(PEORIA, Ill.) — The start of Peoria City’s 2024 season was busier than ever this May and June.
On top of a challenging USL League Two schedule, the Flying Carp faced additional challenges by way of Chivas de Guadalajara U23, and Springfield FC, in a total of four exhibition matches in less than two weeks.
To meet the moment, many Central Illinois Soccer Academy (CISA) U23 athletes stepped up to the challenge, and suited up for their first pre-professional action of their career. All of these players are rising stars at different central Illinois high schools or universities across the Prairie State.
“It has been exciting to see a handful of the U23 players crack into the first team and provide valuable minutes for the club. Especially during this last heavy stretch of games, several U23s were able to take advantage of their opportunities for minutes and shown they are capable of playing at a higher level,” said Ryan Woodside, CISA U23 Men’s Training Program Director and Peoria City Assistant Coach. “It is really apparent how much they value the input of the older players and how quickly they learn in getting to play alongside them. Coach Paye also does a fantastic job of articulating areas where the young players can improve to advance on to higher levels.”
“I have enjoyed every moment that I’ve worked with the U23 squad this summer,” said Peoria City Head Coach Mike Paye. “The group of U23s we brought up has been super coachable, and they are willing to learn and adjust.”
Kayden Hudson (Peoria Notre Dame) and Noah Grieshaber (University High School) were the first-announced Central Illinois Raised players to get called up to the main Peoria City roster. Both Hudson and Grieshaber put in minutes against Springfield FC, with Kayden making multiple other appearances as well.
Owen Pacetti (University High School) has also made a difference on the main roster this summer, scoring his first goal of his pre-professional career against Springfield FC. Pacetti’s goal was assisted by Kayden Hudson!
Joel McIntyre (Western Illinois University) stepped into the center back role during the Copa Peoria series against Chivas, along with the Lincoln Cup exhibition matches against Springfield FC. Multiple games, Joel put in 90 minutes and helped Peoria City’s defensive front completely stop our opponents from scoring any goals.
Quinton Hynek (Peoria Christian), Tommy Graham (Peoria Notre Dame) and Daniel Happach (Morton High School) have all rostered with the main squad this summer as well, with Hynek and Graham seeing some minutes this summer. Graham recently graduated from PND and heads to Bradley University this fall to play soccer under 2023 Peoria City Head Coach Tim Regan, where Happach just graduated from Morton and heads to Illinois College to play soccer this fall.
To learn how to get involved in the Central Illinois Soccer Academy, head to their website here!
Peoria City has two home games remaining in the regular season. Click here to see the Flying Carp in action, as we push for another playoff run!
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