Desert Elite Tryouts Complete with Record Attendance
June 2009 – Desert Foothills Soccer would like to thank everyone who attended our skill evaluation sessions during May and June.  It was exciting to see approximately a 30% increase over last season across all age groups, from U7 to U18.  If you missed our sessions and would like info on our Desert Elite Program, please email our Director of Coaching, Rick Tilmans, for more information. 

Tim Graefe Joins the Desert Foothills Pro Staff
April 2009 - The Desert Foothills Soccer Club is excited to announce that Tim Graefe will be joining our Professional Soccer Staff for the 2009-2010 season.  Tim brings an extensive resume of both playing and coaching experience which will allow the Desert Elite Program to further build on recent successes.  Tim has USSF C and NSCAA Advanced National licenses, and brings over 14 years of youth coaching experience to our program.  His playing experience has spanned 13 years from 1985-1998, with local, domestic and international teams.  Additionally, Tim’s recent experience and success as an educator with the PVUSD, and several previous roles in Arizona and California demonstrates his skills at interfacing with our youth and leading them through their development.

98 Desert Elite Girls Win at 3v3 Tourney
March 2009 – The 98 Desert Elite girls were undefeated in the Worldwide 3v3 Tournament and had only 2 goals scored against them all day.  They won the U11 Girls title.

92 Desert Elite Boys Win State Open Cup Tourney
March 2009 – The 92 Desert Elite boys completed their season with a near perfect finish, winning the U17 Gold Bracket of the Arizona State Open Cup Tournament.  The team went 4-0 on the weekend, outscoring their opponents 11-1.   In the second game, the boys were down 0-1 with 10 minutes remaining when they scored their equalizer, only to be followed up with the winning goal in the final two minutes of regulation.  They progressed to the championship game facing adverse conditions of no substitutes and a strong head wind , but that didn’t slow down their determination as they went on to win 3-0.  Great season Boys with a second place finish in Open League and first place in Open Cup!

01 Desert Elite Boys Red Take First in Territorial Cup Tournament
February 2009 – The ‘01 Desert Elite Boys Red played some serious soccer last weekend at the Territorial Cup in Avondale.  Not only did the boys beat all four of their opponents to win first place, but not a single goal was scored on them!  Coach Shaun Rice adds, “I’m really proud of how they boys played as a team. They have come a long way since the beginning of the year.”  The 01 boys have one final game left in their season - Good luck, boys!

96 Elite Boys Win Gold in Desert Classic
February 2009 - What a proud moment for our 96 Desert Elite boys, and coaches Rick and Graeme, as the team won 4 straight games to take home gold in the Desert Classic Tournament!  It was a heartfelt effort from every team member with only 2 goals allowed the entire tournament. The boys played to their full potential in the final against Gilbert Arsenal Premiere, shutting them out 2-0 and proving they can compete with the best. 

Amanda Dodd competes in Region IV ODP Tournament
January 2009 – Amanda Dodd from the DFAC ’96 Girl’s team had the distinct privilege to play with the Arizona Olympic Development team at the Region IV ODP tournament. The team was comprised of premier ’96 female athletes from various clubs around the state. The girls came in 2^nd in their age group, playing 5 games of outstanding soccer and representing the state of Arizona well through their outstanding athleticism and sportsmanship.

Amanda played every minute of regulation play in the games, a total of 350 minutes. She quickly stepped up to become an important member of the team, playing both defensive and offensive positions. Amanda was proud to represent the state and her club. She wants everyone to know “Desert Elite Rocks!”