April 22, 2010

ALL ELEVEN CSA DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY SENIOR PLAYERS WILL PLAY COLLEGIATE SOCCER
2010 Graduates will play at NCAA Division One, Two and Three level
 
All eleven Charlotte Soccer Academy seniors have signed to play college soccer starting in the Fall of 2010. Pictured above are:
 
Front Row Left to Right
Kyle Searles, Belmont Abbey College (Three year Academy player)
Brett Luccia, UNC Pembroke (Three year Academy player)
Alex Leonard, UNC Wilmington (Three year Academy player)
Richard Butler (Academy Director, Head Coach U18s)
Jeremy Gunn (Head Coach U16s)
James Nero, University of the Incarnate Word (Three year Academy player)
Andrew Sperr, Hampden-Sydney College (Three year Academy player)
Michael Nelli, Wingate University (Three year Academy player)
 
Back Row Left to Right
Will O’Brien, Wofford College (Three year Academy player)
Evan Kent, Appalachian State University (Three year Academy player)
Thomas Allen, UNC Charlotte (Three year Academy player)
Jason Chapman, University of South Carolina (One year Academy player, formerly of CUFC)
Robby Beatty, North Carolina State University (One year Academy player, formerly of CESA)
 
Richard Butler, the Director of the US Development Academy Program at CSA said, “This is a tremendous achievement for these players. They have worked ever so hard to attain the goal of playing at the next level. It is not something that is achieved over night nor is easy. These boys are have been dedicated for many years and it is exciting that the Charlotte Soccer Academy will be well represented at the collegiate level. I wish them all the best of success and hope to see them play at some stage next fall at their respective universities”.
 
Quick Statistics
11 Seniors all playing collegiate soccer
9 Players are three-year Academy players
2 Players are one-year Academy players
 
6 Players will play NCAA Division One soccer
4 Players will play NCAA Division Two soccer
1 Player will play NCAA Division Three soccer
5 Colleges made the NCAA tournament in 2009
3 Colleges either won or were runners up in their conference tournament

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE CSA ACADEMY PLAYERS WHO HAVE COMMITTED TO COLLEGE PROGRAMS!

April 15, 2010

ANDREW SPERR COMMITS TO HAMPDEN-SYDNEY COLLEGE
Third year Charlotte Soccer Academy player committed and will play in the Fall of 2010
 
Andrew Sperr, a wide midfielder for the U-18 Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) US Development Academy Program, has committed to play collegiate soccer for the Tigers of Hampden-Sydney College. Sperr commented, “Playing on the Academy teams at CSA for the last three seasons has made me a better player and person. The high level of play and excellent coaching has helped me develop not only good soccer skills but good life skills. Playing for CSA has been a great experience and definitely helped me achieve my goal of playing collegiate soccer. The coaching staff helped me in my search for the right college. They really took the time to understand the type of school that interested me not only for soccer but academics as well. Through the extensive knowledge of schools, programs and collegiate coaches they were able to suggest colleges that would be the right fit for me by matching my skills as a player and person. This paid off when I went to visit Hampden-Sydney College. The coaching staff at Hampden-Sydney, the great group of guys on the team, academic reputation of the school, and the ability for me to step in and contribute right away made Hampden-Sydney a perfect fit for me. I am really excited to be joining a Hampden-Sydney team that is building a tradition of success.
In 2009, the team was 16-4-0 (W-L-T) and lost in the semi final of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference to Lynchburg College.
 
Richard Butler, the Director of the US Development Academy Program at CSA said, “I think that Hampden-Sydney College will be a very good fit for Andrew. I believe that both his academic and athletic aspirations will be met there. I have known head coach Josh Laux for many years and his program is very solid. Andrew has been the consummate team player during his time in the CSA Academy. He works tirelessly at this game and supports his teammates in whatever way he can. I’m looking forward to him progressing to the next level at Hampden-Sydney College”.
 
