CASA GRANDE, Ariz. (Nov. 28, 2015) – The annual US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (US Youth Soccer ODP) Boys Thanksgiving Interregional began Saturday in Casa Grande, Ariz. with all age groups starting action. The three-day tournament, which is taking place at Grande Sports World features elite boys teams in the 2001 and 2002 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.

Highlights from Day 1:

2001 Boys: Region I v. Region IV

Region I took control of the 2001 age group with a 4-0 victory over Region IV. 2015 US Youth Soccer Region I Championships semifinalist with FPYC Fury (VA), Ryan Levay began the scoring just three minutes into the match before fellow Virginian Maxim Bjarnason doubled Region I’s lead just before halftime. Vermont’s Francis Nardiello-Smith scored Region I’s third goal in the 45^th minute, and Virginia’s Dennis Mensah scored the final goal of the match four minutes later as the final score read 4-0.

2001 Boys: Region II v. Region III

Region II and Region III fought to a 1-1 draw on day one of the tournament. Minnesota’s Herbert Endeley struck first for Region II in the 20^th minute, and it would take until the 47^th minute for Region III to respond with 2015 US Youth Soccer National Championship semifinalist GSA Premier 01’s (GA) Liam Butts equalizing.

2002 Boys: Region I v. Region IV

Region I got a crucial three points to open the tournament after a narrow 1-0 victory over Region IV. After a scoreless first half, Joseph Scally, who won the 2015 US Youth Soccer Eastern New York State Cup with Sachem Destroyers (NY-E), broke the tie in the 48th minute, and Region I's strong defensive effort preserved the shutout.
 

2001 Boys: Region II v. Region III
Joining Region I at the top of the group is Region II after a 1-0 win over Region III. Diego Olivares of Kansas scored the game’s only goal as the Region II defense held strong to complete the clean sheet.