Crossfire Premier's Liam Kelly now on map

Crossfire Premier's Liam Kelly now on map
July 1, 2010
A star is born, and his name is Liam Kelly.

Chances are, you may not have heard of Kelly before this season, but the U18 Crossfire SC attacker is doing his best to fill us in on what we missed.

In this his first season in the Development Academy, Kelly has exploded on the scene by leading his Seattle-based squad to the Academy National Finals with a team-best 20 goals.

Combining with dynamic teammate Kelyn Rowe, he has helped the group overcome injuries and replace some key players from last season.

And he’s done it with an air of mystery, slipping below the radar even as he wreaks havoc on his competition.

elite boys youth club soccer player liam kellyKelly (black) against Real So Cal.
“I totally understand how guys missed me, I mean this is my first year in the Academy,” Kelly said. “I have had a pretty tremendous year, probably one of the best of my career. I’ve had a lot of help from my coaches.”

Kelly has helped himself too. It’s no accident that he’s enjoyed a new level of success this season in particular – he’s worked his way there.

In fact, Kelly was so hell bent on thriving this year that he decided to take the year off from school … (before you inform your parents that you won’t be getting up for school in the morning, let me explain).

Because he was born in Canada, Kelly is actually a year ahead in progress. So he was able get by on just one class at Bellevue College in the fall and still be in line to graduate which he’ll do before attending Creighton this fall.

As for the idle time he accrued through his decision – we can tell you that it wasn’t spent idling on Facebook.

“My goal this year was to be recruited by a Division I school,” Kelly said. “So I spent my time working out and playing soccer and I had a great time working with my college advisor Gary Whitehouse, who helped prepare me.”

College was also the motivating factor behind joining the Crossfire, where Kelly landed after leaving Seattle’s Eastside FC club after spending seven years there.  

Now he’s helping to guide the Crossfire into Finals Week where he has a chance at a national title alongside teammates Aaron Michael Horton, Alexander Ranalli, Alexander Obbey and Kyle Culbertson.

“I think we have a strong chance of continuing on,” Kelly said. “Although we have a few missing players, we have a very strong nucleus. We’re bringing up a few of the younger guys for playoffs and I'm sure they'll do a great job while playing as well.”

Injuries have forced Kelly to play some in the central midfield away from his natural position of striker. It’s up top where his skills are best used. At 5-foot-11 he brings a decent physicality and a knack for finishing. He also brings good speed that he uses to create space while busting it down the line.

Called into the U20 Canadian National Team in May, Kelly is racing to stardom. His ultimate goal is to end up in Scotland at Celtic FC, a longtime favorite of he and his dad’s.

Celtic may not know much about Kelly at the moment, but he has a knack for making grand introductions.
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