WESTFIELD, Ind. — The U18s kicked off the Development Academy Showcase at Westfield’s new $45 million Grand Park sports complex Monday. The U18s began tournament play with a spark, while the U16s began the week with a handful of showcase games. 

Here’s a brief look at two of Monday’s most noteworthy games.

New England Revolution 1-4 Houston Dynamo

The Dynamo cruised past the New England Revolution 4-1 in styling fashion, enjoying picturesque ball movement and holding the majority of the possession. The victory will give the Dynamo much needed momentum heading into the thick of the tournament later this week.

Houston struck for a 1-0 lead just ten minutes into the game, thanks to a stunning cross and finish that got the team off and running. New England soon tied it up as Leonardo Alves scored in the 24th minute to keep the Revolution in contention. 

However, that was all New England was able to work with as the Dynamo took a controlling 3-1 lead at the half with thanks in part to a goal from Northwestern-bound striker Elochukwu Ozumba.  

One more goal put the game away in the second half as the Dynamo took a commanding lead and didn't look back. New England didn’t finish the way they wished and were accompanied by two second-half yellow cards.

Both teams will take the field again Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. as the Houston Dynamo will take on the Capital Area Railhawks and the New England Revolution will face Chivas USA. 

Vancouver Whitecaps 2-2 Solar Chelsea 

In a game that was on the verge of becoming a blowout in the Whitecaps' favor, Solar Chelsea battled back by scoring two goals in the second half to salvage a draw in tournament play. Each team will look to bounce back on Tuesday as they both feel they could’ve nipped the full three points. 

A complete set of flawless passing lead to Vancouver’s first goal of the game just 20 minutes in. Not even ten minutes later, Ali Musse scored another goal for the Whitecaps to give them a comfortable 2-0 lead at the half.

Solar Chelsea fought back in the second half by bossing possession and providing a number of positive chances for a hungry stable of forwards. That paid off in the form of Toryima Asom, who led the way for Chelsea scoring both of their second half goals. Asom, who has blistering quickness and substantial precision, will be an important player to watch this week.

Vancouver and Solar will both be in action again Tuesday at 10 a.m. Vancouver will face Georgia United and Solar will face Bethesda-Olney. 

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