LAKEWOOD RANCH, Florida – The 2012 Development Academy Winter Showcase is officially underway.

Forty U18 games took place on the first day, under the sun at the sprawling Premier Sports Complex on the West Florida Panhandle.

Here were some of the highlights from the first day of action:

FC Dallas 1, New York Red Bulls 1

It’s never easy taking on the defending champions, but the New York Red Bulls were able to keep pace with the 2011-12 Development Academy U18 National Champion FC Dallas, as the two sides drew 1-1.

While FCD’s U18s lost 12 rostered players after the end of last season, they entered Friday’s all-MLS matchup with midfielder Kellyn Acosta and goalkeeper Richard Sanchez in the starting lineup, both Academy products who had been signed to the first team.

Both sides controlled portions of the game, and Acosta’s first half penalty kick opened up a 1-0 lead for FCD. However, NYRB struck back in the second half, stepping up the pressure and scoring when a Dallas defender

FCD U18 head coach Luchi Gonzalez thought it was a fair result.

“I felt we had better chances the first half, they had better chances second half,” he said after the game. “We knew they were going to impose a little bit more, commit more the second half. I though we did a great job with our pressure. The fatigue kicked in a little bit, but I’m very proud of the boys. I thought we put out a great effort, we tied a very good team, very good program.”

Houston Dynamo 4, Portland Timbers 1

The Timbers endured a cruel welcome in their Academy Showcase debut, losing 4-1 at the hands of fellow MLS squad Houston Dynamo.

Showing good possession during stretches of the game, the Timbers back line suffered a few breakdowns in the first half, and explosive midfielder Bryan Salazar punished Portland to score a pair of impressive goals early to pace the Dynamo to a 3-0 lead at the break.

Portland forward James Nosack scored less than a minute into the second half, but the Timbers couldn’t make it a come back, conceding once more before the final whistle.

Watch Dynamo U18 coach James Clarkson discuss his side's win.

Surf star stands out

This summer, Brian Iloski traveled around the world as part of Nike’s “The Chance” contest. And the San Diego Surf midfielder proved his class on Friday at the Academy Showcase, despite his Surf side losing a 4-3 shootout against the Concorde Fire.

Iloski obviously possesses tremendous talent that impressed the coaches and technical staff involved with the Nike initiative, and down in Lakewood Ranch, he was the best player on the field in a losing effort.

Taking up a spot at left midfield, he was one of the smallest players on the field – although he let his play more than make up with that. With a crisp, clean touch on the ball, Iloski is someone likely to make an impact at the next level sooner rather than later.

Other Day One Scores

Sporting Kansas City 1, PA Classics 1
D.C. United 5, North Carolina Fusion 1
Baltimore Bays Chelsea 3, Solar Chelsea 2
San Jose Earthquakes 1, Colorado Rapids 0
Chivas USA 2, Sockers FC 2
LA Galaxy 4, Crew Soccer Academy Wolves 1
Weston FC 4, De Anza Force 2
CASL Chelsea 3, Vancouver Whitecaps 2
Indiana Fire 1, Match Fit Chelsea 1
Real Salt Lake-AZ 4, Montreal Impact 1
Strikers FC 1, Minnesota Thunder Academy 1
Chicago Fire 3, Seattle Sounders 2
Georgia United 7, Santa Cruz Breakers 0
Arsenal FC 4, Internationals 3
FC Bolts Celtic 2, Cal Odyssey 0
Crossfire Premier 2, Chicago Magic 0
Charlotte Soccer Academy 2, Oakwood SC 0
NJSA 3, Nomads 0
Kendall 1, San Juan SC 0
Pateadores 3, Vardar 2
New England Revolution 2, Crew Soccer Academy 1
PDA 0, St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri 0
Texans SC 2, FC Delco 0
Lonestar 3, Real So Cal 2
Colorado Rush 2, Chargers SC 1
Dallas Texans 3, Revolution Empire 1
Andromeda 4, Richmond Kickers 1
Met Oval 2, Orlando City 2

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