Atlanta Fire United Blog

Cold Weather Dominates AFU's Games in NC

2010-01-11T06:06:00.000-08:00

Atlanta Fire's USSF Academy teams traveled to Charlotte, NC to take on N. Mecklenberg and Charlotte Soccer Academy in division cross-over games. With temperatures well below freezing at kick-off it really was about which team could adjust and settle in quicker.

N. Meck were that team. Their u-16 team quickly took control of the game and scored two early goals in the 13th and 16th minutes to put AFU back on their heels. Two more goals followed right before half time and AFU were reeling. They did raise their efforts in the 2nd half and created a few decent efforts on goal but N. Meck were not about to let this victory slip and added a 5th with 15 minutes to go in the contest.

The u-18 game proved to be a much closer affair with both teams providing a back and forth encounter. AFU started slow but grew in confidence as the game wore on and created several very good chances including two breakaway's that they were unable to convert. N. Meck were themselves finding openings in the AFU defense but at the half despite more than a dozen chances between the two teams it was still tied 0-0.

The 2nd half began as the first ended with both team pushing hard to find a goal. Some inspired defending by AFU kept N. Meck scoreless and then late in the contest a quick counter attack by AFU allowed Luke Ade to breakaway again but this time he finished convincingly in the bottom corner. N. Meck became desperate and pushed more players forward this opened them up at the back and AFU took advantage with another break. This time a beautiful scoop pass by Stefan Gojic freed Ade up and he flicked the bouncing ball into the net. N. Meck responded almost immediately and scored to make it 2-1. In keeping with the back and forth theme of this game AFU found a 3rd goal when Pete Kurowsky was put through and in similar fashion to Ade flicked the ball up over the N. Meck keeper to make it 3-1. Once again N. Meck got themselves back into the contest when a deep cross was headed home with less than 5minutes to go. AFU had to sustain some serious pressure from the home team but managed to hold on to a very impressive 3-2 win.

On Sunday, in more freezing conditions Charlotte Soccer Academy was AFU's opponent. The u-16's started much brighter than they had the day before. They were dealing with Charlotte's attacks very well and creating some openings themselves. At the 25th minute captain Roberto Hinojosa was substituted (a recurrence of an injury he had suffered the day before playing "up" for the u-18's) and Amin El Shami was brought on in his place. El Shami had an immediate impact playing a through ball for Chris Harrison to chase on to. Harrison forced the defender into an error and calmly rounded the keeper with the ball and scored. So at the half a 1-0 lead for AFU.

Charlotte made some personnel changes in the 2nd half and came out with serious intent. They attacked the AFU defense with wave after wave of relentless pressure. It was a case of bend but don't break for AFU and they seemed to have it figured out when a diagonal ball for once slipped through their rearguard and in a flash a Charlotte forward turned and fired into the net. A crushing blow for AFU who until that point had done fantastically well. It was a blow that AFU could not shake and Charlotte sensed this. Three quickfire goals put paid to AFU's chances of getting a result. Despite the loss it was a much improved performance by AFU and in particular Chris Harrison who battled away up front by himself and was a constant threat to Charlotte all game long.

The u-18 contest did not live up the previous day's game. It started flat with neither team really taking the initiative. Charlotte seemed to settle first and their direct style and hard running put AFU under a lot of pressure. A free kick halfway through the half was whipped into AFU's 18yd area and first to react was a Charlotte player who managed to loop the ball over Mitch Kupstas in the AFU goal. Just a few minutes later an errant pass gave Charlotte the ball 20yds from goal and a brilliant curling strike left Kupstas with no chance. It was always going to be tough to get two back and although a valiant effort by AFU in the 2nd half gave them some hope, Charlotte were able to do enough to deny AFU and hold on for the win.

Next up for AFU is a trip to Raleigh and Greensboro to take on CASL and Greensboro. Good luck boys!

AFU Academy u-18's Enjoy Succes at Disney's Prestigious Soccer Showcase

2010-01-04T11:35:00.000-08:00

Atlanta Fire's u-18 USSF Academy team showed well at the recent Disney Showcase in Orlando FL. The team won all three of it's group games, defeating FC Blazers from MA 2-1 with goals by Ryan King and Stephen Dunbar in their opening fixture. In the 2nd tie AFU played some very effective soccer beating FC of Evansville of IN 3-1 with two goals by forward Luis Huertas and a well taken penalty by Alec Kronitz. The third game was against fellow USSF Academy club FC Delco who provided stiff opposition for AFU but ultimately they came out on top by a score of 1-0, Lucas Ade scoring late in the game after some excellent work by u-16 player and captain Roberto Hinojosa.

