CHICAGO (April 18, 2008) -- In Under-15/16 Academy action this weekend, Schulz Academy (Boca Raton, Fla.) challenges IMG Soccer Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) on a six-game winning streak. IMG stands in third place behind Schulz in the Southeast Conference with a record of 8-4-3.

In second place, Schulz has only two losses in their overall record of 9-2-1, both against conference leader Miami FC Kendall (Miami, Fla.). With the Development Academy Finals Week approaching this summer, Schulz knows that this weekend’s match could play a big part in determining their chances at qualifying.

“We go fully prepared into this very important match for us in our goal to qualify for the Finals in July,” said head coach Josef Schulz. “In the last eight games we have developed into a very strong team and we’re fully confident but also fully aware of the toughness of this game.”

With 20 total team goals scored in the past six games and only five goals scored against, the players’ confidence has benefited from the team’s success.

“The win against the U.S. Youth National Team gave all our players a lot of confidence,” said Schulz. “They suddenly realized they could step out of their shell. It was a very important confidence booster for the team.”

With 31 goals scored through 15 matches, IMG ties conference rivals Clearwater Chargers SC (Clearwater, Fla.) for the most goals scored in the Southeast Conference. In the first of two games against Schulz, IMG looks to repeat the success of their recent performances, with a total five shutouts in 15 Academy matches.

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The two top ranked Under-17/18 teams in the SoCal Conference, Arsenal FC (Alta Loma, Calif.) and LAFC (La Canada, Calif.), go head to head this weekend. First place Arsenal holds a record of 11-1-4 while LAFC follows closely with record of 11-1-0.

Arsenal will play in the first of two upcoming meetings with LAFC, looking to secure their tenth shutout of the Academy season. Following the team’s only loss against Real So Cal (Calabasa, Calif.), Arsenal has amassed a record of 5-0-3 in their past eight games.

LAFC comes into this weekend’s game on a five-game winning streak, scoring 16 goals and allowing only six goals during their run. The second-place team’s only loss this season was against conference rivals, Pateadores SC (Mission Viejo, Calif.).

Following the success of their past five games, LAFC returns to the field with renewed strength as they look to secure first place in their conference.

“We are aware of the importance of this game,” said head coach Rafa Moran. “We feel that whoever wins this game will have a leg up to win this conference.”

Forwards Kevin Mijia and Matthew Tellez have lead the team to 11 wins in a total 12 Academy matches, but Moran credits his defense as well.

“My entire back line has been very good for us,” said Moran. “As individuals, Kevin Mijia and Matthew Tellez are probably the two that have stepped up a little bit more to lead us in the back.”


U-15/16 AGE GROUP

Saturday, April 19, 2008
Home vs. Away
Chicago Fire vs. Chicago Magic
Cal Odyssey vs. De Anza Force
B/W Gottschee vs. South Central Premier
Albertson Soccer Club vs. Oakwood Soccer Club
PDA vs. New York Red Bulls
Sockers FC vs. Scott Gallagher
FC Milwaukee vs. Metro United
Nomads Soccer Club vs. Colorado Rapids
PA Classics vs. DC United
San Diego Surf Soccer vs. Crossfire
Real So Cal vs. Chivas USA
FC Delco vs. Potomac
Ohio Elite Soccer Academy vs. CASA
Vardar vs. CASL
Crew vs. Internationals
Michigan Wolves vs. Greensboro Soccer Club
Carmel United Soccer Club vs. North Meck
Arsenal FC vs. LAFC

Sunday, April 20, 2008
Home vs. Away
Vardar vs. Greensboro Soccer Club
Michigan Wolves vs. CASL
Ohio Elite Soccer Academy vs. Internationals
FC Milwaukee vs. Scott Gallagher
Crew vs. CASA
PA Classics vs. Potomac
Sockers FC vs. Metro United
FC Westchester vs. New York Red Bulls
Oakwood Soccer Club vs. FC Greater Boston
Nomads Soccer Club vs. Crossfire
Match Fit Academy vs. Baltimore Bayds
San Diego Surf Soccer vs. Colorado Rapids
FC Delco vs. DC United
Schulz Academy vs. IMG Soccer Academy

For the complete Academy U-15/16 match schedule, including venues and kick-off times visit:
http://www.t7sports.com:8080/2005/k122631.htm

U-17/18 AGE GROUP

Saturday, April 19, 2008
Home vs. Away
San Diego Surf Soccer vs. Crossfire
Chicago Fire vs. Chicago magic
Cal Odyssey vs. De Anza Force
B/W Gottschee vs. South Central Premier
Albertson Soccer Club vs. Oakwood Soccer Club
PDA vs. New York Red Bulls
Sockers FC vs. Scott Gallagher
Nomads Soccer Club vs. Colorado Rapids
PA Classics vs. DC United
Real So Cal vs. Chivas USA
FC Milwaukee vs. Metro United
FC Delco vs. Potomac
Ohio Elite Soccer Academy vs. CASA
Vardar vs. CASL
Crew vs. Internationals
Michigan Wolves vs. Greensboro Soccer Club
Carmel United Soccer Club vs. North Meck
Arsenal FC vs. LAFC

Sunday, April 20, 2008
Home vs. Away
Vardar vs. Greensboro Soccer Club
Michigan Wolves vs. CASL
San Diego Surf Soccer vs. Colorado Rapids
Ohio Elite Soccer Academy vs. Internationals
Crew vs. CASA
FC Milwaukee vs. Scott Gallagher
PA Classics vs. Potomac
Sockers FC vs. Metro United
FC Westchester vs. New York Red Bulls
Oakwood Soccer Club vs. FC Greater Boston
Nomads Soccer Club vs. Crossfire
Match Fit Academy vs. Baltimore Bays
FC Delco vs. DC United
Schulz Academy vs. IMG Soccer Academy

For the complete Academy U-17/18 match schedule, including venues and kick-off times visit:
http://www.t7sports.com:8080/2005/k122682.htm