LA Wolves U17 Boys Squad Close Out Surf Cup as Champions
L.A. Wolves revent let expanded the UPSL club to include six youth squads — kicking off their inaugural seasons this fall. The club’s U17 boys began preseason with a strong show strength — being crowned champions of the 36th annual San Diego Surf Cup, the prestigious youth soccer showcase held last weekend.
Youth Soccer News: L.A. Wolves’ youth soccer academy is off to a stellar start following the U17 Boys side being crowned champions at the 36th annual San Diego Surf Cup on Monday.
With more than 450 college coaches in attendance for the first weekend of the prestigious youth soccer tournament, L.A. Wolves put their name on the list of teams to come out of the weekend crowned the Best of the Best.
“It was a crazy weekend — the team we had played in the final had beat us 4-1 the day before in bracket play, but when we faced them again, the boys knew their playing style and we successfully countered it in the final. The boys were hungry and motivated and they wanted it more. Passion was the biggest factor for our victory. Our boys over came the adversity of losing the day before and kept a strong mentality. That’s how the game is played and that is what makes the difference between teams,” said head coach Josh Leos.
The Wolves launched its youth organization four months ago and now firks six youth teams, two reserve squads and the pro squad that plays in the UPSL. The youth squads consist of ages U10, U12, two U14 teams, two U16 teams and one U19 side.
Coach Leos came over from Olympiakos and brought many of these players to the LA Wolves. As one of the youngest youth soccer coaches to ever win Surf Cup — Leos is twenty years old — he and his team have a bright future ahead.
L.A. Wolves FC’s Youth Academy is approved by Cal South and will play in the Coast Soccer League this fall.
The Wolves’ U17 side played in the Boys U17 Super White division during Surf Cup, winning two out of three group matches in order to move on to the semifinals. The Wolves went on to defeat Placer United SC 00B Gold 2-0 to reach the finals against Sagebrush SC Real – the club’s only loss in group play.
The Wolves were able to pull out the 1-0 win over Sagebrush to claim the championship in the club’s first showing at Surf Cup. The U17 side tallied a total of 10 goals for and 8 goals against over the weekend.
L.A. Wolves President/GM Yan Skwara said, “We are thrilled that our L.A. Wolves U17’s were able to capture the 2016 Surf Cup. Its a big achievement for our club and our U17 team as they have worked hard this whole year and this was certainly the culmination of some steady efforts by all the players and coaches. Congratulations to our head Coach Josh Leos who led the charge and to all the players who put in a fine effort to hoist the cup.”
Fall season approaches and the win over the weekend surely sets the club up for a successful first year in the Coast Soccer League.
Kim Watter said, “I have been with some of these boys since my son was 8 years old. So it’s really a blessing — with how much they’ve been through with the ups and downs — to finally see them being champions and getting what they deserve from all their hard work, sweat and tears. The sky is the limit. Never underestimate the underdogs!”
Congrats to the Coach Leos and his boys on a successful weekend at Surf Cup. The U17 Super White champions are the L.A. Wolves FC!