Unfortunately the team could not repeat their high levels of performance in the final against Cincinnati Crew and were soundly beaten 5-1 with the lone strike coming from Hinojosa.

Next up for AFU's academy program is a trip to Charlotte, N. Carolina to take on North Mecklenberg and Charlotte Soccer Club on January 9th and 10th respectively.

AFU v Concorde Fire

2010-01-04T04:50:00.000-08:00

Atlanta Fire United took on local rivals Concorde Fire in the next round of the USSF Academy league. The u-16 AFU team started quite well but it wasn't long before Concorde asserted their dominance on the game when some indecisive defending allowed a Concorde forward to sneak in and head past Joel Thornton, the AFU goalkeeper. Concorde kept up the pressure and forced a 2nd not long after taking the lead when a corner was rifled into the 6yd box and wicked deflection off of an AFU player made the score 2-0. Just before half time it was 3-0 when a clearance took a fortunate deflection into the path of a Concorde player and he finished low into the far post.
AFU started the 2nd half looking rejuvenated and closed the gap almost immediately to 3-1 when a very well worked free-kick allowed Roberto Hinojosa to curl one into the upper 90. AFU pushed hard to find a 2nd goal that would put them well and truly back into the game and despite some excellent chances could not find the net. As they continued to push forward Concorde were taking their chances with good counter attacks and finally it paid off for them when they scored their 4th goal.
AFU had no reply but a much better 2nd half despite the disappointing loss.

The u-18's got off to a great start when in the first minute some excellent interplay on the right flank released Boris Fridman who scored at the near post. Concorde replied swiftly when a dangerous ball into the box was deflected into the goal by a Concorde forward. AFU went right back on the attack and a few minuted later they took the lead again when Luis Huertas latched onto a threw ball and rounded the Concorde Keeper and rolled the ball into the net. With 15 minutes to go in the half a straight red card was shown to a Concorde player supposedly for dissent. Concorde however pushed forward and just before half time were awarded a penalty when a late challenge in the box upended a Concorde player.
The 2nd half started with the same tempo as the 1st with both teams going all out. Within ten minutes of the restart b oth teams were down to 10 men when Taylor Krek was given a 2nd yellow for foul play. This opened the game up even more and both teams were creating numerous chances.
With 15 minutes to go a turnover in the AFU defensive 3rd allowed Concorde to quickly create a 1v1 situation whcih they took full advantage of and scored with a shot from 20yds. This only energized the two teams as they continued to attack. Unfortunately the ref took center stage just a few minutes later when he again produced two red cards, one for either team. With both teams reduced to 9 men AFU had two great chances late on to tie the game but neither finish was clinical enough. A great game albeit a disappointing result for the AFU faithful.

Invaluable Experience in Phoenix

2009-12-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

The Atlanta Fire Academy teams just recently returned from a 4 day showcase in Phoenix, AZ. This is considered winter showcase and all 76 USSF Academy clubs were in attendance. In conjunction with the showcase the US u-17 national team were also involved with a friendly round robin tournament called the Nike Friendlies. Their opponents this year were Brazil, Portugal, and Holland.

AFU kicked off their weekend with games against the MLS franchise club the Columbus Crew. The Crew proved too much for AFU as the u-16's were soundly beaten 4-0 and the the 18"s humbled 6-1 although Stephen Dunbar was able to net for the Fire late in the game to make it 3-1 but Crew took over from there scoring 3 unanswered in the final few minutes.

AFU responded well in their 2nd round of games when the u-16's battled admirably against a very dangerous De Anza Force team from N. California. With the game poised on a knife's edge entering the late stages Chris Harrison was able to latch onto an excellent cross from Matt Melton after he had beaten his marker to score. Right before the final whistle Jeremy Rector forced his way through the Force's defense and was able to chip in from 15 yds to give AFU a 2-0 win.
The u-18's also played much better than the previous day and scored through Brady O'Brien when he powered in a header from a Pete Kurowsly corner. AFU looked liked they would be able to hold on but in the latter stages a defensive error led to a Force striker breaking through and equalizing. So 1-1 tie that was probably the fair scorline as Force had proven the better team in the 2nd half.

