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 continue to find Success

Yesterday both teams played Rickmond Kickers in Day 3 of the Winter Showcase. The U16's opened up the scoring in the 31st minute with a header from Eric Moore. Moore received a great cross from Lucas Throckmorton and was able to finish it in good form. In the 44th minute we drew a free kick that was taken by Eric DeJulio. Chris Brown was able to get on the end of it and helped secure a 2-0 victory.

The U18's once again tied, but the game was not without scoring, excitement, and struggles along the way. They kicked off with a depleted squad as four of the players fell victim to potential food poisoning and a few others out with injuries. The juniors went up 2-0 with the first goal By Brandon Fricke from about 18yds out. The second goal was a PK taken by Will Witherspoon. The Richmond Kickers then came back with two goals, one of which was an unbelievable chip over our keeper and the other was a free kick. With about 10 minutes remaining Richmond scored again with a bullet to put them in the lead. In the 90th minute Witherspoon was able to find the net again to tie the match 3-3.

On another note USA tied Brazil 1-1.

Juniors off to a solid start at Showcase

U16's Eric Moore (left of our GK) scored in the 79th Minute


Our Juniors were both in action today in sunny but chilly Phoenix, AZ at the Development Academy Winter Showcase. They both faced teams from Seaside United from Hampton NH. The U16's kicked off at 10am and completely dominated the match. Seaside's GK was unbelievable and defiantly kept them in the match. In the 60th minute Eric Moore subed in at left midfielder and scored the lone goal in the 79th minute. He received a cross inside the 18 from our right defender, Konnor Knoll, and then took a touch inside to finish from 12 yards out. So the final was 1-0 and tomorrow is all about stretching/resting and free time to work on homework.

The U18's kicked off directly after at 12pm and ended up playing 90mins to a 0-0 draw. The Wizards dominated most of this game as well, but were unable to find the net. Again our coaches were very complimentary to Seaside's U18 GK for his strong play today. Our leading scorer, Mhango Mbulunji, and another impact player, Tony Young, were both subed out with injuries at halftime. Hopefully they will have time to rest and be ready to play on Sunday.

Both team will be back in action on Sunday, Dec. 6th against Richmond Kickers. In the meantime the boys will enjoy a great game tomorrow night (Saturday) which will feature the U17 US National Team vs U17 Brazil National Team.