SARASOTA, Florida - It was so hot at the US Soccer Development Academy Spring Showcase Sunday that goalkeepers could’ve fried cajun omelettes right on their goal posts.

That’s how it felt, anyway. And as the Florida temperatures reached a humid 90 degrees it clearly started to take its toll on the players and the quality of the matches. The majority of the clubs present aren’t used to the Sarasota climate which is difficult to prepare for or adjust to. More than usual, players are stopping in mid-action for needed drinks of water and Gatorade and by the time the second half rolls around plenty of guys are looking gassed.

That was evident in a match between the U16 Mustang SC and International, when a referee had to implore the International team to throw the ball in play four times while they took advantage of a dead-ball situation by getting some much-needed rest.

The week-long forecast of rain storms is actually sounding pretty good right about now.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

A few notable performers from Day 2 Action:

 - U16 FC Delco goalie Max Kurtzman: Not only did he come up with enough saves to preserve his team’s 2-1 victory over Vardar, but he showed savvy and gamesmanship when his team needed it. With Vardar coming on late in the second half, Kurtzman held the ball an extra few seconds after surrendering a goal, and curiously took off his gloves and adjusted his guards in the closing minutes - buying enough time to thwart a rally.

 - U16 Texas SC forward Leobardo Vazquez: He’s a fluid forward who plays with freedom and is a joy to watch. Vazquez scored the game-winning goal late in the second half of his team’s 2-1 victory over PA Classics.

 - U18 Concorde Fire attacker Malcom Miller: He has speed, and a compact but sturdy build. Miller contributed a goal during Concode’s 3-0 rout over Washington Premier FC.     

 - The U18 Irvine Strikers picked up their second straight win in an exciting 3-2 triumph over Empire United. Midfielder Kovi Konowiecki scored a pivotal second-half goal and created good opportunities with his speed. Alec Sundly was impressive with his ball control for the Strikers while Aaron Kasser and Gavin Lamming also added scores.

 - U18 Albertson jumped all over Portland FC 5-0 in the most lopsided match of the day. Joey D’Antonio scored twice while Zach Kupfer, Tyler Arnone and Brian Rogers joined the scoring as well. 

 - The US U20 Men’s National Team enjoyed a light scrimmage with 25-minute halves. As U17 coach Wilmer Cabrera did Saturday, head coach Thomas Rongen conducted a seminar - only his was during the action, as he talked the crowd of predominately coaches through the action.

US U20 NATIONAL TEAM BLUE
Kyle Davies, Dilly Duka, Jorge Flores, Jared Jeffrey, Peri Marosevic, Aaron Maund, Kevin Mejia, Brian Ownby, Brian Perk, Scott Prozeller, Tony Taylor, Anthony Wallace, Sheanon Williams.

US U20 NATIONAL TEAM RED
Danny Cruz, Jose Gonzalez, Luis Angel Gil, Fuad Ibrahim, Sean Johnson, Gerson Mayen, Alfredo Morales, Norberto Ochoa, Ike Opara, Michael Stephens, Guillermo Torres, Matt Weit, Andrew Wenger.

 
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