AFU's final opponent of the weekend was FC Milwaukee. The u-16's played a excellent game and even though they went 1-0 down midway through the first half were able to tie it just before the break when Roberto Hinojosa slipped Chris Harrison through and he chipped the onrushing keeper. The game remained a stalemate until the final minute when a free-kick conceded by AFU just 19 yds out was converted by Milwaukee. A very tough loss for AFU as over the 80 minutes they had been the more dangerous of the two teams.
The u-18's played well but could not convert their chances and Milwaukee were that just that little bit sharper in front of goal. Despite Luke Ade converting in the 1st half Milwaukee went on to win the game 3-1.

Over and above their very competitive games the players were able to watch some very high level soccer with the national teams going head to head each night after the academy games were done.

Other highlights included:
AFU's u-16 captain Roberto Hinojosa playing in the academy select game vs NY Redbulls and scoring the tieing goal in a very exciting 4-4 game
AFU's u-16 getting hydration tested by Gatorade to see the effects of dehydration on performance.
Coaching education opportunities provided by Nike, SPARQ training, and the US soccer federation.
The scores of college coaches in attendance at all 6 AFU games

The academy showcases are truly the pinnacle of youth soccer in the US and without doubt the best possible opportunity for elite level players to compete and showcase themselves.

AFU has a week break before hosting local rivals Concorde Fire on the 19th December at Scott Hudgens Park.

AFU's 16's Topped in AL, 18's Tie

2009-12-02T06:26:00.000-08:00

In a another divisional match up Atlanta Fire traveled to Alabama to take on Birmingham. Birmingham's u-16's are currently 2nd in the division and enjoying a very impressive run of results. AFU were witness to their abilities when within the first 5 minutes they found themselves 2-0 down. Some very sloppy defending allowed Birmingham to take control. After the initial shock AFU settled down and tried to play their usual possession game and force their way back into the game. They did look impressive in the Birmingham half and created a couple of decent half chances but were struggling to contain the pacey Birmingham attack.
The 2nd half was more of the same with AFU trying to find a way back but Birmingham scored a 3rd early in the half when AFU failed to deal with a half clearance off of a corner. Roberto Hinojosa pulled one back for AFU after some excellent combination play with Jeremy Rector and Chris Harrison. AFU then upped the tempo but got caught chasing the game as Birmingham scored two more to reinforce their domination on the game.

The u-18 game was a very intense back and forth contest. AFU looked to be in control early and were the most likely team to score first when Birmingham counter attacked and took a surprise lead. AFU went back to work and got their reply just a few minutes later when Pete Kurowsky headed in a Alec Kronitz free kick. Both teams played open attacking soccer after that but it wasn't until the 60th minute that the deadlock was broken. A similar counter attack by Birmingham caught AFU's defense flat and their speedy striker raced away to finish. In typical fashion AFU responded immediately scoring less than a couple of minutes later when Luke Ade looped a header into the top corner. Neither team could find the crucial 3rd goal and the tie meant it's the 3rd in a row for AFU.

SCU Host's AFU

2009-11-11T10:05:00.000-08:00

AFU traveled to Charleston, SC to play South Carolina United in another divisional match up. The u-16's were up against an undefeated SCU team that was 8-0-0 coming into the game. SCU jumped to a quick 1-0 lead when the AFU defense was caught flat and an SCU player was allowed to race away and score. AFU got right back into the contest when Andres Pena was allowed to, in similar fashion, breakaway and finish sliding the ball under the SCU goalkeeper. AFU took control of the game and should have gone ahead when Chris Harrison beat his defender and went 1v1 with SCU's goalkeeper who this time made an excellent save. The it was SCU's turn and against the run of play they overloaded the left side and capitalized on some confusion in the AFU defense to take a 2-1 lead into half time.

AFU tried to raise the tempo in the 2nd half but SCU were now the team in control and doubled their lead when a deep cross was not dealt with by AFU and knock down in the box gave the SCU strider a simple tap in. The paced slowed after that goal as AFU could not find a way back into the game and SCU controlled the tempo and saw out the game quite comfortably.

AFU's u-18's were looking to get back to winning ways against SCU but took some time to get comfortable in the game as SCU were motivated and full of runningo early in the game. AFU had to do some stout defending to keep SCU out and needed to up do a better job of keeping the ball. As the half wore on AFU did start to find the rhythm of the game and started to create some half chances of their own.

