CARSON, CA – Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency teams played their first United States Development Academy (USSDA) matches of 2014 on Saturday as they faced LA Galaxy Academy. The U-18s suffered a tough last-minute 1-0 defeat while the U-16s fought to a 1-1 draw against their unbeaten counterparts.
Both Residency teams return to action tomorrow when they take on Chivas USA Academy. Check back at whitecapsfc.com for full results.
U-18
Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-18 Residency fell in the last minute to LA Galaxy’s U-18 Academy by a score of 1-0 in their return from the winter break for the United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) 2013-14 season.
The 'Caps were locked in a 0-0 match when the Galaxy scored in the last minute to break the deadlock.
The U-18s were boosted by the return of centre back Jackson Farmer and midfielders Marco Bustos, Kianz Froese, and Mitch Piraux, who were all recently in preseason camp with the first team in Casa Grande, Arizona.
In the first half, the game was back and forth with the ‘Caps shining defensively, with centre backs Farmer and Nicholas Prasad especially standing out. Goalkeeper Nolan Wirth was also strong, keeping the game at 0-0 with several saves between the posts.
The midfield three of Piraux, Bustos, and Froese came alive in the second half and created several scoring opportunities for the ‘Caps, but unfortunately the squad could not convert.
After a tough 90 minutes on the pitch, the Galaxy’s Aaron Lombardi sent a cross into the 'Caps box which unluckily hit a 'Caps defender and bounced into the net for a 1-0 final score.
“It’s about the performance,” assistant coach Steve Meadley told whitecapsfc.com. “As a team we were happy about our performance. It was unfortunate what happened, but it’s just the way of the game. Sometimes the results don’t always match the performance. But the good thing about this and other sports is we get to set it right tomorrow. Like I say, most important for us is their performance and we saw that today.”
The U-18 'Caps now hold a record of 9W- 4L-1D. The squad plays again Sunday against Chivas USA U-18s at Bell Gardens Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m PT.
Scoring Summary
90’ – VAN – Own goal
Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-18
1.Nolan Wirth; 4.Mark Baldisimo, 6. Jackson Farmer, 5.Nicholas Prasad, 11.Jordan Haynes; 17.Mitch Piraux, 19.Kianz Froese (20.Kyle Jones 79’), 10.Marco Bustos; 7.Titouan Chopin (15.Vaggeli Boucas 85’), 9.Dario Zanatta (16.Mason James 45’), 21.Ali Musse (8.Matthew Chow 56’)
U-16
Facing the undefeated LA Galaxy U-16s, the 'Caps Residency boys rose to the challenge.
The 'Caps started the match a little bit slowly as the Galaxy took the lead on 19 minutes. But as the first half rolled on the Blue and White found their rhythm and became more comfortable in possession.
In the second half, the 'Caps were boosted by a pair of new faces from Ottawa, Ontario - Vana Markarian and Hayden Simmonds-O'Grady.
As it would turn out, Simmonds-O'Grady scored the lone goal for the 'Caps on his debut to earn the 1-1 result. Cole Morokhovich crossed the ball from the right wing ond Simmonds-O'Grady got on the end and volleyed home.
Notable performances include Terran Campbell for his work up front, Thomas Gardner in midfield, and Eric de Graaf for his steady play at the back.
"I was impressed with the character the players showed today," noted Rich Fagan, U-16 head coach. "They refused to quit and probably deserved more than a draw. I am pleased with the overall effort and performance."
With the draw, the 'Caps move their record to 8W-2L-4D. They play Chivas USA at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow at Bell Gardens.
Scoring Summary
19’ – LA
70' – VAN – Hayden Simmonds-O'Grady
Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-16
42.Luciano Trasolini; 4.Kadin Chung, 34.Eric de Graaf, 2.Andre Baires, 39.Joshua Cuthbert (24.Vana Markarian 69'); 33.Matthew Baldisimo, 27.Jeevin Kang (13.David Norman 70'), 28.Thomas Gardner; 41.Terran Campbell, 43.Daniel Sagno (25.Hayden Simmonds-O'Grady 40'), 23.Francesco Saporito (36.Cole Morokhovich 65')