 

April 1, 2010

NICK BARNHORST COMMITS TO UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA CHARLOTTE 
Third year Charlotte Soccer Academy player committed and will play in the Fall of 2011
 
Nick Barnhorst, a midfielder for the U-18 Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) US Development Academy Program, has committed to play collegiate soccer for the 49ers of UNC Charlotte. Barnhorst commented, "I would say the US Soccer Development Academy has definitely had a positive impact on my game. I’ve got to work with some of the best coaches around and have been introduced to different views of the game. I’ve learned a lot from my teammates over the years and enjoyed the privilege of playing with them. I’m mostly excited about competing at the collegiate level. It has always been a dream of mine and it actually coming true has been surreal. Keeping in mind that I am a year and a bit away from graduating I have lots of work to do on my game and hope to arrive at UNC Charlotte only strengthening the squad and playing a role in a strong, winning season for the 49ers. The coaching at Charlotte was one of the main reasons that influenced my decision to playing for them. I have worked with Coach Gunn in the past and respect him a great deal. I know when playing for Charlotte, the coaches will push the players to the limit and get the best out of them. I can now only work and get better at the game and hopefully eventually achieving the professional level and getting paid to do what I enjoy most.."
In 2009 the team was 11-3-6 (W-L-T) and received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. The 49ers were defeated by UNC Wilmington on penalty kicks in the first round. The 49ers compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
 
Richard Butler, the Director of the US Development Academy Program at CSA said, “I am pleased that Nick has committed to UNCC. He has been a very versatile player for us this season. He has predominately played on the right side of midfield but has also played on the left, at right back and also as one of the center forwards. His attitude in training has always been first rate. He wants to succeed and UNCC is a great place for him to carry on his soccer career. In the next year and a half he needs to continue to work at his game and improve. I look forward to watching him play at the next level”.
 

April 1, 2010

NICK HENSLEY COMMITS TO UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA CHARLOTTE 
Third year Charlotte Soccer Academy player committed and will play in the Fall of 2011

Nick Hensley, a goal keeper for the U-18 Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) US Development Academy Program, has committed to play collegiate soccer for the 49ers of UNC Charlotte. Hensley commented, "I have played club soccer for Coach Gunn and Coach Poole the past three years and love their style of play. I visited other colleges but felt more at home with UNCC, it has a great campus and the soccer facilities are second to none. Plus the campus will allow me to stay close to home. I know most of the players and I am excited to be part of the UNCC soccer team. I know the coaching staff will help me play at the highest level I can."
In 2009 the team was 11-3-6 (W-L-T) and received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. The 49ers were defeated by UNC Wilmington on penalty kicks in the first round. The 49ers compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
 
Richard Butler, the Director of the US Development Academy Program at CSA said, “I am pleased that Nick has found the right fit for college so close to home. He has been an asset to the program ever since its inception three tears ago. He is a very talented goal keeper who at times makes the difficult save look run of the mill. He has always worked very hard to get to the next level and now he can look forward to playing against some of the best college players in the nation. I wish him all the best”.
 
 

March 30, 2010

TRENT JOHNSON COMMITS TO FURMAN UNIVERSITY
First year Charlotte Soccer Academy player committed last week
 
Trent Johnson, a player on the under 18 Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) US Development Academy squad, has committed to play soccer at the Furman University (FU) for the fall 2011 season. Johnson said, "Last spring I told my parents I needed to face better competition to make it to the next level. I was on a premier team, as well as the 92 North Carolina ODP team, but felt like I wasn’t facing the top players in my area or in the country. As a result of this, I decided to tryout for the Under 18 Charlotte Soccer Academy Development Academy team. This moved paid off and has helped in paving my path to the college level. Working in the academy, with both Philip Poole and Richard Butler, has not only kept my skills sharp, but improved them as well. Playing in the Academy gave me positive exposure to the college world, where I found Furman University. Coaches at both Charlotte Soccer Club and Charlotte Soccer Academy always told me to make sure the college was the right fit. With FU, this was the case. I visited the campus twice, and it was simply the right fit. The coaches, Doug Allison and Derek Marinatos, and the players at FU were both welcoming, and caring of my future. Much of my success can be owed to the hard work, and determination that was instilled in me at Charlotte Soccer Club, and that has continued to be fed at Charlotte Soccer Academy".
 
