For a team loaded with offensive players, South Florida USSF Development Academy U16 Boys side Schulz Academy is producing a fantastic defensive record.

The Boca Raton-based team leads the Southern Conference’s Southeast Division with an overall record of nine wins and five draws, with no losses. The team has surrendered just three goals in 14 matches despite starting what head coach Josef Schulz describes as eight offensive players.

“The key of this team is that almost every single player can combine speed with technique, which is relatively unusual for a group of 18 players,” Schulz said. “We had too many forwards on the roster at the beginning, but we kind of changed the positions in the roster and now we have eight forwards in the starting lineup. We moved forwards into the left and right outside defensive positions, and it’s good when forwards are playing in those positions because they know how to get involved with the offense. We play an offensive-minded game, so we like to play with the ball as much as possible in the opposition’s half.”

Schulz added that the potential liability of such a style hasn’t really materialized, as evidenced by the superior goal difference.

“Normally when you have eight forwards you would think your defense is wide open, but since we have so much of the ball in the opponents’ half, the defense is not stretched as much as you might think.”

Schulz said former U17 MNT goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre is a big part of the team’s defensive prowess.

“To me Brian is the best goalkeeper in the country,” he said. “I don’t know why he was sent back, but that is good for us. He’s a superpower in the back and it takes a special effort from the other team to beat him.”

Schulz said forward Felipe Noguerol has been good in front of goal this season, scoring 11 goals so far. He’s looking for more production from powerful forward Sekani Sinclair, who he says can be a great weapon up front as he matures.

The aforementioned fullbacks who attack with vigor are Khori Foster on the left and Verneri Valimaa on the right. Christian Koulouvaris is a vital cog in the middle, while Daniel Henderson excels at center back.

The veteran coach says balance and depth are also keys to the team’s success.

“It’s not a lineup that is fixed,” he said. “The good thing is the boys know they need to perform during training each week to get a starting position. That they are aware of that is a very positive thing for the quality of training and then the quality of our play.”