USSDA Playoffs, U-13/14 Showcase action continues on Thursday

Players Development Academy vs. Central California Aztecs

Players Development Academy defeated Central California Aztecs 4-0 to kick off the final day of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy U-13/14 Showcase.

While the game started off with nerves, PDA changed the tide in the 12th minute when Randy Arrionis executed a clinical finish past the keeper. PDA gained the confidence to take control of the match and dominated the rest of the first half.

The New Jersey club PDA scored again in the 20th minute, taking a 2-0 lead. Christian Arcos turned and beat the Aztec’s keeper at the near post.

In the 30th minute, PDA extended their lead to 3-0 when Evan Chacon blasted a shot from 20 yards out, leaving the keeper with little chance.

In first half stoppage time, PDA scored again to make it 4-0 with a goal from Michael Kuczura, who flew down the right side and beat the goalkeeper to the near post from a tight angle.

Although the Aztecs played much better in the second half, it wasn’t enough to overcome the 4-0 deficit.

BW Gottschee Academy vs. Lonestar SC Academy

The second Feature Game of the day ended with BW Gottschee Academy beating Lonestar SC Academy 2-0. The older squads from both teams watched from the sidelines, creating a vibrant atmosphere for one of the best games of the day.

Lonestar started the game with their foot on the pedal, creating chance after chance. Julian Gaines looked lively from the start, sparking the attack for the Texan side.

Gottschee stopped Lonestar’s momentum with a goal from Joseph Koroma on their first offensive chance in the 19th minute, taking a 1-0 lead. After scoring, Koroma ran to the sideline to celebrate with Gottschee’s U-15/16 team who lined the field boards

After the goal, Gottschee looked confident on the ball, balancing out what was previously a Lonestar-dominated game. Gottschee goalkeeper, Marcus Peterkin, kept Lonestar from equalizing in the first half, denying every chance Lonestar had on goal.

Just five minutes into the second half, Gottschee went up 2-0 over Lonestar when Anderson Velasquez-Mendoza shot to the inner far post and the ball ricocheted into the opposite side netting.

Despite equal possession between both teams in the second half, Gottschee managed to hold onto their lead and defeat Lonestar 2-0.

De Anza Force vs. Crew SC Academy Wolves

De Anza Force faced off against Crew SC Academy Wolves for the final game of the U-13/14 Showcase. Both sides stepped onto the field ready to duke out the last game of the season. Older squads from both clubs flanked the field boards to cheer on their Academy brothers, alongside a crowd of friends, family, and scouts.

The match started off at a blistering fast pace. Both clubs pressed high up the field, winning the ball and transitioning quickly, showing creativity and individual skill attacking the goal.

Wolves broke through with the first goal in the 29th minute, when a poorly cleared ball from De Anza Force left Kellan Landefeld with an open look at goal. Landefeld blasted it upper 90 into the far corner beautifully to give Wolves the 1-0 lead.

The second half was no different than the first. The game continued to play at a fast pace, providing open and end-to-end action. In the 78th minute, an absolutely captivating individual effort from Joshua Rubin secured the lead when he beat multiple defenders and slotted the ball through the legs of the keeper. The game would end 2-0 in favor of Crew SC Academy Wolves, capping off the 2015-16 U-13/14 Showcase.