ANTA CLARA, Calif. — Jesus Guzman of the San Jose Earthquakes U-17/18’s was named the US Development Academy Goalkeeper of the Year after recording six shutouts in 24 matches in the club’s inaugural season.
Guzman is a San Jose native who moved to Fresno for several years before returning to his hometown to play in the Earthquakes’ Development Academy. The rangy goalkeeper helped San Jose to a 7-10-8 overall record in the academy’s first year of existence. The U-17/18s finished in the middle of the Northwest Division table and ahead of local rivals De Anza Force and Santa Cruz Breakers.
“Jesus is extremely athletic and has such a high ceiling,” said Earthquakes Academy coach Carl Edwards. “He’s already out training with the first team on a very consistent basis and they think he has a bright future. For him, if he puts it all together, the sky is the limit.”
The 18-year-old has one year of eligibility remaining at the Developmental Academy level and will return to San Jose for the 2011-12 season. He plans to continue training with San Jose’s first team during the summer.
The Earthquakes Youth Academy is currently accepting applications to tryout for the 2011-12 campaign. The registration form is available at www.sjearthquakes.com/academytryout.
US U-17/18 Development Academy First XI:
Goalkeeper: Jesus Guzman (San Jose Earthquakes)
Defenders: Javan Torre (Pateadores), Jack Coleman (FC Dallas), Bryan Gallego (New York Red Bulls), Moises Hernandez (FC Dallas)
Midfielders: Marvin Iraheta (Cosmos Academy West), Wil Trapp (Crew Soccer Academy), Christian Hernandez (Players Development Academy)
Forwards: Villyan Bijev (Cal Odyssey), Maikon Orrellana (Real Salt Lake AZ), Xavi Silva (Weston FC)
Player of the Year: Christian Hernandez (Players Development Academy)
Coach of the Year: Marcelo Neveleff (Weston FC)
