Red Bulls Academy Update: November 30
U20s: The Red Bull U20s are not in season.
U18s: The Red Bull U18s split a pair of match in the opening weekend of US Development Academy play.
On Friday, November 27, on the opening day of their US Development Academy season, the U18 Red Bulls posted a convincing, 3-0, win over U18 FC Delco. The Red Bulls started the game quickly as Victor Manosalvas (Clifton, NJ) opened the scoring in the fourth minute off a pass from David Najem (Clifton, NJ). The U18s continued the pressure in the first half and came close to putting the game out of reach on several chances by Christian Battistesa (South Bound Brook, NJ). In the 62nd minute, US U17 National Team player, Juan Agudelo (Barnegat, NJ), made it 2-0 when he headed the ball into the net from a Paul Ehrenworth (Cranbury, NJ) free kick. Clifford Lyle (Stanford, NJ) completed the scoring in the 83rd minute from a Manosalvas pass.
"Overall the team played some really good attacking soccer tonight," stated U18 head coach Paul O'Donnell following the match. "For the first game out we are pleased with the amount of possession and ability to create and convert quality chances. The back four was great tonight and Keith Cardona (Glen Rock, NJ) in goal was solid."
Lineup: Cardona, Ehrenworth, Gallego, Adler, Garcia, Davis (McCarthy 82'), Najem, Manosalvas (Velasquez 84'), Gurel (J. Gonzalez 79'), Agudelo, Battistesa (Lyle 63').
Subs not used: Bonder, Caso, Scott.
Goals: Manosalvas (4'), Agudelo (62'), Lyle (83')
On Saturday night, November 28, the U18s dropped a 2-1 decision to U18 PA Classics in US Development Academy play. Again, the Red Bulls started the game quickly and scored in the sixth minute when Agudelo flicked a Doural Scott (New Haven, CT) cross to the middle of the goal for Lyle to tap into the net. The Red Bulls continued to dominate in terms of possession; however, they could not build on their lead. Agudelo came close on two occasions and Kemal Gurel (Staten Island, NY) hit the post from a Clint Caso (Kinnelon, NJ) corner kick.
"We had several opportunities to put the game out of reach by halftime and we did not convert our chances," commented O'Donnell.
In the second half, PA Classics leveled the game after a scramble at the top of the 18 yard box. Despite the setback, the Red Bulls continued to push forward for the game winner. However, with 10 minutes left in the game PA Classics scored from a long throw in. With time running out the U18s had two more good chances to tie the game as Agudelo and John Gonzalez (Bloomfield, NJ) came close.
"Despite dominating the game in terms of possession we came away with a defeat," noted O'Donnell. "At halftime we discussed the importance of putting the game away. However, PA Classics was very organized and difficult to break down. They hit us on the counter and took advantage of their opportunities. If we continue to play games like this we will be OK, we just need to show a bit more quality in front of goal."
Lineup: Bonder, Caso (Battistesa 66'), Gallego, Adler, McCarthy, Gurel, Najem, Manosalvas, Scott (J. Gonzalez 45'), Agudelo, Lyle
Subs not used: Cardona, Ehrenworth, Garcia, Ahn, Velasquez
Goals: Lyle (6')
U16s: The Red Bull U16s began their US Development Academy season last week, dropping two matches.
The U16 Red Bulls dropped a tightly contested game against U16 FC Delco falling 2-1 on Friday, November 27 in US Development Academy action. James Raytsin (Short Hills, NJ) got the scoring started for the Red Bulls early in the first half after finishing a rebound from a Damian Bziukiewicz (East Rutherford, NJ) shot. FC Delco scored from a restart just before the halftime whistle, and scored on a goal from 25 yards out with about 10 minutes to go to secure the victory.
Lineup: Cerronne, Castillo, Wantchekon, Himeno, Bziukiewicz, Raytsin, Orsaris, Ceron, Akinyode, Krzysik, Canouse
Subs not used: Brown, Bartok, Colonnelli, Haskel, Elliott, Cruz
Goals: Raystin
In US Development Academy play on Saturday, November 28, the U16s were defeated by U16 PA Classics, 3-1. Oscar Castillo (Brooklyn, NY) got the Red Bulls on the board first, finishing off a Tommy Haskel (Basking Ridge, NJ) cross. But again the Red Bulls were unable to hold the lead, giving up the tying goal with less than 10 minutes to go in the half. PA Classics scored two late goals against the run of play in the second half to provide the final margin.
Lineup: Brown, Wantchekon, Elliot, Haskel, Bziukiewicz, Raytsin, Orsaris, Ceron, Akinyode, Krzysik, Colonnelli
Subs not used: Cerronne, Najem, Castillo, Cruz, Bartok, Munoz, Cassagranda
Goals: Castillo
U15s: The Red Bull U15s are not in season.
U14s: The Red Bull U14s are split into two groups, the U14 1996 team and the U14 Pre Academy team. Neither team had a match last week.
A LOOK AHEAD:
Saturday, December 5
U16 Red Bulls vs. U16 LA Galaxy 10:00am (USDA Showcase in Phoenix, Arizona)
U18 Red Bulls vs. U18 Academy Select 12:00pm (USDA Showcase in Phoenix, Arizona)
Monday, December 7
U16 Red Bulls vs. U16 FC Dallas 1:15pm (USDA Showcase in Phoenix, Arizona)
U18 Red Bulls vs. U18 FC Dallas 3:15pm (USDA Showcase in Phoenix, Arizona)
Tuesday, December 8
U16 Red Bulls vs. U16 Clearwater Chargers 9:00am (USDA Showcase in Phoenix, Arizona)
U18 Red Bulls vs. U18 Clearwater Chargers 9:00am (USDA Showcase in Phoenix, Arizona)
