The U16 BW Gottschee NYC boys have some of the best players in the Development Academy League on their roster, but it was their less-heralded players who stole the show in last Saturday’s 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls.

Standouts Dan Norris and Tarek Beckles were held out of the game after missing practice last week, but the other players on coach Dieter Ficken’s squad more than made up for their absence. Gottschee recorded its second consecutive shutout and produced two superb goals off set pieces, one each by midfielder Christian Johnson (12’) and forward Aaron Dennis (71’).

With the win, Gottschee increased its lead to six points (9 to 3) over division rivals PDA and Albertson SC.

Ficken said that although his squad had already beaten the Red Bulls 3-0 earlier this season, the opposition showed no fear and pushed forward early and often, and he was pleased with the way his defense handled the Red Bulls’ offensive onslaught.

“[The Red Bulls] were vastly improved from the last time we played,” he said. “They came at us, pushing four midfielders and three defenders forward, even though they knew we are a good counter-attacking team. I’m happy with the way our defense handled the pressure.”

Gottschee boasts one of the best defenses in the East Conference, having posted shutouts in six of their nine contests. On Saturday, they were able to limit Samuel Adjei, the Red Bulls’ top scoring threat – and one of the best forwards in the division – to zero shots on goal. Ficken said his team accomplished this by blanketing him on defense to limit the passes coming his way and minimize the opportunities he had to touch the ball.

“[Adjei] is a player with great speed and intelligence who attacks quality space. He exploits defenses by finding the slightest open space and bursting through it to goal; but we didn’t give him much, if anything, today.”

Center backs Jean Gagne and Mark Kramarchuk played a big role in limiting the Red Bulls’ scoring chances, playing stout defense and doing a good job of handling the speed of the Red Bull attack. The Gottschee defenders also took advantage of the Red Bulls’ over-pursuit to initiate counterattacks, which forward Andrew Lomanto capped with several dangerous crosses from the wing in the second half.

The Red Bulls were without one of their primary playmakers, creative midfielder Damian Bziukiewicz. But even without him, they put continuous pressure on the Gottschee defense, and were unlucky not to have a penalty called their way after a rough challenge by a Gottschee defender in the box. Gottschee goalkeeper Christopher Herrera, who at 6’4” is raw but ultra-talented, made a number of nice saves to help maintain the shutout.  

Ficken said he expects the Red Bulls to continue their high level of play and make the playoffs, where they might get another shot at his squad. Ficken was also wary of some other teams in the Liberty Division, which boasts some of the Academy’s best players.

Forward Brandon Allen of second-place PDA is a nightmare for opposing defenses. His speed, lateral agility and anticipation have allowed him to score an Academy-best eight goals in five games, including four in Saturday’s 5-1 win over division rival Met Oval. Gottschee clashes with Allen and PDA on April 10.

Gottschee will also face forward Burak Can Ugur (3 goals) and midfielder Hector Lasso of third-place Albertson, as well as forward Cesar Ceja of fourth-place Westchester later in the year.

With the season less than half over, nothing is guaranteed for the Gottschee U16s. Ficken’s squad has gotten off to a fast start in the division, but his players must prepare to play their best soccer in the second half of the season. Even bigger challenges will need to be overcome if they hope to compete for the Academy League title in June.