Academy Game Reports - January 12th & 13th

U-16 Strikers Academy 0-1 U-16 CASL Academy

The U16 Strikers dropped a close contest against Raleigh CASL 1-0. During a first half dominated by CASL, the Red and Black would open the scoring in the 20th minute from a cross. For the Strikers, David Walden struck a 30 yard free kick but saw his attempt saved well  by CASL goalkeeper. In the second half, Strikers managed to get back in the game and produced more chances around the box without finding the back of the net.

U-16 Strikers Academy 1-2 U-16 Greensboro Academy

Early in the game, Wright gained from a McDonnell dribble in the box but saw his shot deflected by goalkeeper. In the 15th minute, Greensboro took the lead. A good combination in midfield ended up on the left flank from which a cross was sent to the back post for a  crisp finish. RSK 0-1 Greensboro. Four minutes later, an outside midfielder from Greensboro won his one on one on the right side to serve a cross in the air where his teammate finished on a header. RSK 0-2 Greensboro.  Strikers would not give up and pushed for a goal. They were rewarded in the 35th when Schaffer slid past two defenders to chip the ball over the advancing goalkeeper. RSK 1-2 Greensboro.

In the second half, it would remain an even match in which both teams could have scored another goal.

U-18 Strikers Academy 2 – 3 U-18 CASL Academy

The U-18 fell just short in a tough game vs. CASL.  Following a bad clearance, in the 2nd minute, CASL opened the scoring. The game started at a high pace with several quick counterattacks. In the 16th minute, Bates broke free on the left side and fired a shot slightly wide, however,  Wharton was following in,  bundled the ball  into the net. RSK 1-1 CASL. Just before half time, CASL would regain their one goal advantage.

The second half started where it ended: a physical  high paced game controlled by Strikers. In the 48th minute, Anderson found the cross bar on a free kick. 10 minutes later, Ownby beat three defenders to find Wharton who redirected to Haboush who was alone at the back post. RSK 2-2 CASL.  The momentum had shifted, and it was all Strikers. However, CASL, on one of their only chances in the second half scored a third and decisive goal. RSK 2-3 CASL.

U-18 Strikers Academy 0-2 U-18 Greensboro Academy

In a feisty contest, Strikers dropped their 4th loss of the season to Greensboro. Two early strikes in the 16th and 22nd minutes gave Greensboro the lead. The Strikers players, while generous in their efforts, were unable to hold the ball and connect the passes to beat the Greensboro defensive block. A few chances in each half were created but technical breakdown or good defending prevented the Strikers to get on the scoreboard.

Both teams have a bye weekend coming up before traveling to Charlotte on January 26-27