Slow to update on Chicago

AB scores the lone goal for us against Fire to win 1-0.

All-
So sorry it took me ages to write about last weekend, I just got caught up in ordering uniforms for next season and working on summer camp stuff....So here it goes:

For the third week in a row the Junior Academy teams are on the road. This week we're in Chicago to face division rival Chicago Magic (1-3-1) on Saturday and Chicago Fire (4-1-1) on Sunday. The U16s kicked up first and didn't not look great for the first half. They barely strung together more than 2+ passes and we went into half time 0-0 with Magic in complete control of the match thus far. After a few subs and a re-focused team the 2nd half was extremely different. We opened up scoring on a free kick that was taken by Derek Schrick and headed in by Konner Knoll. About 20mins later we were awarded a PK that was taken by Jordy Rideout. He followed his own shot and scored off the deflection. Final was 2-0

The U18 were and are down 5 players right now, everything from torn ACL to a broken foot. So with that said they had a tough weekend. During their match on Saturday, two players were red carded and the game was dominated by Magic. We did score one lone goal by Patrick Fogilo in the 27th min. The game ended with us losing 1-3 and with 8 field players.

Sunday's games were against the Chicago Fire Juniors. Both teams were very competitive and we went into half time with no score. A few minutes into second half AB scored the lone goal and won the game 1-0.

The U18s were not as lucky. With a smaller than usual roster due to red cards and injuries, we had a couple players from the U16s play with the older boys. The younger boys played their hearts out but Fire was just too tough. They scored two goals each half and the final score was 0-4...all FIRE.

This weekend (tomorrow) we play at home against St Louis Scott Gallagher MO. U18s kick off at 2pm and the U16s at 4pm. Come check it out!

Kempin gets the call up!

Jon Kempin got called into to the U18s USSF National Team Training Camp again. He headed to Los Angeles on April 25th right from Chicago where th U18s and U16s played this past weekend. The above video was played on The CW before the Wizards vs Galaxy match on April 24. Click here for the more information on the Training Camp and the roster.

A little Chicago and a little more Chicago

Emilio Quezada had a goal against Milwaukee FC


The DA Teams flew to Chicago last weekend to take on Sockers FC on Saturday and then bused to Milwaukee to take on FC Milwaukee and then we they actually are flying back to Chicago this weekend. Tomorrow they will play Chicago Magic and then Sunday they will take on the Juniors of Chicago Fire.

The U16's tied 1-1 against Sockers FC on April 17th. It was one of those games where you control about 80% of the match and leave frustrated and feeling like you lost even though you tied. Bot goals were scored in the second half. Our goal was nothing pretty, Nick Row following up a shot and his managed to get in the back of the net. We need to make sure and take advantage of the opportunities we get in front of the goal.

The U18s kicked off directly after with a depleted roster of only 13 players. They ended up losing a hard fought game 0-1 against Sockers FC. Both teams were evenly matched but Sockers managed to slip one in in the 44th minute right before half and the score remained the same.

On Sunday, April 18th the U16s took the field first vs Milwaukee FC. This game was more entertaining to watch and I am sure play since they didn't pack it like the Sockers did. It was evenly matched from the beginning with the scoring going back and forth. We got on the board first due to a great throw in by Eric Moore that was finished by AB. They tied it up about 15mins later and we went into half time 1-1. The second half opened with Milwaukee coming right at us and scoring off the kick off. Shortly after Moore's throw in assisted another goal that was finished by Emilio Quezada. The game ended 2-2

The U18s were feeling their depleted roster and started a bit rough and unfortunately things didn't really improve. Milwaukee was simply stronger and more organized and won the match 1-3. Our lone goal was scored in the 80th minute by Patrick Foglio.

The U16s overall record (in conference and out of conference games) is: 3-0-6
and the U18 is: 3-4-2.

Hopefully we have better results in Chicago this weekend.

Tough Games in Michigan...Happy to head Home...

The U18 & U16 Academy teams flew to Michigan last weekend to face Vardar and Derby County Wolves. The games on Saturday started well against Vardar but ended not so good for the U16s.

The U16 got on the board first against an extremely physical team with Derek Scrick scoring in the first 12mins on an open net. That lead lasted about 4min before Vardar equalized. The wind is favoring Vardar and they end scoring again before half. The Juniors started the second have down 1-2, but this time with the wind. Although the wind is providing us with opportunities to shot long range, it doesn't help enough and we were unable to capitalize. Vardar ends up scoring again and the game ends 1-3.