Starting the 2nd half at 0-0 the game was there for taking but again SCU started brighter and but for some excellent saves from AFU goalkeeper, Mitch Kupstas, could have gone a couple of goals up. Then with less than 15 minutes to go AFU's Ryan King got up high in the box to head home a well taken Brady O'Brien corner and give the visitors a 1-0 lead. This spurred SCU on even more and with less than 2 minutes to go they finally got their equalizer when a long throw was headed past Kupstas.

A well fought contest that in the end provided a fair result for two honest hard-working teams.

AFU have a fortnight off and are on the road again on November 21st when they travel to Birmingham to take on BUSA.

AFU sends 10 Players to Market Training Center

2009-11-11T09:51:00.000-08:00

The US Soccer Federation held an identification camp on Saturday with 4 other clubs form the Southeast Division, Concorde Fire, AFC Lightning, Sout Carolina United, and Birmingham United. Players were selected via recent visits to regular season games by Federation scouts. Five players were selected from AFU's u-16 team, they were:

Jackson Taylor - Goalkeeper
Roberto Hinojosa - midfielder
Juan Herrera - midfielder/defennder
Chris Harrison - forward
Jeremy Rector - forward

And five players were selected from the u-18 team:

Brady O'Brien - defender
Alec Kronitz - defender
Ryan King - midfielder
Taylor Krek - midfielder
Luke Ade - forward

The players did some light technical work in the beginning of the session and then broke up into two groups and went through some tactical pattern play. The camp ended with a full 11 v11 game of 25 minute halves where players were closely evaluated.

The federation will be holding two more Market Training Centers in the Atlanta area one in the winter and one in the spring.

Weston and Miami FC Provide Stiff Opposition for AFU

2009-11-05T07:49:00.000-08:00

Weston and Miami Kendall FC traveled to Atlanta to take on AFU. All 4 games provided excitement and high quality soccer with mixed results.

The u-16's vs Weston was the first game on Saturday and it proved to be a cracker. AFU got the first goal capitalizing on their early pressure when Andres Pena broke the Weston offsides trap and slipped the ball through the goalkeepers legs. Both teams created numerous chances after that and despite the score remaining 1-0 at the half it could quite easily have been 4-4. Weston raised their efforts in the 2nd half and it paid off when when won a penalty in the 54th minute. It was calmly stroked into the net and this set up a grandstand finish. Both teams went in search of the game winner with reckless abandon and both had great opportunities but both defenses refused to to beaten again.

The u-18 game was a more cagey affair. AFU created the more clear cut chances but Weston were dominating possession. The Weston goalkeeper was having an excellent game frustrating AFU on numerous breakaways and point blank shots and providing Weston with some dangerous counter-attacks with precision distribution. Then in the 64th minute a half cleared ball ricocheted off of an AFU defender and a Weston attacker and the ball spun into the bottom corner, 1-0 Weston. This spurred AFU into action and not long after that a Weston player received a 2nd yellow card resulting in a red. AFU pushed hard, again finding themselves with just the keeper to beat on several occasions but unable to find the net. Weston held on and took all three points

AFU took on Miami Kendall on Sunday. The u-16's struggled early on with Miami's excellent movement and accurate passing but slowly found their rhythm. AFU's defense was again having another solid day and snuffed out every Kendall attack despite a couple of very close calls. By the 2nd half AFU was wearing Miami down and Chris Harrison and Andres Pena in particular were causing lots of problems with their pace and craft. Then in the 71st minute Pena found Harrison 12 yard out unmarked and despite being off balance he was able to finish high into the net to the keepers left. AFU were forced to defend the remainder of the game as Miami tried to find an equalizer. They held on for an impressive 1-0 victory.

AFU u-18's seemed a little livelier than the day before and despite losing Matt Levins to injury early on in the game gained control and seemed to have Miami on the back foot. It wasn't until the 2nd half though that they really stamped their dominance on the game creating some excellent chances but similar to the Weston game no one could find the back of the net. Miami were a constant threat on the counter and the AFU defense had to be alert of that danger at all times. The game really opened up in the final few minutes as both teams were suffering from fatigue and some gilt-edged chances were missed by both teams. So a 0-0 tie which was somewhat flattering for Miami as AFU should have taken all three points.

That is the last home game for AFU until December 19th when they take on local rivals Concorde Fire. Next up is a trip to Charleston to face South Carolina United followed by a trip to Birmingham, both are important divisional games.

