ASL Triangle Friendlies Boys Weekend Update
After the bad weather last weekend at the Girls event, the Boys weekend went off without a hitch. The temperatures every day were unseasonably warm and conditions were great for some very competitive games. Once again, the players were able to showcase their skills in a great environment where player development and competitive games were the priority. The ASL has afforded our players another terrific avenue for improvement and the environment witnessed over the course of the program is very encouraging. Our teams continue to do well and impress and the partnership with CVU has been very rewarding for both clubs.
14 Boys
The 14 Boys played 3 great games of soccer over the weekend but were ultimately only winners of 1 game. The desire to pass the ball and keep possession was evident as the 14’s often outplayed their opponents but were unable to turn their superiority into goals. The coaches were however extremely pleased with the overall performances of the 14 Boys and were especially pleased with the attacking and combination style of play that the team displayed. The 14 Boys continue to improve both as individuals and as a team and the forecast for the future is very good for these players. As it stands after 2 events, the 14 Boys are currently in 7th place with a 50% record of won 3 and lost 3.
15 Boys
The 15 Boys are playing in the top division of the ASL and this weekend they continued their improvement with 3 hard fought games. In those games only 1 goal was scored but it was pleasing for the team that they are defending extremely well and working hard together as a team. The players all enjoyed another action packed weekend and some extremely competitive games, finishing with 2 ties and a loss. This weekend saw an encouraging display of strong defending and encouraging combination play. The team has been minus a number of key players due to injuries but the prognosis is good and we are looking forward to their return for future events.
College Showcase Opportunities
The ASL has provided a terrific avenue for college showcase opportunities. The consistency of the ASL means that college coaches have 4 opportunities to view potential recruits and this weekend Roanoke Star players were able to take full advantage of that. College coaches who had viewed our players at the 1st event in Bethesda were able to come along to the Triangle Friendlies and evaluate our players a 2nd time. Teams and clubs that are not in the ASL usually only attend 1 college showcase event a season due to the expense and clashes with league play. The ASL offers 4 showcase events where college coaches have the opportunity to evaluate potential recruits in a competitive setting.
16 Boys
The 16 Boys enjoyed a great weekend of ASL play. They finished the weekend with 2 victories and 1 loss and played some great soccer over the course of the weekend. The team is full of strong attacking players and this has caused many problems for opposition teams. The defending so far has been top notch and this was outlined by the fact that the 16 Boys only conceded 1 goal the entire weekend. Currently, the U16 Boys are 2nd in the ASL division and are looking forward to the next event, which is the Jefferson Cup in Richmond, one of the premier youth soccer tournaments in the USA.
17 Boys
Roanoke Star U17 Boys have continued their strong showing in the ASL with a weekend full of promise and strong performances. The team competed exceptionally well in all 3 games and were a great attraction for the large number of college coaches in attendance. Their 2nd game on Saturday against a very good NC Alliance team was watched by large numbers and all were entertained. Unfortunately, the Boys were unable to record a victory over the weekend but their play was still of the standard needed to play at a very high level. Currently the 17 Boys are in 5th place in the ASL division.
18 Boys
The 18 Boys produced another exceptionally strong weekend of soccer that outlined the success of player development at the Roanoke Star Soccer Club. Every player on the squad has the opportunity to go on and play in college soccer and we have already had 4 of the squad commit to NSCA Division I institutions. A number of the players will be playing at the DIII level in college and this weekend they showed exactly why the players are top targets for college programs. Over the course of the 3 games the 18 Boys scored an incredible 12 goals and that included a 0-0 tie! The team has shown that the attacking style of soccer encouraged at Roanoke Star is working and benefiting the players as they look to continue their progress in the sport. Overall, the 18 Boys have finished 2nd in the 18 Boys ASL division. Well done to the players and best of luck to you all as you continue your careers and education at college institutions around the USA.
