Red Bull Academy Update: May 4
U20s: The Red Bull U20s did not play.
U18s: The U18 Red Bulls posted a 1-1-0 week in US Soccer Development Academy action.
On Wednesday, April 29th, the U18s defeated U18 Match Fit Chelsea, 1-0, on a 54th minute goal by Zachary Gomez (Flemington, NJ) for his third goal in three games. The Red Bulls controlled much of the game in the first half but could not break through the Match Fit defense. In the second half, Jack Freeman (Ridgewood, NJ) played a ball to Giorgi Chirgadze (Brooklyn, NY) who then slipped a ball behind the Match Fit defense for Gomez to coolly slot home.
The Red Bulls attempted to carry the momentum to their match with U18 PDA on Sunday, May 3rd, but dropped a 2-1 decision. The U18s came close to scoring on two occasions in the first half on two Matthew Uy (New Hyde Park, NY) chances. However, the score remained scoreless at the half. In the second half the Red Bulls started brightly. In the 54th minute, Widner Saint Cyr (New City, NY) received a ball from Cesar Blacido (Ramsey, NJ) at the corner of the 18. Saint Cyr beat the PDA defender and then curled a shot into the top corner of the far post. The lead did not last long as a Red Bulls defensive error led to PDA scoring the equalizer. Another mistake in the defensive third led to a PDA throw in which they took quickly and then scored the go ahead goal.
"The team effort was great tonight," stated U18 head coach Paul O'Donnell. "If not for a couple of costly mistakes we get a result tonight. However, we must build on the quality that the team displayed tonight for the rest of the season."
U16s: On Wednesday, April 29, the U16s lost their first US Soccer Development Academy game of the year to U16 Match Fit Chelsea, 1-0, and were shutout for the first time all year.
"We were a little bit flat on Wednesday night and did not create enough chances," said U16 head coach Rob Elliott. "The game could have gone either way but it did not go in our favor."
The U16s bounced back with a 2-2 draw with in-state rival U16 PDA on Sunday, May 3rd. Goals from Victor Manosalvas (Clifton, NJ) and Brian Gallego (Kinnelon, NJ) helped the Red Bulls to a 2-0 halftime lead. PDA scored two late goals to earn the draw.
"Tonight was a very entertaining game and very well played game by both teams," stated Elliott following the match. "We had a chance to get a third goal and possibly put the game away but did not do it and PDA fought very hard to get back into the game."
The U16s record now stands at 15-2-5 for the season.
U15s: On Friday night, May 1st, the Red Bulls U15s were defeated by U15 PDA, 2-1, in US Club Northeast Pre Academy League play. Two long range efforts were the difference for PDA.
"I'm proud of how the team played and for long stretches of the game we were the better side," noted U15 head coach Stan Lembryk.
U14s: On Friday night, May 1st, the youngest Red Bulls team lost to U14 PDA, 1-0, in US Club Northeast Pre Academy League play.
"Unfortunately, the score was not in our favor, but I'm very happy with the performance of the boys," commented U14 head coach Cris da Silva. "We competed well and created enough opportunities to score against a very good team."
A LOOK AHEAD:
Saturday May 9th
U18 Red Bulls at U18 Baltimore Bays 12:00pm (US Soccer Development Academy League)
U16 Red Bulls at U16 Baltimore Bays 2:00pm (US Soccer Development Academy League)
