December 11, 2009
A SUCCESSFUL TIME
Gottschee goes 4-2 at Winter Showcase
By Sham Samaroo
Special to BigAppleSoccer.com
B.W. Gottschee's Under-16 and U-18 U.S. Soccer Development Academy teams enjoyed a successful Winter Showcase in Phoenix, Ariz. last weekend, coming home with 2-1 records after playing teams from Florida, Michigan and Colorado.
U-16 Academy
In the first half, Real Colorado came out with great intensity and pressure. This paid off for in the 18th minute it took a 1-0 lead. But in the 34th minute, Gottschee’s Alex Fernandez equalized off of a Chris Johnson feed. The second half saw a more evenly played game but it was Real that went ahead on shot that landed inside the goalpost for the 2-1 win.
In a well-played game, Gottschee edged Vardar (Mich.), 1-0, on a Chris Johnson free kick in the 30th minute. In the second half, goalkeeper Connor Hailey came up with two key saves to preserve the shutout.
In the third game, Gottschee dominated AFC Lightning (Ga.) from the start but could not convert, twice hitting the post. In the second half, Gottschee created numerous chances. Aaron Dennis hit left-footed blast from 25 yards into the upper corner for the game-winner.
U-18 Academy
In the opener against Real Colorado, U.S. U-17 international Dom Sarle scored in the eighth minute off of a deflected shot. In the 37th minute goalkeeper John Ruocco saved a penaltyh to safeguard the 1-0 going into the break. Real equalized off of a counterattack midway through the second half. In the last 20 minutes Gottschee took over the game. With four minutes remaining Andres Fernandez’s cross was volleyed home by Sarle to make it 2-0 Gottschee.
Gottschee lost to Vardar, 1-0, off a set piece with two minutes remaining. Gottschee controlled large parts of the game but could not take advantage of its chances.
In the thirrd game, AFC Lightning drew first blood on a goal in the 31st minute but Sarle equalized in the 44th minute. Juan Chang scored the game- winner in the 65th minute and Gottschee was able to withstand the AFC late pressure.
