The Halloween weekend saw City’s USSDA (U.S. Soccer Development Academy) U-16 and U-18 teams return home to face IMG Academy in Sanford following last week’s trip to North Carolina. The U-18s continued their tremendous unbeaten start to the season, stretching the run to 10 games. Meanwhile, the U-16s continued their best stretch of play in the season with a draw.
City’s U-16s entered Saturday looking to improve on their successful weekend in North Carolina. The Lions did just that as they routed IMG Academy in a 4-1 victory. Landen Haig led City with a brace, supported by Esteban Carmona and Juan Soto each tallying a goal to put the win beyond doubt.
“We didn’t start well and the first half performance was not in sync with our principles or values regardless of result at the time,” said Head Coach Jeff Negalha. “We were productive in the second half because the players were more aggressive in their decision making. Ultimately this attitude allowed us not to concede and score four good goals.”
The U-18 Lions continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 0-0 draw this past Saturday against the visiting IMG Academy. The team had another strong defensive performance with the clean sheet, but they were unable to finish the multitude of chances they created in the attacking third – resulting in a 0-0 final score.
“The team had a strong second half performance and created a lot of chances but unfortunately we were unable to capitalize,” stated Head Coach Darren Powell. “We are pushing the team to always strive for a complete 90 minute performance of good soccer and hope to see that in our next game.”
The USSDA teams will look to continue their overall success from this weekend as the U-14s return to action this Saturday in Clearwater against Chargers Soccer Club. The U-16 and U-18 Lions won’t return to action until November 14th.
