The U16 Development Academy quarterfinals kick off on Wednesday with a number of MLS academies vying for a spot in Southern California for the semifinals next week. Out of the eight teams left, there are six MLS academies. Georgia United and Beachside SC are flying the flag for the non-MLS academies. How long will they last?
TopDrawerSoccer previews the action and offers predictions for all four games.
FC Dallas (19-3-5) vs. Beachside SC (13-5-8)
How they got here: FC Dallas won Group B with a commanding performance in Indiana. FC Dallas did not allow a goal during the three games and finished with a perfect 3-0 record. Beachside SC finished atop Group E with a 2-0-1 record after a late goal on the final day of play secured a draw against Orlando City and sent the Northeast team into this round of the playoffs for the first time in the club’s history.
Players to watch: FC Dallas’ success comes from a commitment of every player on the team to buy into a style of play and an unequal determination to play a high-pressure, trapping game. Head coach Luchi Gonzalez puts a lot of trust in his players and his players have responded brilliantly with some of the best soccer in the Development Academy this season. There are a number of players who have been brilliant for FC Dallas along the way and are key to the success of the team, but Weston McKennie’s leadership from the center of the field has been great to watch. McKennie has flourished under Gonzalez’s coaching and become one of the best midfielders in the Academy. For Beachside, this is the story of a team that won’t quit. Three of the five goals Beachside scored during the playoffs came in the 55th minute or later while the team was trailing. While the scorers drew the acclaim in Indiana, it’s likely up to goalkeeper Noah Lawrence to see this team through to the semifinals. FC Dallas is going to get its chances on Wednesday. Can Lawrence come up with the saves when called upon?
Prediction: FC Dallas 1-0 Beachside SC