Furman University was founded in 1826 and is a private liberal arts university located in Greenville, South Carolina. FU has a student body of 2,600 students making it one of the smallest NCAA Division One schools in the nation. Furman plays in the Southern Conference. Last year the team finished 8-8-2 overall and were 3-4-0 in the conference.
 
Richard Butler, the Director of the US Development Academy Program at CSA said, “This is the first year that Trent has been in our Academy and he has been a pleasure to work with. He trains particularly well and is a true competitor on the field. He is a top quality goal keeper who is both a good shot stopper and cross taker. I believe that Furman will be a good fit for him both academically and athletically”.
 

March 30, 2010 

BRETT LUCCIA COMMITS TO UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT PEMBROKE
Third year Charlotte Soccer Academy player committed last Friday
 
Brett Luccia, a player on the under 18 Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) US Development Academy squad, has committed to play soccer at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) for the fall 2010 season. Luccia said, " The Academy has been a huge influence on me, not only in soccer, but in life as well. I have been in it since the very beginning and it is like a dream for every young soccer player. It creates a professional atmosphere and demands discipline. You get to see a lot of nice places and play the best competition in the country. Most importantly it has helped me to commit to UNC Pembroke. I am extremely excited about the opportunity to play for Coach Phil Hindson and to see how I can best help the program. I feel as if UNCP will be a great fit for me with the existing players and the coaching staff."  
 
UNCP was founded in 1887 and is part of the University of North Carolina system. The UNCP soccer team is a member of the NCAA Division Two and plays in the Peach Belt Conference. Last year the team finished 8-8-2 overall and were 3-4-1 in the conference making it to the first round of the conference tournament. Luccia will join former CSA Academy player Michael Davis (2008) on the squad.
 
Richard Butler, the Director of the US Development Academy Program at CSA said, “I am glad that Brett has found a college that can provide him with an opportunity to study and play soccer. He has been a true team player during his three years with the Academy. He can play anywhere in midfield and has played well this season in a new role as the wide left midfielder. As UNCP looks to rebuild under Phil Hindson I think that Brett will be a very good fit for the program. I wish him all the best and look forward to seeing him play at the next level”.
 
March 14, 2010
 
JAMES NERO COMMITS TO UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD
 
James Nero, a central defender for the U-18 Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) US Development Academy Program, has committed to play collegiate soccer for the University of the Incarnate Word.  "I am very excited to play soccer for the University of the Incarnate Word under coach John Smith next fall. I have enjoyed playing at the highest level against some of the best players around the country and also under the best coaching available. I feel like the Academy has helped make me the player I am today.” James has played in the US Soccer Development Academy for all three years of its existence.
 
The University of the Incarnate Word is one of the Southwest’s top liberal arts school located in San Antonio, Texas. The soccer team competes in the Heartland Conference at the NCAA Division Two level. In 2009 the team was 9-7-3 overall and 7-3-0 in conference play.
 
Richard Butler, the Director of the US Developmental Academy Program for CSA said “James has been a stalwart at the center of defense during his three years in the Academy Program. He puts his heart and soul into every game that he plays. He is a fearless defender who takes great pride in not giving away goals. He posseses an edge that many center backs would love to have. I expect him to do well at the next level. All of the CSA coaching staff wish him all the best next year.”

February 10, 2010
 
GIUSEPPE GENTILE COMMITS TO UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA CHARLOTTE
Charlotte Soccer Academy player committed and will play in the Fall of 2011

Giuseppe Gentile, a center forward for the U-18 Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) US Development Academy Program, has committed to play collegiate soccer for the 49ers of UNC Charlotte.  “I feel very privileged to be a part of such an amazing group of hard working and dedicated people here at the Charlotte Soccer Academy. I have had many positive and memorable experiences, both with the club and my teammates since moving to the USA last year. Playing at the highest level of soccer with some of the best players in the nation, here in America, has been a great experience for me. At CSA I have been fortunate enough to meet some great coaches. First I was coached by Coach Derrik Leeson and now Richard Butler, as well as my future UNCC Coach, Jeremy Gunn. I feel that UNCC and its Division 1 soccer program is the best choice for me. I am very excited for what lies ahead and I will always be extremely thankful to CSA for everything they have helped me to accomplish, for my future, both at an athletic and personal level”.

