colleges and universities.
 
Among the standout group heading to the next level, five players are graduating high school early to get a jump start on their athletic and academic careers. Sheldon China Jr., Gabe Mercer, Camryn Dixon, Maggie Pierce and Anna Rockett are set to begin their college careers with the start of the new semester in January. 
 
A trend that is becoming more-and-more common each year, going to college early will give the players a head start on adapting to life as a student athlete and paving the way for a successful freshman season.
 
As NCFC Youth continues to grow, the pipeline of players heading to the next level has also increased. Last year, 77 players signed to play soccer at 46 schools. The 2019 class from NCFC Youth will be finalized and recognized early next year with the celebration of College Signing Night.
 
NCFC Youth Early Graduate Profiles:
 
Sheldon China Jr.
Position: Forward
School: NC State
NCFC Youth Team: NCFC Youth Academy
Hometown: Durham, N.C.
 
Gabe Mercer
Position: Midfielder
School: UNC Wilmington
NCFC Youth Team: NCFC Youth Academy
Hometown: Wake Forest, N.C.
 
Camryn Dixon
Position: Forward
School: South Carolina
NCFC Youth Team: NC Courage Academy
Hometown: Cary, N.C.
 
Maggie Pierce
Position: Midfielder
School: UNC
NCFC Youth Team: NC Courage Academy
Hometown: Cary, N.C.
 
Anna Rockett 
Position: Defender
School: LSU
NCFC Youth Team: NC Courage Academy
Hometown: Cary, N.C.

CARY, N.C. (November 15, 2018)– Yesterday was an important day for North Carolina Football Club – and specifically NCFC Youth. On National Signing Day, the next class of college-bound high school seniors from the largest youth-to-pro club in the country signed National Letters of Intent to continue soccer careers at their respective colleges and universities.
 
Among the standout group heading to the next level, five players are graduating high school early to get a jump start on their athletic and academic careers. Sheldon China Jr., Gabe Mercer, Camryn Dixon, Maggie Pierce and Anna Rockett are set to begin their college careers with the start of the new semester in January. 
 
A trend that is becoming more-and-more common each year, going to college early will give the players a head start on adapting to life as a student athlete and paving the way for a successful freshman season.
 
As NCFC Youth continues to grow, the pipeline of players heading to the next level has also increased. Last year, 77 players signed to play soccer at 46 schools. The 2019 class from NCFC Youth will be finalized and recognized early next year with the celebration of College Signing Night.
 
NCFC Youth Early Graduate Profiles:
 
Sheldon China Jr.
Position: Forward
School: NC State
NCFC Youth Team: NCFC Youth Academy
Hometown: Durham, N.C.
 
Gabe Mercer
Position: Midfielder
School: UNC Wilmington
NCFC Youth Team: NCFC Youth Academy
Hometown: Wake Forest, N.C.
 
Camryn Dixon
Position: Forward
School: South Carolina
NCFC Youth Team: NC Courage Academy
Hometown: Cary, N.C.
 
Maggie Pierce
Position: Midfielder
School: UNC
NCFC Youth Team: NC Courage Academy
Hometown: Cary, N.C.
 
Anna Rockett 
Position: Defender
School: LSU
NCFC Youth Team: NC Courage Academy
Hometown: Cary, N.C.

By this point, the NC Courage’s Women’s International Champions Cup (ICC) title-winning run is just about common knowledge. For those still behind in the news cycle, The Courage went to Miami, Fla., in late July and defeated women’s soccer powerhouses PSG and Lyon to win the Women’s ICC Championship and further cement their status as the best women’s professional soccer team in the world. 

While the Courage were busy making headlines under the lights, another group associated with the North Carolina Football Club was also busy defeating the world’s best at their respective level of competition in the International Champions Cup Futures in Orlando, Fla.