AFU Academy Teams Back on Track

2009-10-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

AFU's Academy teams got back to winning ways this past weekend with solid performances against McLean Soccer Club and Virginia Rush. The u-16's put up five goals to MClean's three in the early game on Saturday. Forward Chris Harrison scored the club's first hattrick of the season, scoring two breakaway goals in the first half and an excellent header in the 2nd. Captain Roberto Hinojosa and forward Jeremy Rector added to Chris' tally's to give AFU their highest scoring game of the season so far. McLean answered with three goals of their own to make for a very exciting game.

The u-18's had to come from behind after Mclean had taken the lead midway through the first half. An unstoppable shot unleashed by Brady O' Brien midway through the 2nd half got AFU back on level terms and when a McLean player was issued a straight red card it looked like AFU could go on and win the game. However McLean stood firm and defended excellently to deny AFU who had to settle for the draw.

Virginia Rush were Sunday's opponents and the u-16 teams played a tough uncompromising game with both teams creating numerous chances. AFU had to wait until very late in the game, when Andres Pena latched onto a long ball by Amin EL Shami and lobbed Rush's keeper to earn all three points. An important and well earned victory.

Next up was one of the most exciting games of the year so far. The u-18's battled to a narrow 3-2 victory over Rush with forward Luke Ade giving an MVP performance. Ade opened the scoring in the 2nd minute with a well taken low drive into Rush's net. Rush equalized later in the half and they were all square at the break. Ade was again involved in AFU's go ahead goal when he provided a excellent cross for forward Stephen Dunbar to head home. Rush responded when a defensive mix up allowed them to sneak a 2nd tying goal. Ade was to have the final say when Dunbar this time became the provider and found Ade in space who beat his defender and found the bottom corner again.

Three wins and a tie will hopefully give the teams some momentum heading into a very important weekend when divisional rivals Weston and Kendall come to ATL to take on AFU.

Local Rivals Do Battle

2009-10-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

Local USSF Developmental Academy rivals AFC Lightning came to Scott Hudgens Park this past Saturday to take on the Atlanta Fire United. The u-16's were first up and despite AFU creating some excellent chances in the first half they were unable to capitalize and where deadlocked 0-0 at the half. The stalemate continued in the 2nd half with Lightning finally coming to grips with the wet and soggy field and created some chance so their own. Neither team could find a way through and it finished 0-0.

The 18's were up next. AFU applied the early pressure but AFC came right back and scored midway through the 1st off a deep cross that was not dealt with by the AFU defense and a Lightning forward was on hand to poke the loose ball into the net. AFU upped the pressure in the 2nd half and put some intense pressure on the Lightning backline but some outstanding goalkeeping and spirited defense kept them at bay. 1-0 the final score, a disappointing loss but good motivation for next week when Virginia Rush and McLean Soccer Club are hosted by AFU.

Next weeks games will be held at EE Robinson Park at 2pm and 4pm on Saturday and 9am and 11am on Sunday. Please come out and support your AFU Developmental Academy teams.

Alabama Rival visits AFU

2009-10-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

Birmingham United from Birmingham, Alabama visited Atlanta Fire on Saturday in a key southeast divisional match up. The u-16's played a very exciting all out attack 1st half with AFU twice coming from a goal down to go in 2-2 at the half. AFU's first goal was scored by center midfielder and team captain Roberto Hinojosa just minutes after Birmingham had taken the lead. Finding space in the midfield Roberto powered his way through the Birmingham defense and finished low to the keepers left. Andres Pena then equalized again just before half time after Birmingham had upped the ante with a 2nd goal.
The 2nd half was a less lively affair with both teams tightening up defensively. A defensive error midway through the 2nd half allowed Birmingham to take the lead and despite some excellent chances late in the game AFU were unable to find a third equalizer. A tough loss but an exciting game nonetheless.

Atlanta Fire's u-18 boys had an excellent day recovering from last weekend to record a convincing win over Birmingham 4-0. Pete Kurowsky started the scoring after some excellent work from Taylor Krek set him up for a simple tap in. Luke Ade was next on the score sheet, followed by Matt Levins and the game was wrapped up from the spot by Alec Kronitz after Taylor Krek was fouled after again doing some excellent attacking work. This victory keeps the team in 2nd place in the division behind Weston.

The teams will have this weekend free of games and then face local rivals AFC Lightning on the 17th of October. We look forward to seeing you at the game.

