The first U.S. Development Academy action of 2010 unfolded this weekend. After a short break for the holidays the games are back, and we’ve got your recap of what was the first taste of the new year.

U17/18

Drama: Billy Arnez scored a goal in the 90th minute to help McLean Youth Soccer defeat South Carolina United FC 3-2 on Saturday.

South Carolina took a 2-1 advantage in the 82nd minute on a goal from Isaiah Etheredge, but Zachary Crandall delivered the game-tying score in the 88th.

Top performers: Paul Egle netted two goals for North Meck SC, but was outdone by a pair from Lucas Ade, his scores coming in a winning effort as the Atlanta Fire United took down North Meck 3-2.

On the upswing: Charlotte Soccer Academy picked up a pair of wins, defeating Birmingham United 3-1 before shutting out Atlanta Fire 2-0. Charlotte has a three-game win streak and has turned things around since starting the season 0-3.  

U15/16

Drama: The Irvine Strikers climbed out of a 2-0 hole with three unanswered goals to capture a 3-2 victory over Pateadores on Saturday.

Finding their rhythm during a potent second half, the Strikers got goals from Konstantino Koukladas, Sean Dhillon and Bobby Sekine to secure the come-from-behind win.

Top performance: North Meck attacker Anthony Castaneda did a number on Atlanta Fire United with a hat-trick as he powered his team to a 5-0 win.
        
Castaneda scored twice in the game’s first 16 minutes before piling on the game’s final goal in the 64th minute.

On the upswing: Arsenal FC beat LAFC Chelsea 3-1 on Sunday for their third straight victory. Arsenal has not lost a match since November.