ICC Futures Provide New Experience for Youth Players:

North Carolina Football Club’s Michael Milazzo led a U-14 North Carolina All-Star team, consisting of top players around the state to the ICC Futures. The competition featured 24 teams from the United States and Europe, comprising of the top U-14 players in the world, including eight teams from Major League Soccer’s Development Academy, eight State-represented All-Star teams and eight world-class European academy teams.

The ICC All Star North Carolina team, led by 13 players with ties to North Carolina Football Club, competed against the world’s best valiantly. Not only did the group gain invaluable experience to push them along in their development, but the competition served as a benchmark for where its players stand when compared to world-class competition.

“Overall, we believe that we showcased our talents extremely well and this event allowed us to test ourselves against some of the world’s best U-14 players, said Milazzo. “It was a true measuring stick for the players and staff to see how good we are, how good we can be and what we need to improve on to play at this consistent high level. We talk about the next level, not only did we see what the next level is, we lived it, faced it, and many times defeated it.”

The NC All-Star team had one of the best tournament runs out of any club in the elite field of competition. After finishing second to only Chelsea in group play, North Carolina advanced all the way to the final of the ‘Bowl’ division, ousting MLS Academy opposition Houston Dynamo and Philadelphia Union and Premier League Academy side Liverpool FC along the way. In the final, NCFC faced another Premier League giant in Tottenham Hotspur FC before falling on penalties.

By this point, the NC Courage’s Women’s International Champions Cup (ICC) title-winning run is just about common knowledge. For those still behind in the news cycle, The Courage went to Miami, Fla., in late July and defeated women’s soccer powerhouses PSG and Lyon to win the Women’s ICC Championship and further cement their status as the best women’s professional soccer team in the world. 

While the Courage were busy making headlines under the lights, another group associated with the North Carolina Football Club was also busy defeating the world’s best at their respective level of competition in the International Champions Cup Futures in Orlando, Fla.

ICC Futures Provide New Experience for Youth Players:

North Carolina Football Club’s Michael Milazzo led a U-14 North Carolina All-Star team, consisting of top players around the state to the ICC Futures. The competition featured 24 teams from the United States and Europe, comprising of the top U-14 players in the world, including eight teams from Major League Soccer’s Development Academy, eight State-represented All-Star teams and eight world-class European academy teams.

The ICC All Star North Carolina team, led by 13 players with ties to North Carolina Football Club, competed against the world’s best valiantly. Not only did the group gain invaluable experience to push them along in their development, but the competition served as a benchmark for where its players stand when compared to world-class competition.

“Overall, we believe that we showcased our talents extremely well and this event allowed us to test ourselves against some of the world’s best U-14 players, said Milazzo. “It was a true measuring stick for the players and staff to see how good we are, how good we can be and what we need to improve on to play at this consistent high level. We talk about the next level, not only did we see what the next level is, we lived it, faced it, and many times defeated it.”

The NC All-Star team had one of the best tournament runs out of any club in the elite field of competition. After finishing second to only Chelsea in group play, North Carolina advanced all the way to the final of the ‘Bowl’ division, ousting MLS Academy opposition Houston Dynamo and Philadelphia Union and Premier League Academy side Liverpool FC along the way. In the final, NCFC faced another Premier League giant in Tottenham Hotspur FC before falling on penalties.

Shaping The Roster:

The tournament featured the highest possible level of play in the world for the U-14 age group, giving the young players an opportunity play and learn in a true professional environment. Games were played at a quicker pace and featured more tactical play than the North Carolina teams usually see during their regional seasons against teams from the Southeast.

Despite the differences in play, North Carolina FC faired exceptionally. The team quickly adjusted to the style of play and gelled on the field as the tournament wore on. While their results speak for themselves, a precise selection of the best players from the state of North Carolina helped ensure the successful showing.

Milazzo, along with UNC men’s soccer head coach Carlos Somoano and Queen City Mutiny Academy and Technical Director Jose Jimenez, undertook a four-month process of selecting the team. Through live-game and video analysis and assessment training sessions, the roster was carefully picked to ensure the right players from North Carolina were up for the challenge of facing the best players in the world from their age group.