In 2009 the team was 11-3-6 (W-L-T) and received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. The 49ers were defeated by UNC Wilmington on penalty kicks in the first round. The 49ers compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

Richard Butler, the Director of the US Development Academy Program at CSA said, “This will be a great move for Giuseppe. He is a natural goal scorer and I expect him to continue this trend at the NCAA Division One level too. Coach Gunn has not only got a very good center forward in Giuseppe but a great person. He is extremely committed to improving his play during every training session and wants to score in every game in which we play. Giuseppe possesses natural acceleration, is very good with his feet and loves to be innovative with the ball. He scores on a regular basis which is what every coach wants. I wish him great success at the next level.”

January 27, 2010

ALEX LEONARD COMMITS TO UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA WILMINGTON
Charlotte Soccer Academy player committed and will play in the Fall of 2011

Alex Leonard, a central midfielder and captain of the U-18 Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) US Development Academy Program, has committed to play collegiate soccer at UNC-Wilmington.  "I am excited about playing at UNCW under Coach Aidan Heaney and Coach Steve Magee. I am looking forward to playing under Coach Magee again.  I was fortunate enough to have had him as my Director Of Coaching for several years with the Charlotte Soccer Club prior to playing with the Academy team. The US Development Academy experience has laid a fantastic foundation for my soccer career. I feel the skills and philosophy of play that have been instilled in me will carry me well into Division 1 college soccer. UNCW has just completed a fantastic season with winning the CAA Championship and making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.  UNCW is a perfect place for me to expand my level of soccer and reach my academic goals”.

UNCW had a banner year in 2009 winning the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) regular season crown with an 8-0-3 (W-L-T) season, winning the CAA tournament and getting to the NCAA tournament’s second round before finally losing at Wake Forest University 2-1. The Seahawks ended the season with a 14-3-5 record and a end of season national ranking of 18th.

Richard Butler, the Director of the US Development Academy Program at CSA said, “It is great to see Alex committing to such a competitive soccer school. He is a player who has worked diligently on his game over the years. He is always early to training, works hard from the minute we start and deserves to get his chance at this level. He has played well for the Academy this year in the center of midfield but has also featured out wide and in the hole up top. So he has some versatility to him. He is a big part of our team and I think will also be at the next level. Congratulations to him.”

January 26, 2010

JAKE KEATING COMMITS TO UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA CHARLOTTE
Charlotte Soccer Academy player will play in the 2011 season

Jake Keating, a player on the under 18 Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) US Development Academy squad, has committed to the University of North Carolina Charlotte (UNCC) for the fall 2011 season. Keating commented, "I have to say that the US Academy has definitely had a very positive impact on me as a soccer player and a person. It emphasizes practice and how you can improve on all aspects of your game. It has also turned me into a disciplined, hard working person with the ability to push myself beyond the limits. I am privileged enough to have great coaches at the former SCSA and now CSA that helped make me into the player I am today. Being able to play at a strong Division 1 school such as UNC Charlotte is a dream come true. I have loved playing for Coach Gunn in the Academy and I am excited to have the opportunity to continue to play for him, as well as learn from the exceptional coaching staff at UNC Charlotte."

In 2009 the team was 11-3-6 (W-L-T) and received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. The 49ers were defeated by UNC Wilmington on penalty kicks in the first round. The 49ers compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

Richard Butler, the Director of the US Development Academy Program at CSA said, “Jake is a fierce competitor who treats every game as if it is his last. He is a tenacious left back who fights for everything when we don’t have the ball. Having said this, offensively he is very attacking. He loves to pick the ball up deep in our half and run at the opposition and put them on the back foot. He has a very good left foot and serves a ball well. I think that UNCC is a good fit for Jake and I wish him all the best.”

