U-19 Boys led by Head Coach Eder Quintanilla
What we’re excited for: New USSDA format
Eder Quintanilla: “It’s interesting that we have a new format in the DA [U.S. Soccer Development Academy]. The new format splits the DA into two tiers. We’re in the first tier, with all of the MLS Academies and the best DA teams. We’re going to have stronger competition and stronger rivals. We’re going to have bigger games, which is good for the development of our players.”
When will the Homegrowns play?: Gilbert Fuentes, Cade Cowell and Jacob Akanyirige
EQ: “Gilbert, Cade and Jacob are training with the first team every day. They have different things that they need to do. They need to be with the first team and with [USL affiliate] Reno [1868 FC]. If they need games, the U-19s will help them in that aspect. They have other responsibilities so when the time comes, Matias, his coaching staff and the Academy staff will decide if they will play with us. Gilbert and Jacob can only play with the U-19s, Cade can still play with the U-17s.”
Fun fact: Training with the first team
EQ: “I’m very excited about how Matias Almeyda is giving a lot of chances to the Academy players. To be in training every week, it’s very good for them to face what could be their next step. Having that interaction with professional players is awesome and it didn’t happen before on a regular basis like it’s happening now.”
