IMG Cup - College Showcase Day 1 Highlights

by Mike Camunas

March 6, 2015

BRADENTON — Overcast skies and humidity didn't damper Day 1 of the IMG Cup Showcase at the heralded academy south of Tampa Bay. Here are a few notable matches:

U14 ODP MacKain breaks late tie for 3-1 win over U14 ODP Diaz

Both teams scored early at the beginning of both halfs, but it was U14 ODP McKain that put away two late goals to defeat U14 ODP Diaz 3-1 at IMG Academy on Friday afternoon.

McKain, or the Blue Squad, got a quick goal from Autumn Woodard, a speedy forward from Clay County, South Carolina that gave her team a 1-0 lead in to halftime.

Right out the gate in the second half, Megan O'Callahan, a 13-year-old midfielder with the Valkyries FC, tied the game quickly when she cleaned up a rebound off the right post.

Both teams would have chances throughout the second, especially from Woodard, who slide through the Gray Squad's defense easily.

With less than 10 minutes left, McKayla Kerscher from Mequon United broke the tie when her shot was knocked in by a Blue defender.

Just a few minutes later, Kayleigh Goodrich of the Long Island Rough Riders made it 3-1 with a insurance goal when her free kick just a few yards outside the Gray box when Diaz keeper, Lauren Rose of the United Futbol Academy, was unable to control the lob shot.

U16 USL ODP tops IMGA U16 White 2-0

After a scoreless first half, a couple of defensive miscues allowed U16 USL ODP to top IMGA U16 White 2-0 late Friday afternoon at the IMG Cup Showcase in Bradenton.

At about the 50th minute, midfielder Christopher Sanchez sent in a long shot to White keeper Jesus Salamo, who made the initial save, but punched the ball instead of grabbing it and Axel Alvarez buried the loose ball.

At the 65th minute, forward Rueben Cervallos sent in a corner kick from the right side of the field and defender Mauricio Mitre tipped the ball in a clear attempt, but deflected in right into the net for the 2-0 USL lead.

USL dominated most of the game and made the most of its subs by giving the entire roster equal playing time. Jacob Bunker and Joe Estes applied constant pressure, while Sanchez had four shots on goal, including two that rattled off the right post.

USL keeper Isiah Handspike lived up to his namesake and made two great saves by spiking the ball away with hand, plus made five overall saves for the shutout.

U16 Celtic FC Florida 99 v VA Legacy SC

Celtic needed just an early a goal and a late insurance goal to top VA Legacy SC 2-0 on Friday evening at the IMG Cup Showcase.

Stopper Teagan Payne cleaned up an early corner kick, then Celtic had numerous chances throughout the game, including Gabrelle John and Regan Burtzlaff each hitting the post on shots.

However, with just a few minutes left in the game, John would send an uncontested shot for the late goal.

Celtic controlled most of the game, with Payne commanding the back line and Alexis Madrid controlling the midfield.

Celtic keeper Bria Riancho face just two shots, made one save and faced little opposition for the shutout.