For the U17/U18 San Diego Surf of the U.S. Development Academy, inexperience is proving to be a valuable asset.

Without a single holdover from last season’s U18 squad, the Surf are off to a 2-0-0 start and have developed some good vibes to build on. It helps to have a group of players who feel they’re in similar boats. While the 16s of a year ago did gain some valuable lessons from playing the academy last season, the fact is they’re still moving to a new level just like the players coming over from the San Diego Surf U17 Premier team – another prominent source of the San Diego personnel.

“We have a lot of players that seem to be equally good,” said Surf coach David Cohen. “It’s kind of unusual, but we don’t have players that are really pulling most of the weight, it’s really a balanced group.”

The group includes forward Joshua Cintas, an efficient dribbler with good pace. Zach DeVille joins him up top, along with newcomer Anthony Rosales, a big strong forward who knows how to capitalize.

Jacob Holt is active offensively and defensively in the midfield where he plays with Erik Stephenson, a former U17 residency player, and new arrival Alfredo Marcq.

The backline features Tyler Evans, Jacob Holt and Sam Mahmood. The Surf have started 2-0-0 heading into action this weekend against Santa Cruz County Breakers and Mustang SC.  

Cohen points toward the team’s approach as one of the biggest keys to their success.

“Their work rate is just so phenomenal and it’s translating onto the field,” he said. “They’re tenacious, competitive and want to achieve and they pay close attention to the technical game plan.”

The Surf are hardly the only action in the U.S. Academy this weekend. Here’s a look at Saturday’s matchups from around the Academy.

Lonestar Aztex Academy vs. Texas Rush
Crossfire Premier vs. Chivas USA
IMG Soccer Academy vs. Concorde Fire
FC Dallas vs. Dallas Texans
Atlanta Fire United vs. Birmingham United
McLean Youth Soccer vs. Richmond Kickers
Washington Premier vs. LA Galaxy
Miami FC Kendall vs. South Carolina United FC
Classic Elite vs. Houston Dynamo
Clearwater Chargers vs. AFC Lightning