U16 Dev. Academy quarterfinal preview
The 2016 Development Academy season is winding down, as 16 teams remain in the U16 and U18 age groups tussling for this summer’s crown.
U16 teams return to action on Wednesday with four quarterfinal games to take place around the country. Here’s what you need to know about the quartet of games.
(All games on Wednesday, July 6, times listed as EST)
Chicago Fire at Weston FC, 5 p.m.
Where: FIU Soccer Stadium/Miami, Florida
Preview: Hosts Weston progressed from its group with a win and two draws in Texas, scoring at least two goals in each match on the way to winning what could be seen as a relatively easy group. The Florida side has proven its quality over the course of the season and boasts a potent offense that scored 85 times this past season. Keeping the score low would certainly aid the Fire’s cause, as they’ve been a defensively stout team that’s managed to score timely goals this year. Nothing will change this time out, and each team will lean on its strength.
Players to Watch: One of the wildcards for this week will be George Acosta. The U.S. U17 MNT ace has turned out just eight times for Weston, though he’s bagged 12 goals. He’s unlikely to feature, however. Sebastian Betancur and Carlos Dulcey combined to score five goals in Frisco and will need to come up big again. Anthony Markanich, Christian Marquez and Andrew Akindele all played significant minutes in the group stage for the Fire, with the latter the team’s leading scorer. If Weston manages an early goal, Akindele could become a critical figure to comeback efforts.
Prediction: Weston FC 2-1 Chicago Fire
FC Golden State at Real Colorado, 8 p.m.
Where: University of Denver/Denver, Colorado
Preview: Sitting deep and playing for the draw it needed, Real Colorado got the job done on the final day of the Academy Playoffs, drawing 0-0 against San Jose Earthquakes. The Colorado side can’t be underestimated, emerging out of the Frontier Division in second place and boasting a nice defensive record. Like its opponent, FC Golden State went unbeaten down in Texas, and with a quality setup and lineup, can certainly get the job done in Denver.
Players to Watch: Dorian Morrison, Kevin Cervantes and Roberto Garcia Vargas all reached double digits in goals scored for FC Golden State, which has a diversity of technical and tricky attackers that will pose a challenge for Real Colorado. John Anderson led the team in starts this season and can help Golden State win the midfield battle. While Rhys De Sota and his 27 goals this season immediately jumps off the page, Real Colorado is more than a one-man team. Jared Jungjohann, Bailey Heller and Liam Johnson have been among the most constant players on the team sheet, and will be crucial once again.
Prediction: Real Colorado 0-2 FC Golden State
Real Salt Lake at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Toyota Soccer Center/Frisco, Texas
Preview: The matchup of the round sees RSL return to Frisco with the hosts as the favorites, despite the AZ outfit beating Dallas at the Winter Showcase in Florida last December. FCD has just two losses on the season (both coming at that showcase), and swept past its group opponents with relative ease. After outscoring three opponents 11-1, FC Dallas has the horses to punch a ticket to the semifinal.
Players to Watch: The hosts have a number of weapons that can do a job, including Jesus Ferreira Castro and Bryan Reynolds, a promising young forward playing up an age group. Perhaps their most impressive player at the playoffs was midfielder Brandon Servania, who is an impressive and talented ball hawk. This RSL team does not lack in talent, however. Anchored by center back Mckay Eves, the midfield buzzes with players like Taylor Booth, Aristotle Zarris and Luis Arriaga. The question remains whether or not that will be enough to beat FC Dallas on home turf.
Prediction: FC Dallas 3-1 Real Salt Lake
Real So Cal at LA Galaxy, 10:30 p.m.
Where: Stub Hub Center/Carson, Calif.
Preview: For the fourth time this season, the Southwest Division rivals match up against one another, this time with a spot in the semifinals on the line. Real So Cal won two of those three previous meetings, including a 4-1 victory back on June 5. There should be little between these two teams as they take the field at the Stub Hub Center.
Players to Watch: Carlos Anguiano starred during playoffs, even though if a lot of what he excels at doesn’t show up in goals or assists. Five players have hit double-digit goal totals this year, including Misael Becerra, Jonathan Estrada and Jorge Hernandez among them. Real So Cal doesn’t have the prolific offense that the Galaxy calls upon, though Jason Manning is a terror for any defender to try and cope with.
Prediction: LA Galaxy 1-2 Real So Cal
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