The U.S. Soccer Development Academy Finals Week kicked off with a bang on Saturday, but then hit a plateau and fizzled out quietly as night fell.

Six goals were scored in the first game of the day, which featured all U15/16 teams, but spectators were treated to only three scores in the final three games combined. Still, for soccer enthusiasts, goals are not all that matter.

There was plenty of other action to keep everyone entertained – so let’s dive right in.

The 2010 Academy Finals are underway

Cal Odyssey 4 – 2 CASL Chelsea  

After giving up an Academy-low 12 goals over the course of a 28 game season, CASL found itself in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable 2-0 hole against Odyssey at halftime.

CASL dominated possession but couldn’t handle Odyssey’s counterattacking speed, and Odyssey took advantage with quick goals from Daniel Flores and Villyan Bijev in the first half. Vicente Rodarte struck immediately after halftime for a 3-0 advantage, and CASL was left scrambling.

CASL finally began flexing its muscle when Monbo Bokar netted two goals to cut Odyssey’s lead to 3-2 with 10 minutes left, and for a while it appeared CASL might pull off the unthinkable.

But Bijev stuck the dagger with a low shot into the left corner in the 80th minute, and the game was over.

A great start for Odyssey, while second-seeded CASL is already in hot water.

Baltimore Bays Chelsea 0 – 0 Internationals

Baltimore came in as the favorite in this game and was given every chance to win it, but left the field frustrated after a scoreless draw against Internationals.

Baltimore central midfielder Logan McHugh was dynamic before leaving with a knee injury in the second half, and created several dangerous chances early on. The best came on great through ball to Joseph Glos, who scored but was quickly ruled offside.

The Bays had another great chance to score when shifty winger Malcolm Harris was taken down by Internationals goalkeeper Brendan Cash in the penalty area, and the ever-dangerous Michael Gamble lined up for the ensuing penalty kick.

But Cash guessed correctly, and made an amazing diving save to deny Gamble the easy score.

Baltimore squandered its chances, but credit the Internationals’ defense for the shutout. Vlad Lekarov performed admirably directing the back line, while midfielder Nicholas Parianos kept the pressure off by generating some offense of his own.

Neither side will be satisfied with the draw, but both remain in decent position to advance.

De Anza Force 0 – 0 D.C. United

The second scoreless draw of the day really should never have been.

De Anza’s Christian Dean, Hector Herrera and Stefano Bonomo created countless scoring chances, but the ball just would not find the net.

Bonomo had one of the day’s prettiest plays when he got under a deflected cross and received it on his thigh, and hit it on goal one-touch from 20 yards out. But the United goalie made a split second move to parry the shot away.

Quinoa Bailey and Cody Albrecht of United showed flashes of brilliance, but De Anza were dominant as a team, and should be kicking themselves after failing to capitalize on their many scoring chances.  

Chicago Fire 2 – 1 Sockers FC

In a game of huge momentum swings, The Sockers dominated the entire first half, with midfielders David Selvaggi and Luke Comerouski working tirelessly to swing the ball and create chances from all over the field.

But the Fire settled in at the second half whistle, pushed forward and started threatening the Sockers goal. Manuel Rios earned a penalty kick in the 65th minute, and Victor Pineda finished calmly to put Fire ahead 1-0.

Damien Sampson countered minutes later by following up a rebound to even the score for the Sockers at one, but on the ensuing kickoff, Fire defenseman Keaton Albert pushed forward, received a ball at the top of the penalty area, and made the play of his life:

“The ball came to me and I was able to control it,” recalled Albert after the game. “I shot and it felt really good coming off my foot. The world just stopped, everything went in slow-motion, and the next thing I know it’s inside the far post and it’s a goal. It was unreal. I’m a right back and I never score, so I was just so excited to score and get my team the win.”

It was a triumphant end to game that saw two different Fire teams. After a frantic and disorganized first half, the Fire found a rhythm in the second, and generated enough chances for the win.

“In the second half, we were able to get the nerves out,” coach Larry Sunderland said. “We were very tight in the first half. A lot of these guys have never been on this stage before, so at halftime we talked to the guys, told them to relax and enjoy the environment, and they did. I thought in the second half you could see a marked improvement in what we were doing, and you can see the results.”

After one day of action, here’s a look at the U15/16 standings:

Group One

Chicago Fire Academy: 3 points
De Anza Force: 1
D.C. United Academy: 1
Sockers FC: 0

Group Two

Cal Odyssey: 3 points
Internationals: 1
Baltimore Bays Chelsea: 1
CASL Chelsea FC Academy: 0

On Day 2, we’ll have a full slate of U17/18 games. Here’s what to watch for:

Group One:

FC Dallas vs. Crossfire Premier
CASL Chelsea FC Academy vs. Derby County Wolves

Group Two:

Baltimore Bays Chelsea vs. Concorde Fire
Vardar vs. Real So Cal