The US Soccer Federation Development Academy, the top level of boys soccer in America, begins it's playoffs today at Bryan Park in Greensboro. The top 32 teams in each age-group will battle for the right to be one of eight teams to advance to Finals Week in Los Angeles next month.

SCUtd FC Development Academy's U-16's come into the playoffs seeded 3d in their 32 team field. They take on the Nomads (San Diego) team at 11am today. On Saturday they play Texas SC (Houston) at 10am. Their group play concludes on Monday against De Anza Force (San Jose, Ca) at 9am.

Good luck to our guys - let's show these traditional powerhouse states that little 'ol South Carolina knows how to play some soccer!

In spite of dominating proceedings, SCUtd's 16's lost 2-1 to Nomads, having uncharacteristically conceded two rather soft goals. The first Nomad goal came on 22 minutes through a free kick from distance that managed to find the net without a touch. The second Nomad goal came on 47 minutes when the defense seemingly switched off in anticipation of a whistle for a reportedly clear foul by the Nomads - but the whistle never came and a goal did. Nestor Jarmarillo pulled one back for SCUtd on 51 minutes but a second goal never came.

The boys are back on action tomorrow against Texas SC. It will take two wins and a slip by Nomads to advance. I'm sure we'll do our part.

Best of luck to the U-16's...hope they make it to the finals next month in L.A.!!!

SCUtd lost to Texas SC 1-0. Another game totally dominated in every way but the scoreline. It's a beautiful and sometimes cruel game! Last game of the season against De Anza Force on Monday. It's been a terrific season - let's finish it in style.