Brian Bement feels pretty confident about his team’s chances to survive the Development Academy Playoffs, which started Friday and will conclude on Tuesday with eight teams in each age group advancing to the Finals.

And why wouldn’t he? Bement’s U18 St. Louis Gallagher finished atop their Frontier Division. Combining with teammates like Vince Cicciarelli and Billy Donovan, Bement leads the team with 10 goals. He’s also one of four players we asked to handicap the chances of their front-running teams.

Key to reaching the Finals: “We’re all a family on this team, so we just need to continue playing for each other,” Bement said. “I’m fully confident that we can reach the Finals Week and take the title.”
Biggest obstacle: “Derby County Wolves. They are a very good Midwest team that has been in this situation before, and knows how to win. I really respect them.”

Liberty Division-leading PDA is another squad to keep an eye on during these playoffs. Matthew Wiltse is one critical reason why. A skilled defender, Wiltse will help lead a strong squad that includes players like Nathan Bruccoleri, Shaquille Hamilton and Andrew Falk.

Key to reaching the Finals: “We have a great amount of depth,” Wiltse said. “Using it will be key for us.”
Biggest obstacle: “I’m not 100 percent sure who we consider our top rivals,” he said. “We finished first in one of the toughest regions in America, and I think this proves we are a high quality team. I believe we are confident and have as good a chance as anyone to make the Finals.”

On the U16 side, Crew Soccer Academy enters the playoffs as the top team in the Great Lakes Division. Defender Zach Mason is a key player along with Jared Robinson and Thomas Harr. Mason believes the Crew needs to be sharp from the beginning.

Key to reaching the Finals: “I think our success or failure hinges on our ability to come out strong to start each game we play. Most of our losses this year were a result of slow starts.”
Biggest obstacle: “I would say the Chicago Fire. We’ve played them twice this year and both games were battles. They are well disciplined and have several good attacking players and a good goalkeeper.”

Stefanos Stamoulacatos’ U16 Empire United squad was the toast of the Northeast Division during the regular season. How long they stay on top is all dependent on their tactics.
Key to reaching the Finals: “If we move the ball and keep moving off it to open up, I think we have the ability to play with anyone,” Stamoulacatos said.
Biggest obstacle: “DC United. I really respect them.”