VANCOUVER, BC – Whitecaps FC Residency got off to an even start against Sacramento Republic FC in their opening matches of the 2015-16 United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) season.
Corner kicks proved fruitful for the home side on this day as the U-18s played to a 2-2 draw, while the U-16s finished 1-1.
U-18
Whitecaps FC U-18 started off their opening match well, but couldn’t quite hold on against newcomers Sacramento Republic FC at Cloverdale Athletic Park on Sunday.
Daniel Sagno began his U-18 career right where he left off with the U-16 team, whom he led with 20 goals last season. The Winnipeg, Manitoba striker scored on a header off a corner kick in just the third minute of play to give the ‘Caps an early 1-0 advantage.
After Sacramento tied the match in the 39th minute, Whitecaps FC retook the lead just before the break on a goal from Terran Campbell, side footing home after getting on the end of a deflected shot. The Burnaby native scored three goals for the U-18s last year, adding 10 goals while primary playing for the U-16s.
It looked as though the ‘Caps would start the season with a victory, but Sacramento struck in the final moments to end the match at 2-2.
“With is being our first match of the season, we’ll take the positives,” assistant coach Niall Thompson told whitecapsfc.com. “But we’re not satisfied with our performance today. We know that we can be better. We’re going to work hard at training this week and look to be sharper next time out.”
Whitecaps FC U-18
13.Luciano Trasolini; 2.Andre Baires, 16.Quinn Bredin (5.John Kasper 46’), 6.Eric de Graaf, 12.Andre Earthy-Find; 4.Matthew Baldisimo, 8.Marcello Polisi; 19.Vana Markarian (9.Gloire Amanda 46’), 20.Ndzemdzela Langwa, 17.Terran Campbell; 10.Daniel Sagno
U-16
Like their older counterparts, the U-16s started off well in their opening match of the season.
The ‘Caps pressed throughout the first half and were unlucky not to be ahead.
As the second half went on, Whitecaps FC took the lead on 60 minutes on a goal from Brendan Skinner scored off a corner kick.
The home side continued to push as Sacramento looked for counter attacks. On 67 minutes, the visitors would eventually level the match as both teams took a point in a 1-1 draw.
“Overall, it was a pleasing first half mixed with a flat second half,” said Whitecaps FC U-16 head coach Adam Day. “We looked dominant early and created a few good opportunities to get our noses in front. When we did, it was disappointing not to be able to hold on to the lead. That being said, it was our first competitive game of the season and we’ll get stronger as the season moves along.”
Whitecaps FC U-16
50.Trevor Schneider; 33.Michael Baldisimo, 25.Brendan Skinner, 29.Joel Harrison, 48.Terrell Smith; 38.Andres Charles-Barrera (36.Jonas Hakkinen 65’), 37.Nicolas Apostol, 39.Alphonso Davies; 34.Georges Mukumbilwa (45.Devin O’Hea 55’), 52.Gabriel Escobar (32.Noah Verhoeven 55’), 41.Alan Camacho (40.Theo Bair 40’)
