The Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association’s Crossfire Premier Soccer Club is once again a victim of it’s own success as it was recently confirmed that boys under-16 goalkeeper Spencer Richey has accepted an invitation to join the United States Soccer Residency Program in Bradenton, Florida. Spencer caught the attention of the National Team Staff when he had a very strong tournament in May at the 2007 Manchester United Premier Cup Finals where he led Crossfire’s entry to a third place finish, including 5 wins against the best teams from Southern California. The National Team Staff’s interest was further solidified as Spencer and the Crossfire Academy 16’s routed the best teams from Georgia at the Inaugural US Soccer Development Academy Showcase at Home Depot Center in California.
Richey’s father, Bill, recently shared the family’s excitement for this move. “We are all thrilled at the news Spencer got tonight via a phone call from Paul Grafer with US Soccer’s U17 men’s team. He has been asked to join the Residency program beginning January 7th. I again tonight asked Spencer if he realized how far he had come in the past 6 months since joining Crossfire. We agreed it has been an amazing time with an exceptional club - Crossfire. To play with such terrific players, and have great coaching combined with playing the best competition in the country has culminated with this invitation. Spencer wants to try to meet this newest challenge, and barring some significant obstacle, he will report in January. Spencer, Colleen and I want to thank Crossfire Board member and team manager, Lance McIntosh, and head coach, Bernie James, both for their commitment to Crossfire, and to these boys who strive to be the best at their sport.” Spencer and his family visited the Bradenton facility last weekend while Crossfire was in Bradenton for the 2007 Nike Friendlies. Bill closed by commenting, “In talking to the National Team coaches in our meetings over the weekend, their respect for, and the stature of Crossfire was very evident”.
When asked about the impact that the departure a strong player has on the club, Coach Bernie James stated, “It’s obviously disruptive to lose great players but we have built Crossfire and the Academy program to help our players achieve their dream in soccer. Our mission as a club is to provide an environment where players can play at a level commensurate with their skill. What is exciting for our staff is see our players promoted to the National Team and to see how our remaining players step in to their roles”.
Spencer’s departure marks the fifth Crossfire player to be a part of this prestigious program. Crossfire is the only club in the Northwest that has sent more than one player into residency. It will also be the sixth year in a row that Crossfire has been represented in Bradenton, the longest streak for any club in the United States.
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