AJ Stueck and Brian Grissell are among the five players late to the U18 Oakwood SC party.

Because while their club was beginning its Development Academy season Saturday, losing 2-1 to D.C. United, some of the team’s finest were busy trying to garner a prep Connecticut state championship.

“We had about six guys out total,” said Oakwood coach David Farrell. “All things considered we played OK – we had our moments, went up a goal but had a little mental fatigue.”

Stueck and Griswell, in particular, can be excused for their absence. Best of friends off the field, the two made magic on it by leading Brooksfield High School to its first ever outright state title with a dramatic 3-2 victory over New Canaan.

After trailing 2-0, Stueck came up with two clutch goals to tie the contest before assisting on the game-winner to Griswell in the game’s final minutes.

Farrell can only hope that the duo will bring the same flair for the dramatics to his squad and both players are quite capable.

Stueck’s role for Oakwood veers a little from his responsibilities on his prep team; the academy team’s central midfielder, he is part facilitator, part scoring. He has great skills and never seems to waste a pass, can create opportunities out of nothing and is an exceptional attacking midfielder.

Stueck’s talented teammates include striker Philip Ziegler who will be attending Providence next year. Ziegler is good up top and wide and has a real nose for the goal. He starred for the club’s U16 group a year ago and scored a ton of goals – just how much that translates into this level remains to be seen.

Winger Leon Carby continues to grow and has drawn interest from U.S. Soccer. Farrell says Carby has grown from his first camp in April, and the prospect is looking at Wake Forest and Connecticut as possible college options. He’s a serious threat along with versatile midfielder/defender Michael Choquette.

Other Oakwood SC Players To Watch include midfielder Rex Messing and Harvard commit Connor McCarthy.

The team takes on Chicago Magic Dec. 4 at the at the Development Academy Winter Showcase which will be their first team at full strength.