It was a great day for Chesterfield United FC as the U13 & U14 boys showed skill and class against the top seeds in the 2008 VYSA State Cup in Northern Virginia. The U14 boys played #1 seed MacLean to a 1-1 1st half draw enroute to a closely contested 3-1 defeat. The top seed MacLean scored about 12 minutes into the second half to take a 2-1 lead and secured the victory with a late penalty kick to earn a birth into the state final four. United FC’s U14’s matched the highly touted MacLean team technically and tactically and nearly equalized on a free kick off of the cross bar midway through the second half. "I was real proud of the teams effort today and confidence to compete with the top team in Virginia and one of the top in the region. We played with a lot of composure and desire, and with a bit of luck could have moved on to the next round. I am excited with our run in the cup and look forward to enhancing our team for a deeper run in the U15 cup this fall." say’s head coach Greg Simmonds.
In the U13 bracket, United FC took on Herndon Real Juniors which is a top seed in the state and region. Martin Dell’s group stayed compact and obsorbed all Herndon had to offer, ending the first half on the end of a 1-0 deficit. The Northern Virginia squad wore United down in the second half on their way to a 4-0 victory and a trip to the final 8. "Herndon is a high quality team that is very confident and crafty, not to mention deep in talent. They have the luxury to have a full arsenal of players to bring in and not lose any rhythm or technical ability to play. I was happy with our effort and discipline to keep our shape and to compete from start to finish. It is a great experience for our players and one that they will build on in the 2009 tournament." say’s head coach Martin Dell.
"The clubs decision to restructure the technical staff and coaching slate is begining to pay dividends. To see our teams compete at this level is a testimate to what we have accomplished as a club in a very short period of time. The players have stepped up and the staff has continually raised the bar to challenge the United players. I am real excited about the 2008-09 soccer year and predict a tremendous amount of success throughout our slate of teams." Technical Director Kevin Darcy
U14’s To Play Top Seeded MacLean
The Chesterfield United U14 boys fresh off of their 1st round victory over Annandale, knocked off #9 seed Gunston 2-0 Saturday at CASL park. The U14 United advance to the quarter finals to take on the #1 seed MacLean MPS, at Lewinsville Park field #2 in MacLean at 2:00PM. The U13 United boys will take on #3 seed Herndon Real Juniors in the sweet 16 round of the cup immediately following the U14 game at Lewinsville Park field #2.
In other State Cup action, the CUSC U12 girls lost a tough 2-1 match against Vienna in Northern Virginia and the U12 boys were knocked out in their second round match against Louden Red at CASL park. “I am extremely proud of our team’s ability to compete with the top teams in the state. Our U12 boys ran into a buzz saw in Louden, arguably the top team in their bracket, but gained valuable experience competing at that level. The U12 girls have made tremendous progress from the fall until now and could have easily gotten the result against Vienna. Joe Farrell and Cristian Neagu have done a great job developing these teams and have prepared them to make the transition to U13 next year to play 11 a-side.” says Technical Director Kevin Darcy.
Jesse Roberts and Travis Traylor scored first half goals to lead the U14’s past Gunston to earn their trip to the final 8. “Greg Simmonds has done an excellent job in preparing this team and on any given day can beat anyone. Greg’s experience as a professional player and now as one of the top club coaches in the area has helped take this team to the next level. MacLean is a top seed and will be a tough task but I am confident in the players and Greg’s leadership to put them in position to win.” says Director of Player Development Cristian Neagu.
