SF Elite SC '08 Boys qualify for Champions League

After working so hard to bring its boys side to ECNL, San Francisco Elite SC is proving that they have been worthy of this promotion for a very long time. In their first year as an ECNL side, the 2008 boys will finish third in the Northern California Conference, and have qualified for the ECNL playoffs in San Diego at the end of June, earning the Champions League position by finishing third in their conference.   "I think that qualifying for the playoffs is a payoff for all the hard work and dedication they have put into the team and Club for the last 10 months," SF Elite SC 2008 coach Raul Avellaneda said. "Being recognized with the opportunity to play against some of the best teams in the country is very satisfying but humbling at the same time."   What one should find as encouraging is that those around the team believe that this team has not peaked yet. There is a belief there is much more in the tank, which not only makes them a dangerous team heading into San Diego next month, but also acts as an encouraging signal that future seasons could see this team compete for the top spot in the Conference table.   "I don't think that this team has hit its stride yet," Avellaneda said. "I think these young men are still trying to find their identity as individuals and as a team. We have some nice pieces on the roster but are looking to come together as a unit and create our team personality and amazing culture. I know that the culture we are looking for is under all that hard work and sacrifice we have put into creating the team we all want. We are looking to continue to work hard and improve every day we get the opportunity to be together as a family. We are not going to ever find our ceiling because we look to get better at each training session and at every half of soccer we play. All this without putting a cap on our potential."   Essentially, the approach for the 2008 team and Avellaneda is to strive for perfection that it knows it cannot achieve, and by doing so comes improvement every single training session and with every single match played.    Everyone on the roster has played a key role, and here are five boys that have really stepped up and have been significant players this season.   Alejandro Canchola, Midfielder   Canchola is a player with unlimited potential. He boasts excellent technique as well as tactical awareness and those things are only helping him grow as a player. He also has good size to go with his ability, and is showing very improved decision making that is making him and his teammates around him better.   Issey Lancelot, Defender/Forward/Midfielder   Lancelot is a very versatile player who can play at all three levels. He can play as an outside back or move up and play as a wide forward or as a wide midfielder, depending on the formation. He plays with energy and that leads to him moving at a relentless pace and playing with intensity, and he leaves his impact on the game in this fashion. When in the back four he can be a lockdown defender, or when he moves up he gets behind defenses and makes opportunities. Lancelot is a spark plug for this team.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/06A6381-crop-1455x956-1716419030.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-175302" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: SF Elite SC</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='47905' first='Misha' last='May'], Keeper   May is a true leader between the posts. He communicates excellently with his back line and is incredibly adept at keeping them organized. He helps his defenders stay switched on as well, which is something he does as a keeper and that allows him to make a big save when the opportunity presents itself. May is also very good when it comes to distributing the ball.   Braxton Nemes, Defensive Midfielder   Nemes has an engine that never stops and is the consummate No. 6, not only because of his energy but because of his unrelenting will to help the defense from the midfield. He also finds himself in good spots to create offense because he is a savvy player. He is an unselfish player who is growing and improving every day.   [player_tooltip player_id='223753' first='Adrian' last='Yanez'], Midfielder   Yanez is as solid of a midfielder as it gets, as he helps with everything. He's the control center in the middle as he offers a great tactical presence to go with a strong defensive presence where you see him offer excellent tackles every single match. He's also an unselfish player as he is truly one of the spiritual leaders of the team.

After working so hard to bring its boys side to ECNL, San Francisco Elite SC is proving that they have been worthy of this promotion for a very long time. In their first year as an ECNL side, the 2008 boys will finish third in the Northern California Conference, and have qualified for the ECNL playoffs in San Diego at the end of June, earning the Champions League position by finishing third in their conference.