In August 2007, Western New York’s top soccer clubs, the Rochester Junior Rhinos, Syracuse Football Club and Buffalo United Soccer Club joined together to form the Empire United Soccer Academy. The unification of these clubs, acknowledge their strong working relationship and shared vision of the development of youth soccer.

Two goals from Empire USA’s Shane Dobles earned spots in the US Developement Academy’s Spring Showcase Goals of the Week.  Shane plays with Empire USA’s U16 team and is from Spencerport, NY.

Click here to view the Top Ten Goals of the Week.

The 2010 Development Academy Spring Showcase has drawn to a close, with 258 games completed on the 20 fields at the Sarasota Polo Grounds. Nearly 4,000 players, 118 referees, hundreds of spectators and 300 college coaches descended upon Sarasota, Fla., for one of the premier youth events in the country.

Liam Callahan impressed as one of the best players on the field during Empire United’s matches against South Central Premier and Oakwood SC over the weekend. Demonstrating composure throughout the game, Callahan was able to assert his presence offensively from his position at left back while he also showed his defensive ability in his team’s 0-0 draw with Oakwood SC.

Stephen Baker scored the game winner in a 2-1 victory over Match Fit Chelsea on Saturday.  He now has 13 goals in 14 games this season and has risen to sixth place in the Top 10 Leading Scorers list for the U-17/18 age group.  The six-foot forward has scored in eight different games this season and has recorded a three game goal-scoring streak at the Winter Showcase in December 2009.

Andrew Coughlin helped his U16 Empire USA team to a 2-0 victory against Oakwood SC this past weekend. In addition to a number of fine saves, his key stops on a breakaway and penalty kick kept the scoreline intact and helped Empire United to the win.