Atlanta Fire takes on Virginia

2009-09-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

Both Richmond USSF Academy teams, the Strikers and Kickers, were hosted by Atlanta Fire this past weekend in cross divisional games. The Kickers were first up on Saturday at a wet and soggy EE Robinson Park field. AFU's u-16 dominated the first half wasting several well worked opportunities to take the lead and control of the game. Chris Harrison was subbed in at the half and had an immediate impact causing the Kicker's defense problems. The deadlock was finally broken when a freekick was served up by Lewis Martin and Harrison finished with a well placed header. AFU was able to hold on and win by the single goal with some committed, and organized defending.

The u-18's game was abandoned just after half-time when the referee deemed the conditions unplayable due to heavy rain, lightning, and deteriorating field conditions. The final score a 1-1 stalemate with Ryan King equalizing the Kicker's early goal just before half time. Certainly an opportunity missed by the 18's as the Kicker's had a player red-carded in the first half and seemed to be gaining control of the game when it was called off.

On Sunday the Richmond Strikers provided a very different challenge for AFU. After 38 minutes of even play the Strikers broke through the defense of AFU capitalizing on a defensive error. The 2nd half much was of the same until the final 20 minutes when the Strikers upped the tempo and scored 4 goals to AFU's 1. A disappointing loss but no doubt motivation for next weeks game vs Birmingham.

Atlanta Fire's u-18's were in for a similar day as they started slow and were punished by the Strikers with two early goals within 15 minutes. AFU recovered from the intitial blitz and created some very good chances but Strikers defended resolutely and added to their lead late in the game with two more strikes. A tough day for the u-18's however they remain 2nd in the division 4 points behind the Weston Fury.

Atlanta Fire is hosting division rivlas Birmingham United at SHP this Saturday at 2pm and 4pm respectively. Please come out and and show your support for your AFU Academy teams.

Solid Weekend Versus Chargers

2009-09-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Atlanta Fire United hosted divisional rivals the Clearwater Chargers from Florida in their season home opener at the weekend. The u-16 team led at the half 1-0 after some good work by Roberto Hinojosa set up Chris Harrison for the first goal. Clearwater scored two goals after halftime to lead 2-1 until late in the game when some more good work by Roberto set up Juan Herrera at the far post for a simple tap in equalizing goal.

The u-18's got off to great start when they were awarded a penalty when Ryan King was adjudged to have been fouled in the box. Brady O'Brien stepped up and confidently scored from the spot. Then just before halftime Lucas Ade beat two players and laid the ball back for Ryan King to side foot home. Clearwater scored with 15 minutes to go in the game to bring it back to 2-1 but were unable capitalize and the Fire held on for the 2-1 win.

Mixed Results in Miami

2009-09-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday the 5th of September marked the opening of the 2009/10 USSF academy league. Atlanta Fire travelled to Miami to take on Miami FC Kendall and Weston Fury. The u-16's settled for a hard fought 0-0 tie in the first game and the u-18's followed that up with a strong performance beating Miami 2-1 with goals from Taylor Krek and Stephen Dunbar. The follwoing day proved to be more challenging as the u-16's were downed 4-1 by Weston with the solitary goal for AFU coming from Stephen Conde. The u-18's battled admirably against a very talented Weston team and lost a very tight game 2-1, Alec Kronitz was on target for AFU.
The academy teams will be hosting the Clearwater Chargers from Clearwater Florida in their home opener this Sunday at 9am and 11am respectively at Scott Hudgens Park. We would like the club to get behind our top two boys teams and come out and support them.

Countdown to Miami Season Opener

2009-09-08T14:27:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Atlanta Fire United's USSF Academy blog...We hope you will follow along and support us throughout the upcoming year. If you would like more detailed info about the USSF Developmental Academy League please go to our homepage www.atlantaunitedsoccer.com or www.ussoccer.com.

Atlanta Fire's u-16 and u-18 academy teams are gearing up and getting very excited for their opening weekend of the season in Miami, Florida on September 5th and 6th. Both teams have been working extremely hard on the the training ground to prepare for what would be Atlanta Fire's 3rd season in the USSF Developmental Academy league. Having shown steady improvements in the previous two years we are looking to build on those improvements and have our most successful season yet in both age groups.

Both AFU's teams are buzzing with anticipation and eager to test themselves against the very best players and teams in the southeast region and ultimately the nation. The first two games will provide very stiff competition for us with Miami FC Kendall providing the season opener and Academy newcomers Weston rounding out the weekend on Sunday the 6th. Kendall are a powerhouse out of downtown Miami and are usually a very skilled and crafty team. Weston are led by former Atlanta fire coach Carlos Parra, who we are really looking forward to seeing again, will no doubt have his teams very well organized and ready for action.