Eventually, the All-Star team came together to feature players from North Carolina Football Club, Queen City Mutiny, Charlotte Soccer Academy, NC Fusion and the Carolina Rapids.

Shaping The Roster:

The tournament featured the highest possible level of play in the world for the U-14 age group, giving the young players an opportunity play and learn in a true professional environment. Games were played at a quicker pace and featured more tactical play than the North Carolina teams usually see during their regional seasons against teams from the Southeast.

Despite the differences in play, North Carolina FC faired exceptionally. The team quickly adjusted to the style of play and gelled on the field as the tournament wore on. While their results speak for themselves, a precise selection of the best players from the state of North Carolina helped ensure the successful showing.

Milazzo, along with UNC men’s soccer head coach Carlos Somoano and Queen City Mutiny Academy and Technical Director Jose Jimenez, undertook a four-month process of selecting the team. Through live-game and video analysis and assessment training sessions, the roster was carefully picked to ensure the right players from North Carolina were up for the challenge of facing the best players in the world from their age group.

Eventually, the All-Star team came together to feature players from North Carolina Football Club, Queen City Mutiny, Charlotte Soccer Academy, NC Fusion and the Carolina Rapids.

Benchmarking Future Stars:

One of the most important outcomes from the tournament didn’t come in an on-field result or from a post-game stat sheet. The ICC Futures provided all clubs involved the chance to benchmark players against their counterparts from the best teams in the world. This benefit was significantly important for the North Carolina Football Club, as a major piece in the club’s overarching youth-to-professional pipeline is youth development.

“North Carolina has many talented individual soccer players, our challenge is now to provide these players, the best possible, professional-level experiences,” added Milazzo. “Whether it be through international competition with their academy teams, or providing them opportunities to train, compete and play alongside professional players, it’s the direction we need to go if we want to be progressive and truly be known for developing players. Providing opportunities like the ICC Futures, or even training and playing with NCFC professional players helps our club continue to be at the forefront of youth development.”

As North Carolina Football Club continues to develop players and build on its success from the foundation of youth soccer, look for the impact of the ICC Futures to have a lasting effect on the club. Not many players can able to say they’ve faced MLS and Premier League opposition, but 13 young players from North Carolina Football Club will enter their respective seasons with the experience and a benchmark of knowing where they stand when compared to their piers from around the world.

Benchmarking Future Stars:

One of the most important outcomes from the tournament didn’t come in an on-field result or from a post-game stat sheet. The ICC Futures provided all clubs involved the chance to benchmark players against their counterparts from the best teams in the world. This benefit was significantly important for the North Carolina Football Club, as a major piece in the club’s overarching youth-to-professional pipeline is youth development.

“North Carolina has many talented individual soccer players, our challenge is now to provide these players, the best possible, professional-level experiences,” added Milazzo. “Whether it be through international competition with their academy teams, or providing them opportunities to train, compete and play alongside professional players, it’s the direction we need to go if we want to be progressive and truly be known for developing players. Providing opportunities like the ICC Futures, or even training and playing with NCFC professional players helps our club continue to be at the forefront of youth development.”

As North Carolina Football Club continues to develop players and build on its success from the foundation of youth soccer, look for the impact of the ICC Futures to have a lasting effect on the club. Not many players can able to say they’ve faced MLS and Premier League opposition, but 13 young players from North Carolina Football Club will enter their respective seasons with the experience and a benchmark of knowing where they stand when compared to their piers from around the world.

