SARASOTA, Florida – Within five minutes of watching the U18 Irvine Strikers march down the field against Bridge FA on Monday at the US Soccer Development Academy Spring Showcase, one thing was certain:

This could get ugly.

Bridge FA was reeling from injuries (midfielder Randall Eads was out), U16 guys playing up a level (including brother Wesley Eads), and some of their standouts fulfilling other obligations – mainly striker Justin Watson, an explosive player who was with the U18 National Team.

On the other hand, the Strikers came into the match playing some of their best soccer and the good form continued during a 5-1 rout.

The Strikers attacked from the outset, connecting on possessions against the defenseless South Carolina team. Alec Sundly was aggressive and had some good looks early, before following up his own shot for a goal midway through the first half.

Sundly took a good ball from Kovi Konowiecki, a quick midfielder who had a strong week with three goals in as many games.

To their credit, Bridge FA played hard throughout match, but couldn’t get much going save for a late goal.

Patrick Matchett led a strong defensive stand for Irvine and Bridge played into the Strikers’ hands by turning the ball over.

Matchett, who has good size and marks well, added the team’s second goal on an easy run out late in the opening half.

Konowiecki added a goal in the second half and the blowout was on for the Strikers, who finished the showcase with a 3-0 record.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

A few notable performers from Day 4 Action:

• U16 Sockers FC forward Tim Kruetz; Recorded a hat trick in his team’s 5-2 victory over D.C. United. Kruetz has good size and plays well alongside fellow striker Thiago Ganancio.

• U18 Dallas Texans midfielder Ray DeLeon; On a team that features size, DeLeon stands out not only as one of the smaller players, but as a play-maker who is dangerous when he’s aggressive.

• U18 De Anza Force midfielder Jenner Fox; Quick and opportunistic, Fox scored in his team’s final-day loss.

• U18 South Charlotte forward Andrew Sperr; Played with a reckless abandonment and was explosive in the air.

• As U16 Real So Cal tried to hold off FC Delco, things got a little chippy and it mostly centered around talented striker Chris Somerville. Somerville made a couple opposing defenders look poor with some shifty moves, and eventually Real So Cal got physical with him, resulting in a yellow card. Somerville returned the favor of physical play with a hard tackle that stung defender Shane Wilson and earned him a red card and an early exit

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