The Players Development Academy U16 boys appear to be finding their stride this season in the US Soccer Development Academy league.

After beginning the year 0-2-1, the New Jersey club has roared back with five wins in their last six matches. It’s common for a team to sputter back after the academy’s two-month layoff from December to February, but for PDA it was just the beginning of finding itself.

“The big difference, to be fair, is that we were giving a lot of guys looks in the beginning and trying to give everyone exposure so that we got an idea of what the final group would look like,” said coach Gerry McKeown. “We had a good idea already, but since then we’ve really solidified the team.”

In particular, the group’s defensive four have really found their rhythm. Matthias Sheeleigh and Matthew Wiltse lead a unit that has recorded four shutout wins in their last six contests.

Wiltse, a US boys national team pool player, has provided strong leadership for a group that’s on the young side.

Joseph Mineo, a player that was with the team in this division a year ago and stayed behind, has also been a great stabilizer.

“We have a team on the young end of the spectrum and they’re getting comfortable,” McKeown said. “As far as the physicality we still have a lot of improving to do. It will be a big challenge for these guys to compete with guys consistently. We’re not a real big team.”

PDA is currently third in a competitive Mid-Atlantic Division that features FC Delco and D.C. United, which are in first and second place respectively.

On the offensive side, Nathan Bruccoleri leads the team in goals and forward Brandon Allen rounds out a potent attack up front. Midfielder Scott Thomsen has also shined this season.

The team employs a possession-oriented scheme that encourages attacking from the back – an aggressive style that hasn’t backfired because of the strong play of the backline.

“We’re really happy with the progress. I would say consistency and dealing with pressure are two areas that we can use improvement in,” McKeown said. “I would like to see us play to our strengths and continue increasing the speed of play.”

There is plenty of season left in the academy, but PDA seems to be rounding into form at the perfect time.