The LIJSL Academy takes on national competition this December 11-15 in Tampa, Fla. Three teams qualified for the USL Youth Electrolit Finals and preparations for the event are well underway.
Two U12 Boys sides and the U15 Girls are headed to the Sunshine State this summer and while the players are competing in their spring seasons, LIJSL Academy practices are reconvening.
“The boys are finishing up their seasons and are eager to get back to training and prepping for Tampa” Coach Danny Espinoza said. “Excited to see these boys play together again.”
The time spent prior to the Finals will not just be used to get on the ball together as a team, but to also add tactical nuance and potentially even new set-piece routines.
“We have a lot of work to do in terms of establishing our playing style, formations and possible in-game adaptations,” Coach Brian McAughey. We will also have to find the time to incorporate a few surprises in terms of our set-piece play.”
The experience that all three groups will get in Florida will be invaluable.
“It all adds up to a great soccer education for the players, a chance to learn some new ideas, play with some different players, and grow their love of the game,” McAughey said.
Ultimately, though, the goal is not just to go down south to compete, but to make noise, and potentially head back home with the LIJSL Academy’s first national title.
“I’m incredibly excited to be heading back to Nationals with this team,” Coach Salma Tarik said. “I truly believe this is the most talented group we’ve had in years, and we’re determined to make a statement – to accomplish something this program has never done before.”
