LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (Dec. 5, 2015) – The 2015 US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (US Youth Soccer ODP) Boys Florida Interregional began Saturday, Dec. 5 in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. with all age groups starting the action. The three-day tournament, which will take place at Lakewood Ranch High School features elite boys teams in the 1998 and 1999 age groups from each of the four US Youth Soccer Regions.

 

The players were selected from US Youth Soccer State Association and Regional level evaluations. Throughout the week, players will attend training sessions and compete in matches against other Regions, in front of U.S. Soccer national staff and collegiate coaches to maximize their exposure for selection to the next level of play.

 

With programs in all 55 US Youth Soccer State Associations, US Youth Soccer ODP, the original Olympic development program, is available to any player. US Youth Soccer ODP is the only elite player development program that can claim members of Major League Soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League, and the majority of current and past national and youth national team members, as alumni.

Region IV took the lead in the 1998 age group with a win over Region I in a match that featured seven goals. George Sanchez led the way for Region IV as the 2015 US Youth Soccer ODP Region IV and National Champion with Cal South 1998 scored a hat trick for Region IV, while Region I's goals came from a pair 2015 US Youth Soccer Vermont State Cup champions with Synergy FC (VT) in Aidan Nygaard-Otsby and Nolan Jimmo.

1998 Boys: Region II v. Region III 

The match between Region II and Region III was on the other side of the spectrum in regards to the amount of goals being score. The two teams battled to a 0-0 draw as both teams found it difficult to find the back of the net due to stingy defenses.

1999 Boys: Region I v. Region IV

Region I and IV also was a match where defense stole the show as neither offense was able to get on the scoreboard, and the match ended in a scoreless tie.

1999 Boys: Region II v. Region III

Region II is on top the top of the 1999 age group thanks to a 2-1 victory over Region III. Ramon Bajeca, who placed third in the 2014-2015 US Youth Soccer National League Blue Division with Ohio Galaxies FC 98 Elite (OH-S), began the scoring for Region II, and 2014 US Youth Soccer Region II semifinalist with MPLS United Premiere (MN), Garrett Opperman added a second. Region III found a goal of its own, but was in the end was unable to find an equalizer as the match ended 2-1.