Results:

Group Stage – Monday, July 16

ICC All-Stars NC defeated Houston Dynamo 2-1 

NC Goals: Brendan Lambe (13'), Brayden Copeland (33')

 

Group Stage – Tuesday, July 17

ICC All-Stars NC defeated ICC All-Stars California 3-0 

NC Goals: Yekeson Subah (5', 8'), Jesus Bustos (16') 

 

Group Stage – Wednesday, July 18

ICC All-Stars NC lost to Chelsea 4-1 

NC Goal: Marvin Mariche (29')

 

Quarterfinals – Friday, July 20

ICC All-Stars NC defeated Liverpool 4-0 

NC Goals: Marvin Mariche (23'), Chris Thaggard (36'), Brendan Lambe (49'), Brayden Copeland (60')

 

Semifinals – Saturday, July 21

ICC All-Stars NC defeated Philadelphia Union 3-1 

NC Goals: Brendan Lambe (33'), Hector Velazco (59'), Chris Thaggard (65')

 

Final – Sunday, July 22

ICC All-Stars NC tied Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 (Tottenham advanced on Penalties)

NC Goal: Marvin Mariche (26').

 

NC All-Stars Roster:

Player:	Youth Club:
Sam Terranova	NCFC Youth South
Marlon Mellado	NCFC Youth South
Brendan Tierney	NCFC Youth South
Jeremy Arukwe	NCFC Youth North
Cristian Milazzo	NCFC Youth South
Caden Tolentino	NCFC Youth South
Marvin Mariche	NCFC Youth North
Brendan Lambe	NCFC Pro Academy
Chris Thaggard	Queen City Mutiny
Hector Velazco	NCFC Youth South
Yekeson Subah	NCFC Youth North
Jesus Bustos	NCFC Youth North
Ardlai Pinto	Charlotte Soccer Academy
Bryce Swinehart	Charlotte Soccer Academy
Brayden Copeland	NC Fusion
Drew Kerr	NCFC Youth North
Ervin Cruz Garcia	NCFC Youth South
Zach Murphy	Carolina Rapids

Results:

Group Stage – Monday, July 16

ICC All-Stars NC defeated Houston Dynamo 2-1 

NC Goals: Brendan Lambe (13′), Brayden Copeland (33′)

 

Group Stage – Tuesday, July 17

ICC All-Stars NC defeated ICC All-Stars California 3-0 

NC Goals: Yekeson Subah (5′, 8′), Jesus Bustos (16′) 

 

Group Stage – Wednesday, July 18

ICC All-Stars NC lost to Chelsea 4-1 

NC Goal: Marvin Mariche (29′)

 

Quarterfinals – Friday, July 20

ICC All-Stars NC defeated Liverpool 4-0 

NC Goals: Marvin Mariche (23′), Chris Thaggard (36′), Brendan Lambe (49′), Brayden Copeland (60′)

 

Semifinals – Saturday, July 21

ICC All-Stars NC defeated Philadelphia Union 3-1 

NC Goals: Brendan Lambe (33′), Hector Velazco (59′), Chris Thaggard (65′)

 

Final – Sunday, July 22

ICC All-Stars NC tied Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 (Tottenham advanced on Penalties)

NC Goal: Marvin Mariche (26′).

 

NC All-Stars Roster:

Player:	Youth Club:
Sam Terranova	NCFC Youth South
Marlon Mellado	NCFC Youth South
Brendan Tierney	NCFC Youth South
Jeremy Arukwe	NCFC Youth North
Cristian Milazzo	NCFC Youth South
Caden Tolentino	NCFC Youth South
Marvin Mariche	NCFC Youth North
Brendan Lambe	NCFC Pro Academy
Chris Thaggard	Queen City Mutiny
Hector Velazco	NCFC Youth South
Yekeson Subah	NCFC Youth North
Jesus Bustos	NCFC Youth North
Ardlai Pinto	Charlotte Soccer Academy
Bryce Swinehart	Charlotte Soccer Academy
Brayden Copeland	NC Fusion
Drew Kerr	NCFC Youth North
Ervin Cruz Garcia	NCFC Youth South
Zach Murphy	Carolina Rapids