The Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) had another successful month. April featured championship efforts as well as RDA participation in a US Soccer Market Training Center at Highmark Stadium.
Here is a recap of this month’s events.
TOURNAMENT RECAP
The RDA girl’s side participated in the PDA Spring Kickoff, Adidas Blue Chip Showcase and ECNL Composite Event tournaments in April. The 2005 Girls team took the title at the PDA Spring Kickoff whereas the 1999 Girls team finished first and the 2003 Girls team advanced to the finals at the Adidas Blue Chip Showcase. The 1998/1999 Girls team also had a successful tournament run, winning all three of its games at the ECNL Composite Event.
Also, a special thank you extends to the 1998 Girls team, as it played its final tournament at the Adidas Blue Chip Showcase and finished first-place in the competition. In addition to this championship effort, the team also defeated Slippery Rock women’s soccer team, 4-2, on April 26, as an RDA College Prep Match.
As for the RDA boy’s side, it also partook in the PDA Spring Kick Off, Adidas Blue Chip Showcase, and the Ohio Elite Spring Classic. The RDA clinched another championship at the Adidas Blue Chip Showcase, as the 2003 Boys team finished on top. Furthermore, the 2004 Boys team finished as a finalist at the PDA Spring Kick Off whereas the 2007 Boys team won its group at the same event.
In addition to the competition, the boy’s side battled weather cancelations. At the Adidas Blue Chip Showcase, the 2000 Boys team (won its first game) and the 2001 Boys team (won its first two games) finished with undefeated records before the remainder of their respective matches were canceled due to weather. At the Ohio Elite Spring Classic, the 2002 Boys team also faired well, winning its first game before its final two were canceled.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
On April 24, 11 RDA girls were selected to the US Soccer Market Training Center at Highmark Stadium, which has been named a host venue for US Soccer Market Training Centers. These athletes include Mia Bhuta, Kate Friday, Kendall Walton, Sydney Gray, Ava Wert, Irene Doleno, Tatum Gretz, Kyndall Jenkins, Molly Piso, Jamie Dermotta and Brenna Springer. As for future session dates in Pittsburgh, the discussions are ongoing.
Of the aforementioned 11 girls, Walton, Gretz, Piso and Bhuta also participated in the US Soccer Regional Training Center in Indianapolis.
For the boy’s side, 31 athletes partook in a US Training Center on April 25 in Obetz, Ohio. These players include Stefano Cassara, Nino Civatate, Ben Martino, Luke Peperak, Austin Rocke, Anthony Rowan, Bobby Bootay, Wes Carnevale, Lucas Hammerle, Jack Lenosky, Matt Lucas, Gabe Norris, Will Sangpachatanaruk, Sean Ahia, Seth Basinger, Ander Bordoy, Mason Day, Ben Feinstein, Dylan Greggs, Ryan Hanes, Marshall Richter, Oliver Daboo, Ezra Dubowitz, Noah Earnest Hawken, Kaiden Fischer, Henry Gaston, Jacob Gretz, Cameron Hernandez, Sam Norris, Ethan Rice and Jackson Suski.
In addition, Cameron Hernandez of the 2005 Boys team and Dane Jacomen of the 2000 Boys team played with Columbus Crew SC and D.C. United, respectively, in the MLS Generation Adidas Cup.
April also saw the kickoff of a new community support program called Riverhounds Sub In for Gym Class, where RDA staff and professional team players become physical education teachers for a day. The Sto-Rox Upper Elementary School was the first stop for this program. For more information, click here.
RDA MEET THE MANAGER
Take a behind-the-scenes look and meet our RDA managers. Video features for April include coaches Libby Mascaro, Katie Munnell and Sterling Flunder.
View Mascaro’s feature here.
View Munnell’s feature here.
View Flunder’s feature here.
ROAD AHEAD
Hundreds have already signed up for RDA tryouts. Due to recent demand, additional tryout sessions may need to be added. For more information on registration, click here.
Registration for 2017 summer camps is open as well. Visit here for more information. In addition, Summer Academy – East is also open. For additional information about this summer academy, click here.
Upcoming May tournaments include the Epic Tournament (boys and girls), PDA Showcase (girls) and Potomac Tournament (boys).
