PHOENIX, AZ (December 4, 2009) - FC DELCO kicked off the first day at the 2009 US Soccer Development Academy Winter Showcase in Phoenix Arizona against the Concorde Fire of Atlanta Georgia with mixed results. The weather here in Phoenix is perfect for soccer with game time conditions of sunny skies, temperatures in the 60s and a light breeze. This year’s Winter Showcase is being held at the Reach 11 Complex with 17 manicured over-seeded bermuda grass pitches. For the second year the Nike Friendlies and Winter Showcase are being combined to produce the highest level of youth soccer on display in the United States.
The first DELCO game pitted the under-15/16 squad against the Concorde Fire. From the off the obvious difference between the two squads was size. Concorde’s full time squad is made up entirely of 93s while FC DELCO has a blend of 93s through 95s with several of their 93s playing on the under-17/18 squad. Concorde scored in the opening minute when a lazy pass across the back was intercepted. The Fire forward was quickly in on goal putting DELCO in a early hole. For the remainder of the first half DELCO found it difficult coping with the size, speed and direct play from the Fire. Fortunately Concorde found it difficult to put the ball on frame despite being given several clear chances. While Concorde clearly had the physical advantage, they used it to play a very unattractive style of soccer.
This game was clearly a "Tale of Two Halves." As is usually the case with FC DELCO, they clearly won halftime. Coach Coleman and his staff did a tremendous job of making the necessary adjustments and the squad responded accordingly. From the opening tap of the second half DELCO controlled the action; dominating possession and getting several quality looks at goal. Defensively DELCO organized very well limiting the Fire to 1 shot (unfortunately the game winner) as opposed to 10 in the first half. In the 52nd minute, during one of their sustained offensive assaults, DECLO’s Zach Pfeffer finished a beautiful multi-player combination play, with Michael Gonzales and Harrison Kendall providing the assists, equalizing the score. Late in the game the Fire countered against the run of play with a long ball over the top to their lone forward. A struggle ensued with the final bounce falling in favor of the Fire. For the second time DELCO’s Max Kurtzman found himself exposed. The Fire finished their only shot of the half collecting all 3 points. While the loss was hard to take, the young DELCO team clearly discovered that they had the game to play at this level.
Boxscore
Fire DELCO
Score 2 1
Shots (on goal) 11(4) 5(2)
Fouls 10 8
Corners 8 2
Saves 1 2
Yellow 0 0
Red 0 0
The under-17/18 game was a little more evenly matched in size and speed but again the style of play was consistent; with DELCO preferring to keep the ball on the floor and playing through the midfield and Concorde playing more direct and trying to leverage their perceived speed advantage up top. Again this Concorde team played very physically. As an Academy club, Concorde has amassed a total of 47 cards (5 red) in 14 games for each squad. In first half stoppage time a DELCO defensive error on the end line resulted in an easy Fire goal against the run of play. It would have been easy for FC DELCO’s 18s to hang their heads with an 0-3 record and giving up a late half goal in their first Showcase game; but, that’s simply not in their DNA.
For the second time in as many games, FC DELCO clearly won the halftime. Head Coach and Academy Director, Alan Mezger, made some quality adjustments and key substitutions that proved to be the difference. DELCO’s Zach Shiposh and Tom Palmer came on in the 52nd and 60th minute respectively and immediately began putting pressure on the Fire back line. Palmer and Schmid combined in the 84th minute to put Dan Kursman-Neri in position at the top of the box. Kursman didn’t disappoint with a beautifully placed left foot effort that didn’t give the Fire stopper a chance. Coach Mezger was faced with a dilemma; reorganize his back line to secure the single point, or press for all three. The truth is always somewhere in between. Mezger did reorganize his back line but maintained his attacking shape in the middle and final thirds. After several quality looks that simply weren’t finished, DELCO’s Schmid took possession just outside the box and proceeded to take on most of the Fire defense. After beating three defender the fourth stepped in and brought Schmid down in the box. The official pointed to the spot and DELCO found themselves up 2:1 on Schmid’s PK. The excitement wasn’t over yet though. Late in stoppage time, FC DELCO gave away a bad foul about 25yds out in front of goal. The Fire attacker got off a quality attempt that was headed for the upper 90. Fortunately for DELCO the man between the pipes, Bobby Rosato, was up to the challenge; safely collecting the ball while not giving up the corner.
While DELCO’s under-17/18s secured their first three points clearly there is still plenty room for improvement. Stay tuned for Sunday’s update when FC DELCO is playing last year’s national champions Derby County Wolves.
Boxscore
Fire DELCO
Score 1 2
Shots (on goal) 12(6) 8(5)
Fouls 10 10
Corners 3 2
Saves 3 5
Yellow 1 2
Red 0 0
