2000 Boys New Jersey ODP Advance to Semifinals of Region I Tournament
New Jersey Youth Soccer’s ODP teams competed in the Region I ODP tournament last weekend as the 2000 squad advances to the semifinals this Saturday versus Eastern Pennsylvania. The teams will play for a spot in the Region I Championship with the winner heading to the ODP National Championships this summer.
Youth Soccer News: Last weekend, New Jersey’s Olympic Development Program teams competed against ODP teams from other states in the Region I ODP tournament, a competition boasting top level talent from across the northeast. New Jersey ODP teams of all age groups had success, but in particular the 2000 boys team stood out as they reached the semi-finals for the entire region.
The semifinal is set to be played this Saturday, June 25th in Kirkwood, Delaware against Eastern Pennsylvania, where the team will compete for a spot in Region I Championship game on Sunday, June 26th, with the goal being a spot in the ODP National Championships later this Summer.
The 2000s are lead by head coach Julio Vacacela, who said the following about his side’s progress to the next round, “The boys are psyched and honored to represent NJ Youth Soccer in the Region Semifinal. They have worked hard and are determined to make NJ proud.” Standout player Griffin Hayward, from FC Copa Academy U16 Porto, scored the decisive goal against Maryland that punched their ticket into the semifinals.
Mike Petke, Director of ODP, added, “In my short time in this position, I have been impressed with all of our coaches and teams. In particular, Coach Vacacela and the 2000 boys stand out not only for this achievement, but in the way they have trained and prepared over the past 10 weeks.”
Source/Photo Credit: New Jersey Youth Soccer
