The USSF Developmental Academy season was in full swing last weekend, and there were several lopsided scores, as well as a few tighter results, in U16 West Conference play.

Arsenal FC defeated Cal Odyssey 3-1 to improve their overall record to 10-2-2, best in the West Conference. The beginning of each half decided this game, as Arsenal was propelled by early strikes by Uly Mosqueda (3’, 14’) and Henry Rios (47’).

In their second game of the weekend, Arsenal beat California Development Academy 4-0. Rolando Vasquez scored two goals (18’, 72’) to bookend another fine all-around performance. With the win, Arsenal is officially on fire, having lost only one game in their last 12 contests.

Elsewhere, the Irvine Strikers played their most complete game of the season Saturday, shellacking the Santa Cruz County Breakers 5-0. Juan Miralrio scored two goals.

The Strikers were firing on all cylinders on Saturday and appeared ready to take advantage of last-place Mustang SC, but they stumbled to a 0-0 result on Sunday. Despite playing very well overall – they shut down the Mustang offense and created numerous scoring opportunities themselves – the Strikers were never able to finish and had to settle for the scoreless draw.

In their first game of the weekend, Real So Cal met California Development Academy and left with a 2-0 victory, propelled by Carlos Gonzalez’s two goals. Despite leading the Northwest Division with a 10-4-3 overall record, CDA dropped both its games this weekend, failing to score a single goal.

On Sunday, Real So Cal finished their successful weekend with a convincing 3-1 victory over Cal Odyssey. Carlos Gonzalez and Erick Esquivel each celebrated their fourth goals of the season.

Pateadores was the last team in the West to go 2-0 over the weekend. Despite their last-place position in the So Cal division, they beat Mustangs 1-0 on Saturday and Santa Cruz County Breakers 2-1 on Sunday. It was a good weekend for Pateadores, but let’s see if they can get their first divisional win of the season when divisional play continues next week.

De Anza Force got mixed results this weekend. On Saturday, they beat Nomads SC 3-0 in a game that was closer than its final result. Brendan Ruiz scored an early goal (19’), but the Force had to hold back a furious offensive effort by Nomads before putting the game away with two late goals.

They got a less fortunate result on Sunday, however, losing a close game to the San Diego Surf 1-0 after the Surf’s Colin McAtee knocked in a goal in the 53rd minute.
 
All Academy games are tough, but last weekend was child’s play compared to next weekend’s games. Next week, most of these teams will return to divisional play, where all-important playoff seedings are determined. See you there.