US Youth Soccer ODP All-Stars compete vs. Argentinian clubs

(Via US Youth Soccer) – Two US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) All-Star teams traveled to Argentina to compete against local clubs from March 25 – April 3.

The All-Star teams were selected from the 2015 US Youth Soccer ODP Thanksgiving Interregional in the 2001 and 2002 Boys age groups.

The ODP All-Stars played youth teams from the Argentinian clubs Racing Club de Avellaneda, San Lorenzo de Almagro, Club Athletico Los Andes and Newell’s Old Boys, where Diego Maradona once played.

+Read: Players That Impressed: Jefferson Cup 2016 Boys Showcase

Day 1

Both of the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) Thanksgiving Interregional All-star teams in the 2001 and 2002 Boys age groups earned results against youth teams from Racing Club de Avellaneda of Argentina. The ODP All-Stars 01 won, 2-0, and the ODP All-Stars 02 fought to a 1-1 draw.

US Youth Soccer ODP All-Stars 01 began the scoring in the 14th minute after the Racing goalkeeper misplayed a through-ball down the middle, allowing Liam Butts to slip past the keeper and fire a cross to the back post, where 2014 and 2015 US Youth Soccer Region IV Championships semifinalist with Rio Rapids SC 01 (NM), Jayson Baca, finished off the cross for the 1-0 lead. Butts again created issues for Racing defenders in the 50th minute, when the 2014 Region III champion dribbled through multiple defenders before finishing off a strike from a small angle to give the ODP All-Stars the 2-0 lead.

US Youth Soccer ODP All-Stars 02 got off to a dream start just 10 minutes into the match when Joseph Scally, who won the 2015 US Youth Soccer Eastern New York State Cup with Sachem Destroyers (NY-E), took advantage of a misplaced ball from the defense to put the ODP All-Stars on top, 1-0. Racing would pull back even with the ODP All-Stars after converting a penalty kick in the 32nd minute. In the final 15-to-20 minutes of the match, the ODP All-Stars pushed for the game-winner, but the team was ultimately unsuccessful as the last shot of the match hit off the post.

Day 1 Photos

Day 2

After both teams got off to positive starts against Racing, youth teams from San Lorenzo de Almagro proved to be a stiffer test for the ODP All-Stars as both teams were defeated. The ODP All-Stars 01 team fell 2-0, while the ODP All-Stars 2002 were defeated 4-0.

After surrendering goals in the 18th and 64th minute, ODP All-Stars 01 made a late push to get on the board, but was unable to find the back of the net. The ODP All-Stars 02 got off to a sluggish start while San Lorenzo controlled possession. ODP All-Stars 02 earned a penalty kick in the 58th minute, but it was saved by the San Lorenzo keeper.

Day 2 Photos

Day 3

Both the ODP All-Star teams fought hard against youth teams from Newell’s Old Boys, but ultimately weren’t able to take home victories as the ODP All-Stars 01 side was defeated 4-2, while the ODP All-Stars 02 team fell 4-1. Games were played in front of four U.S. Under-15 Men’s National Team scouts.

2015 US Youth Soccer National Championship semifinalist and Best XI player with GSA 01 Premier (GA), Butts broke the scoreless stalemate in the 24th minute when, after receiving a pass on the left side from from Eric Smits, who won the 2014 US Youth Soccer Minnesota State Cup with Minneapolis United (MN), juked past a defender before finishing past the keeper to put the ODP All-Stars 01 up 1-0. After Newell’s Old Boys tied and gained the lead 2-1, Adrian Arguello knotted the score at two in the 42nd minute after heading in a cross from the right side. Newell’s Old Boys would recover with goals in the 53rd and 68th minutes to secure the 4-2 win.

+Read: First 40 of 96 teams qualify for US Youth Soccer National Championships

After Newell’s Old Boys jumped out to an early 3-0 in the first 11 minutes, Kirezi Freddy put the ODP All-Stars 02 on the board after receiving a through-ball in the middle by baiting the keeper to dive one way and burying his shot into the open net. Newell’s Old Boys would add one more goal to make the final score 4-1.

Day 3 Photos

2016 US Youth Soccer Argentina 2001 Boys Roster

2016 US Youth Soccer Argentina 2002 Boys Roster