The U-23s scrimmaged the Under-17 Residency program, taking on the '92s in the first half and the '91s in the second. Both 17 squads held their own against the "big boys" but the final score was 7-1. Three goals were scored in the first half, and the second half was 4-1, with Jack McInerney tallying for the '91s.
Charlie Davies opened the scoring for the 23s in the 9th minute, jumping on a loose ball and powering through the defense. In the 24th minute, Arturo Alvarez put away a header and Davies' second goal of the half came off a through ball (remember, we told you he was fast!).
In the second half against the '91s, Chad Barrett scored a penalty kick after Johann Smith drew the foul in the box. Robbie Findley scored on a breakaway, edging out Kofi Sarkodie and sliding to get the ball past Zac MacMath. Barrett scored again after Eric Avila received a short corner and crossed it into the box.
McInerney's goal came next, as the 16-year-old roofed a Greg Garza cross into the net from close range, getting the 17s on the board. Smith rounded out the scoring for the 23s, beating a defender down his left wing, cutting back and hitting a shot from just inside the box.
The game was hard fought by both sides, as there were 20 fouls and two yellow cards issued between the squads. Ultimately, the 23s out muscled and outpaced the 17s, but that was expected by both sides. The younger guys have something to work toward, playing against college and pro players, while the 23s were happy to work together instead of against each other. Both teams walked off the field with quite a bit of respect for each other.
2 comments:
I'm sure that this game was a lot of fun to watch. Any chance you could post some video of the goals scored?
One question...how did a 26 year old score against the U-23s? ;)
Last I checked McInerney was 15 and not 26.
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