The U18 take the field next against Vardar and match up pretty well the fist half. Both teams are playing quite physical. At halftime the score is 0-0. Second half, Will Witherspoon gets on the board for us with about 15mins remaining in the second half and the U18 pull out a 1-0 victory. We are happy for Will that he scored but unfortunately he broke his foot in this match, which will be a huge loss.

On Sunday we are playing Derby County Wolves (DCW). The U16 start of well commanding the game from the start until a miss clearance lands at the feet of a DCW player and he smashes it in. About 10mins later we make another mistake and they capitalized and scored again. Our players are getting frustrated as we are controlling the game but they are packing it in defensively which makes it hard to penetrate. At half-time we are down 0-2. Their fast forwards are a tough match-up and they open up the 2nd half with a quick goal and we go down 0-3. Coach Parry made a few subs, one of which was Eric Moore who scored about 5mins after he was subed in. The momentum started just a little too late and the game ended with us losing again 1-3.

The first half was well played by both U18 teams. DCW appear to be a real organized team with big talented players. The Wizards are hard working scrappy players that find themselves controlling the ball more than DCW. Keeping DCW out of our goal in the second half will be increasing harder has our legs continue to get tired. The second half begins with a tie at 0-0 but doesn't last long as they score on a ball that was slotted in and finished. The U18s continue to compete and Taylor Vinnage is playing great in goal but we were unable to finish, so unfortunately the U18s lost 0-1...It was a tough weekend for all and I think the boys were happy to leave Detroit. They are off to Chicago this weekend!

Juniors Find Success vs Real Colorado

In fabulous conditions as far as the field and weather, the U16s kicked off at 9am on Saturday against Real Colorado. The team had a hard time finding their rhythm the first 10-15mins and Real was really taking it to them. The last 25mins of the first half the Juniors began to settle in to their game. Real did have a couple of chances and were dangerous right before half. Jon Kempin kept them in the game and the half ended at 0-0.

The momentum carried on into the second half and the boys looked sharp. The players kept their shape and were getting good balls served into our attacking third. Around the 60min three players were subed and provided the extra spark that the team needed. With only 10mins or so to go Taylor Walter served a great ball in that Andre Brown 'AB" got on the end of it which did not go in...but the rebound did which AB also hit from about 6yds out. The match ended in a win, 1-0.

U18 took the fields directly after had some good opportunities to go ahead in the first half with Patrick Foglio looking lively with several shots on goal, one good effort hitting the post. However, they got caught on the break and Real Colorado went ahead about half an hour into the game and the Wizards Juniors were 1 nil behind at half time.

However, they came out ready for action in the 2nd half with Brandon Fricke putting us ahead with a header from a set piece. Ten minutes into the 2nd half substitute Mbulunji Mhango came on and with his first touch of the game slotted home a close range shot, a rebound from an initial save from the Real Colorado goalkeeper to go 2-1 ahead. A minute into time added on, midfielder Nick Golden scored a cracker upper 90 shot from the edge of the box, for the game to finish with a 3-1 win.

Our team are headed to Detroit Michigan area to face Vardar and Derby County Wolves. Our U18 currently post a 3-2-2 in conference play and our U16 are 3-0-4 right now.

A couple of "friendlies" and a BIG Saturday

Last night our U14s & U16s played two ODP teams from Mantioba Canada. Those of you are geographically challenged like myself, Manitoba is north of Minnesota and N.Dakota. Our U14s kicked off at 5pm and played their U15s who were a bit bigger and stronger. In the 2nd half Jojo Piatczyc scored off a free kick. The competitive game ended with a win 1-0.

The U16s took the field after and played their U16s which was another great team. Coach Parry made sure every player played at least one half and was very complimentary of the boys. "Everything is starting click and when it does, its a great feeling, Coach Parry told us. We must note 20mins into the game Manitoba had a PK and Jon Kempin came up HUGE and stopped it...20mins into the second half we had a corner kick. As the ball got cleared Romeo Munoz was first to the ball, took a touch and hit an unbelievable BOMB at 35yds out. The final was also 1-0.

Our U16 & U18 teams will be in action tomorrow against Real Colorado. The game will be at Swope Training Facility with the U16s playing at 9am and the U18s at 11am.

Come Support!