January 26, 2010
 
ROBBY BEATTY COMMITS TO NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
First year Charlotte Soccer Academy player committed on Saturday

Robby Beatty, a player on the under 18 Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) US Development Academy squad, has committed to play soccer at North Carolina state University (NCSU) for the fall 2010 season. Beatty said, "Attending NC State to study Engineering and to play soccer is more than I could have ever hoped for.  I appreciate everything that the coaches at Charlotte Soccer Academy and my previous coaches have done to prepare me to play at the next level.  I am very excited to attend NC State and play under Coach Tarantini and Coach Popik."  

NCSU has a rich history of success at the Division One level having been invited to the NCAA tournament thirteen times. In 2009 the team was the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament runner up, losing to the University of Virginia 1-0. The team was also invited to the NCAA tournament in 2009 before losing to the University of Portland 2-1.

Richard Butler, the Director of the US Development Academy Program at CSA said, “I wish Robbie all the best at NCSU. Although Robbie has only been with us for one season he has worked his way into the side at center midfield and contributed significantly. He is good on both sides of the ball. He loves to go forward and create and defensively he works hard on getting the ball back for us. I’m looking forward to seeing Robbie competing in the ACC.”

January 26, 2010 

KYLE SEARLES COMMITS TO BELMONT ABBEY COLLEGE

Kyle Searles, a three year member of the Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) US Developmental Academy Program, has committed to attend and play collegiate soccer for Belmont Abbey College in the fall 2010 season. The Crusaders finished the regular season with a 12-7-2 record under 5th year Head Coach Stuart Brown. Belmont Abbey competes in the “Conference Carolinas”, one of the toughest D2 regions in the United States. During the last 13 years the Belmont Abbey College men’s soccer program has won the regular season conference championship and conference tournament 8 times. The program boasts 1 National Player of the Year, 19 All-Americans, 56 All-Region Players, and 57 All-District Players. Since 1989 the Belmont Abbey College Men’s soccer program has had 50 All-Conference Players and 4 Conference Players of the Year.

“The US Developmental Academy has provided me the opportunity to develop my skills and vision of the game while playing against some of the best players in the country” said Kyle. “During my 3 years with the CSA Academy Program, I have developed many longstanding friendships as well as an appreciation for the abilities and drive of my teammates and coaches. I look forward to continuing my growth as a player and student at the college level. Every student athlete looks for what they believe to be the proper “fit” at the next level… a “fit” which will allow me to contribute on and off the field. I believe that I have found that with Coach Brown and the Belmont Abbey program.”

Richard Butler, the Director of the US Developmental Academy Program for CSA said “Kyle has been the comsumate team player throughout his three years in the Academy Program. He has always been there for his team, his team mates and the coaching staff. As a player he has a huge engine and works tirelessly during every game and training session. He has contributed significantly during his time with us. I’m glad that he has found a place to play at the next level that suits him both from an academic and athletic point of view. All of the CSA coaching staff wish him all the best next year.”

November 13, 2008 

THOMAS ALLEN COMMITS TO UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA CHARLOTTE
Charlotte Soccer Academy Player keen to get started
 
Thomas Allen, a player on the under 18 Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) US Development Academy squad, has committed to the University of North Carolina Charlotte (UNCC) for the fall 2010 season. “The US Development Academy has been a fantastic learning experience for me. I have learned the skills and attitudes that are essential for a good soccer player. I’ve also learned the importance of being a team player and never giving up.  I’m excited to take these skills and apply them to a competitive Division 1 soccer team. UNCC is a great fit for me academically and for my soccer future.  I’m looking forward to the opportunity to play under Coach Gunn again”. The UNCC team just lost in the opening round of the Atlantic 10 Championship. The team tied Rhode Island University 1-1 but fell in penalty kicks 4-3. The team is currently 11-3-5 and must wait until Monday night to find out if they will receive an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. The 49ers are ranked 18th in the nation at the present time.
 
