Team Chicago Academy-Santos won its U16 bracket at the prestigious Disney College Showcase with a 1-0 win in the final over Cincinnati Cup Crew. Capping an excellent week of games for the team, center-back AJ Jakuszewski got the game-winner halfway through the first half off Kristen Brots’ perfect corner-kick. Courtney Keefer in goal and the stellar back-line of Talise Romain, AJ Jakuszewski, Rachael Brots, and Kelsey Pruett combined to record the shutout – the 3rd shutout at the event.

Santos won its 3 round-robin games 3-1, 2-0, and 2-0, and goals were scored by Kaela Leskovar (3), Heather Handwork (2), Olivia Schmitt (1), and Kristen Brots (1). Assisted by Olivia Schmitt (4), Kaela Leskovar (3), Heather Handwork (1), Kristen Brots (1), and Kelsey Pruett (1).

Participant on the championship team were: Courtney Keefer, Talise Romain, AJ Jakuszewski, Olivia Doman, Rachael Brots, Kelsey Pruett, Madi Harris, Anna McClowry, Katie Ciesiulka, Mary Rounce, Olivia Schmitt, Tyler Proszowski, Caitlin Tabilog, Sarah Feder, Heather Handwork, and captains Kaela Leskovar and Kristen Brots.

Team Chicago Academy-Botafogo also advanced to the Disney Showcase Final but came up short in an extremely well-played final against Davis Legacy (CA) played under very, very difficult conditions with 38 degree weather and a strong wind. Botafogo dominated in both ball-possession and chances created, but unfortunately did not take its chances on the day. Although disappointed with the final result, the team still had a very successful showing in the top bracket of the event.

Team Chicago Academy-Santos and Botafogo both advanced to the Disney Showcase Championship Games. Botafogo will face Davis Legacy from California at 7:30am Central Time in a game shown on ESPN3. Santos will face Cup Crew from Ohio at noon Central Time.

Team Chicago Academy wishes all our players, families, and friends Happy Holidays. We are so fortunate to have all of you as part of our Team Chicago family.

Zoey Goralski and Zoe Swift from Team Chicago Academy-Botafogo both earned the prestigious National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-America honors as announced by the NSCAA today.

They are among the 40 best female youth soccer players in the country, and only 2 other Illinois players received this honor. Zoey Goralski plays her prep soccer for Team Chicago Academy-Brasilia Head Coach Joe Moreau at Neuqua Valley H.S. and Zoe Swift preps at Naperville North H.S.

The honorees will be celebrated at a banquet at the NSCAA Convention in Kansas City, MO January 11-15th.

Here is the link to the NSCAA press-release http://www.nscaa.com/news/2011/12/2011-girls-youth-all-america-team

Jorie Clawson, a defender on Team Chicago Academy-Botafogo, has accepted a great scholarship to continue her soccer career at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Jorie, who plays her prep soccer at St. Charles North H.S., will be part of Head Coach Derek Burton’s 2013 recruiting class.

SIUE competes in the Ohio Valley Conference of NCAA Division I, and finished the 2011 season tied for 6th with Eastern Illinois University.