The Empire United Boys Development Academy returned from sunny Lakewood Ranch, Florida, after a successful Winter Showcase.  Boasting a combined 3-2-1 overall record, their win total included wins over two MLS Academies (San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo). 

The U16/17 group, currently sitting in a playoff position and 17th ranked in the DA, had a 2-1-0 record in Florida, and featured matches against San Jose Earthquakes (2-1 win), Michigan Wolves (1-0 loss), and South Florida Football Academy (2-1 win).

The U18/19 group finished with a 1-1-1 record on the weekend, and were matched up against Silicon Valley Soccer Academy (2-2 tie), Houston Dynamo (3-1 win), and Strikers FC from California (3-1 loss).

The Winter Showcase was attended by more than 400 college coaches and featured the U17 Nike Friendlies, with the US Soccer U17 YNT finishing as runners-up to Portugal after finishing 1-0-2 after three matches.  USA defeated Turkey and drew with Portugal and Brazil.

Next up is the Girls Development Academy Showcase, which runs December 5th-9th, also at Lakewood Ranch.

You can access additional information on these matches and the Empire United Boys & Girls DA through their official DA webpage at empr.ussoccerda.com.