Richard Butler, the Director of the US Development Academy Program at CSA said, “I wish Thomas all the best at UNCC and expect him to be an impact player from the start of his college career. He is a very good center back who defends well but can all build from the back as he looks to go forward. I expect him to be one of our top defenders this year from our Academy squad”.
 

EVAN KENT COMMITTS TO APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Third year US Development Academy player makes final choice
  
Evan Kent (#17)has committed to attend Appalachian State University and will play collegiate soccer for the Mountaineers starting in the Fall of 2010. Evan has been a member of the Charlotte Soccer Academy’s (CSA) US Development Academy Program for three years. The defender will play for Coach Shaun Pendleton who will then be in his third year as head coach. Appalachian State are currently 4-4-1 overall. The team plays in the Southern Conference and played their first conference game last night, a 1-0 loss to Wofford College.
 
Evan commented, “I would have to say that I’ve been very lucky to have had some great coaches, both at CSC and later with the CSA Academy.  They all expected me to work hard and appreciated the defensive side of the game. The Academy has been a wonderful experience that has really raised the level of my game. I think Appalachian will be the right place for me to continue to improve my soccer abilities and pursue my intended major. Coach Pendleton has been a very successful coach and I look forward to being a part of the program he’s building at ASU."

“Evan has worked tremendously hard over the past three years to become a better soccer player. He now has both the athletic and soccer ability to play at the Division One level and App should be a very good fit for him. He has been a major contributor to the Academy program and I’m looking forward to him playing on my Under 18 team this year” said Richard Butler, Academy Director for CSA.
 
Brad Wylde, Executive Director of CSA said, “Evan has been a tremendous asset to CSA’s academy program.  He is truly committed to the game and has aspirations to play at the highest level.  I know he will be a great addition to Coach Pendleton’s App squad for next season and we wish him nothing but the best.” Coach Jeremy Gunn added, “Evan has been an absolute rock over the past two seasons. He has been consistent day in day out, and has shown a wonderful attitude towards hard work and personal development. We are proud of Evan and wish him a great collegiate experience.”
 
 
   
WILL O’BRIEN COMMITS TO WOFFORD COLLEGE
Prepares to join team in Fall 2010
 
Will O’Brien has committed to play soccer at Wofford College in South Carolina. He will join the Terriers for the Fall 2010 season. O’Brien has been a member of the Charlotte Soccer Academy (formerly South Charlotte Soccer Association) US Developmental Academy Under 16 team for the past two seasons. This year he will step up and play for the Under 18 team when they begin their season in mid November. “Will is a versatile defender who can play either as a center back or as a right back in a back four. He reads the game well and is a competitor on the field during games. I think that Wofford College is a good fit for him and I hope that he has great success down there”, said Richard Butler, Director of the CSA academy program. O’Brien commented, “I chose Wofford because it is a perfect fit for me academically and athletically. In regards to soccer, I know I’ll enjoy being a part of the Southern Conference and playing challenging non conference teams. I look forward to playing for coach Polson and coach Slagle”.
 
Wofford College is a liberal arts school with about 1500 students. It is located near Spartenburg, South Carolina. The soccer team plays in the Southern Conference and last year had a conference record of 2-5 with an overall record of 6-13. The Terriers kick off the 2009 season away to Winthrop University on August 20th. Jeremy Gunn, O’Brien’s coach for the past two years said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Will over the past two seasons. He epitomizes the wonderful competitive spirit that we wish to foster within the academy program. I could always rely on Will to be doing everything he could to improve as a player, and to help set a very high standard at training and in games. I am confident he will continue to develop and prosper when he moves on to play college soccer after his senior year of high school.”
 
Brad Wylde, the Executive Director of the Charlotte Soccer academy added, “This is a great achievement for Will to have committed to a Division 1 school prior to his senior year.  On behalf of the club we want to congratulate him on his success.  He is a credit to the club in how hard he works on the field and his extra curricular activities off the field with him helping disadvantaged kids in the community, he will be a credit to the Wofford program.”