With winter break out of the way, the US Soccer Development Academy clubs are back in action, setting up for some interesting second-half storylines.

The U18 Colorado Rush AS Monaco have gotten off to a 4-1-0 start but will now begin playing divisional opponents.

Led by forward Zach Foxhoven, who has recorded six goals already this year, the Rush are a high-scoring bunch.

Foxhoven brings tremendous running attacking ability, and is joined up front by Cole Chapleski, a player who’s always strong with the ball and makes for a lethal tandem.

The Rush will certainly be a team to watch for in the next few months.

Add the U16 Blau Weiss Gottschee to the list of squads who could make headway throughout the season. The team has started 6-1-2 and returned from their two-month layoff with a quality victory over FC Delco.

Delco (5-1-2) is a strong club led by players like defender Momudu Sluwar and midfielder Zach Shiposh, and when BW Gottschee returned to the pitch with a 1-0 victory over them Saturday it said a lot about their positive direction.

“In all my years of experience, that may have been one of the best U16 games I’ve ever seen,” said Gottschee coach Dieter Ficken. “Delco presents any opponent with difficulties. They have 6-3, and 6-4 players who can post up on throw-ins and they’re stingy on defense. It was a big victory for us.”

Orlando Castaneda scored the game’s only goal of the match on a 30-yard strike that evaded talented goalie Max Kurtzman.

Castaneda is a strong forward who can shoot with placement and power. He’s tied for the team lead with three goals, though this group is far from a one-man show.

Midfielder Aaron Dennis brings size and sound technical ability, while Daniel Herrera is known for his pinpoint passing ability.

On defense, Anthony Carreras, a newcomer, is one of the team’s best markers and has fit right in to enhance the already strong chemistry.

“The main thing with this team is just the attitude. They love to play and are very competitive,” Ficken said. “The core of this group has been together four years. They play quality games and arrange themselves professionally.”

The best thing to happen to Blau Weiss Gottschee came by virtue of a loss. The team was soundly defeated by the Chicago Fire at the Development Academy Showcase in December played in Lancaster, Calif., and it was a harsh lesson in how to play the game.

“Sometimes it’s better to have a loss you can learn from, than a lucky win,” Ficken said. “We tend to draw more effectively from our negative experiences.”