Livermore Fusion U-17 Boys Advance to Top 8 in California - College Coaches Take Notice

Livermore Fusion SC 96B Maroon (U-17) knocked out the number 1 seeded Milan FC (last year’s State Cup Champions) moving Fusion to the top 8 bracket in the State of California. This game was incredibly intense and physical from the start leading to a tie of 1-1, double overtime, and a final duel of penalty kicks. Both Fusion and Milan had great opportunities to score but were stopped by excellent defensive walls and exceptional goal keeping. The 0-0 deadlock was broken 19 minutes into the second half when Fusion goalkeeper, Angel Salazar distributed the ball to Osiris Chavez who beat Milan’s defensive line and drove in a goal in the back corner of the net. Twenty seven minutes later, Milan rose to the challenge by beating Livermore’s left wing and defensive line to chip the ball into Livermore’s goal. The game ended in deadlock 1-1 and proceeded to a hard battle of two 5 minute overtime rounds resulting in a tie of 1-1.

The final decision of which team advanced to the top 8 in the State of California was ultimately determined by penalty kicks. Sal Morales led the Fusion team by successfully penetrating Milan’s goal followed by Livermore’s Jake Foscalina, Matthew Dremalas, Daniel Garcia and Osiris Chavez.  Milan’s team matched each of Livermore penalties with success. Tied after 10 penalties (5 for each team), goalkeeper Angel Salazar was able to stop Milan’s sixth shot by deflecting it wide. Ryan Chaney, Livermore, shot the final goal securing the win and advancement to the top 8 elite teams of California.

Livermore Fusion’s U-17 Boys team has not only advanced in the State Cup to the final 8, they have advanced to the top of the premier soccer league competing at the “champions” league, and the college coaches have noticed!  The last showcase tournament that Fusion attended, over 20 college coaches from the Western US evaluated Livermore Fusion resulting in a majority of the players being contacted directly for future collegiate soccer opportunities.

Any premier U-17 boys soccer players interested in advancing to the highest playing level for the upcoming season, and performing before college coaches, should attend Livermore Fusion’s U-18 Boys tryouts: April 9 (8-9:30pm Robertson Turf Field), April 16 (8-9:30pm Robertson Turf Field) and April 18 (7-8:30pm Las Positas College). Premier tryout registration is now open for both boys and girls in the U15, U16, U17 and U18 age groups. To register or to get more information, please visit the Fusion SC website at www.fusionsc.org and select the option for the premier program. Alternatively, please call 925-443-7570 or visit the office at 1976 Fourth Street in Livermore.

Pictured Back Row: Mauricio Diaz, Logan Gruidl, Osiris Chavez, Salvador Alatorre, Joe Roberts, Angel Salazar, Matthew Dremalas, Michael Brooks.  Mid Row: Anthony Aguilar, Daniel Garcia, Salvador Morales, Nolan Parker, Matthew Wells, Tony Jimenez.  Front Row: Coach Rob Hansen, Ryan Chaney, Jake Foscalina, Erick Salgado.