The Vancouver Whitecaps FC BMO MLS Academy was recently in Indio, California to take part in MLS NEXT Fest at the Empire Polo Ground.
Below is a recap of how both teams performed.
U-19 Division
Game 1: 2-2 Draw vs Houston Dynamo FC
After going 2-0 down and struggling with the heat, the 'Caps responded well scoring two goals in the second half through Rayan Elloumi. Whitecaps FC had more energy in the second half and looked the likelier team to score a third before ending in the draw.
Game 2: 2-1 Win vs Sporting Kansas City
The 'Caps had an excellent first half and were 2-0 up at the break, with both goals from Valter Sedin. In the second half, Whitecaps FC had their goalkeeper sent off for a last man challenge and ended the game with 10 men, but they defended brilliantly before conceding a deflected shot to make it 2-1.
Game 3: 4-1 Win vs. Minnesota United FC
Whitecaps FC played a fantastic first half, once again 2-0 up at the break on goals from Rayan Elloumi and Mateo Clark, while also having an excellent team goal from Sahil Deo denied as he was fractionally offside.
The second half was tougher, with Minnesota coming out strong and making it 2-1. However, two goals in the last 10 minutes from Elloumi and Sedin secured the points.
U-16 Division
Game 1: 2-1 Win vs Connecticut United FC
Whitecaps FC U-16s started the competition well against a well organized team who were very effective in their style of play.
The 'Caps held a 1-0 lead at halftime. Tyler Brown scored a goal with a good run and finish in behind following a very good defecse splitting pass by Masa Fujiyasu.
A dominant start to the second half saw Brown score his second of the game following excellent defensive work from Liam Campagna, who combined well to get in behind and delivered a dangerous cut back cross into the box for Brown.
Connecticut converted a penalty kick shortly afterwards to keep the game close. Overall a strong opening performance.
Game 2: 3-1 Loss vs Atlanta United FC
The second match was a close contest, with each team having dominant spells.
The 'Caps went into halftime 2-0 down on an Atlanta goal from a corner, and a cross from deep that was well finished by a header at the back post.
Early in the second half, Atlanta scored again from a corner.
The team showed excellent resilience and character to dominate the rest of the half, resulting in a exceptional goal from Tinaye Mukahanana, picking up the ball just inside the Atlanta half and chipping their goalkeeper. The 'Caps created a good number of chances to get something from the game, but were unfortunately unable to convert.
Game 3: 2-2 Draw vs Houston Dynamo FC
Another very close and competitive game.
Houston dominated the first half and the Whitecaps FC backline in particular had to defend the box well to keep them out.
The 'Caps looked dangerous in transition and took the lead following a good ball in-behind from Manav Badwal for Ryder Sewell, who got ahead of the last defender and calmly finished past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
Houston equalized before halftime.
Houston took the lead in the second half before Ryder Sewell got his second of the game to draw the 'Caps level. Whitecaps FC continued to push for a winner and created a number of good chances before both teams split the result, 2-2.
