A fine start in this season’s USSF Development Academy League signals that Chris Little’s Greensboro Youth Soccer squad is a group to watch.

Statistics indicate the North Carolina-based team is attack-oriented as they’ve surrendered 12 goals in 10 matches on their way to a 7-2-1 overall record, yet they have a plus nine goal difference.

Little said the club’s involvement with the Academy has helped it attract some new players to complement the core group that has been with the club for some time.

“We had some players involved with the program last year who have returned. Their experience is valuable,” he said. “We’ve added a good group of players to the team that we probably wouldn’t have if not for the Academy program, and the whole group is enjoying their soccer right now.”

Little added that the competitive nature of the Academy squad is helpful to him in lineups selection, as everyone is hungry for a spot in the starting 11.

“At U16 the performance level can vary greatly from match to match. A kid might do particularly well for a while and then drop off,” he said. “What we enjoy about this is you have 18 or more very talented players. If someone drops off there is someone else ready to step in. Managing that can be a challenge but the character of these kids has made it easy to this point.”

Little likes what he sees on the field so far this year.

“We like to get the ball down and pass the ball. We want players to make decisions and solve the problems in the game,” he said. “What I’ve enjoyed about this team is that they play with three different systems. They’re versatile. This group of players is flexible. Whether we use a 4-5-1, a 4-4-2 or a 3-5-2, they understand each one and how to analyze things and change things. I’m pleased with how they adapt to game situations.”

The team’s starting goalkeeper is Ryan Hansen. In the back line, Charlie Keeley is the latest of a host of players who have been used at right back. Jonathan Campbell is the anchor of the back line, playing alongside Tommy Allen at center back. Austin Dunker handles the left back duties.

In central midfield, Brice Miller and Jordan Lessard are the guts and glue while Matthew Mills is a dynamic attacking player. Drew Walker handles the left side and Hassan Kouyateh is a speedster on the right.

Mamadee Nyepon is the danger man up front, with Kouyateh or Paul Freeman partnering him in the strike force depending on the formation.

The squad plays a pair of Atlantic Division matches at home this weekend against Bridge FA and Virginia Rush AS Monaco.