JACKSON, NJ (March 6, 2010) - FC DELCO’s Under-16 Academy captured a crucial away point Saturday in a divisional contest against newcomer NJSA04 at the Justice Complex in Jackson, NJ. FC DELCO had Brett Campbell to thank for burying the equalizing goal in the 63rd minute after launching a furious counter attack. NJSA04 went ahead early on with a called penalty in area when DELCO’s Shane Campbell was judged to have fouled the NJSA attacker. NJSA04’s Ryan Morris step up to the spot and put his side up in the 16th minute with DELCO’s keeper Max Kurtzman seeming to get his finger tips on the shot. Unfortunately, Kurtzman was not able to keep the ball from finding the back of the net putting NJSA up 1-nil.
Surprisingly, finding themselves behind brought FC DELCO to life and the contest took on a different tone. Challenges came fast and furious and the officiating crew seemed content to "let the boys play." Between the pipes Kurtzman validated the decision to place the captain’s armband on him from the Gaffer by providing the necessary leadership and solid performance one expects from a national caliber goal keeper. Another standout for DELCO was central midfielder Michael Gonzalez. Gonzalez always found himself around the ball; working tirelessly and taking more than his fair share of punishment.
Brett Campbell’s critical equalizing moment was the culmination of an industrious 2nd half that produced more than a few quality opportunities. In the 63rd minute, DELCO’s Kurtzman initiated a quick counter after a stalled NJSA attack by launching a punt down the left side to Andrew Herr. Recognizing the impending pressure Herr was able to quickly flick the ball to Campbell who found himself with only one defender to beat before besting the keeper and equalizing the contest. All in all it was a spirited contested by divisional opponents.
Match Statistics
NJSA FCD
Shots (on goal) 5(2) 10(5)
Fouls 13 10
Corners 5 3
Offsides 3 1
Yellow Cards 1 0
Red Cards 0 0
Saves 4 1
