U16 & U18 USSDA vs MSOE and Marian College Pre-Season Games Net Results and Insights
Germantown,WI-On August 28th, FC Milwaukee's United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) U16 and U18 teams took to FC Milwaukee soccer fields for evening friendly matches against MSOE to continue pre-season preparation for the upcoming season.
The outcomes against MSOE were mixed with the U18s falling 1-2 in a regulation length match; and the U16s claiming a 2-0 win in a 45 minute match versus MSOE's reserve squad. Marcelle Moss tallied for the U18s in the 2nd half, while Nick Moon and Braden Andryk found the back of the net for the 16s.
FC Milwaukee USSDA Coaches Phil Presser and Jon Coleman saw tremendous value from each team's opportunity to play against college-aged players, themselves preparing for a season ahead.
"The 18s are beginning to come together after 4 weeks of training. We are still in the process of aligning different personalities together and figuring out the best positions for a few players to give this team the best advantage when competing in league play," Coach Presser remarked.
Disappointed with the U18 squad's individual defending and ability to immediately chase after losing possession, Coleman continued, "We must be more efficient in our defensive principles all over the field in order to savor our energy for key opportunities to attack."
The U16 play was closer to the approach the coaches are looking for with immediate pressure applied to the ball by frontrunners and attacking midfielders and a sense of security derived from the cohesiveness of the back line. The result: 1 shot allowed over the course of forty-five minutes. "Defensively the boys were once again secure in the back."
Coaches Presser, Coleman and USSDA team members extend their gratitude to former US National Team member, UW-Milwaukee alum, FC Milwaukee staffer and MSOE Coach Jimmy Banks for including FC Milwaukee in his team's busy pre-season preparations. Such opportunities are unique and invaluable for our players' long-term development.
On August 24th, the 18s traveled to Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin to play a full ninety minute match against Marian College.
After falling behind 0-1 in the 25th minute, Marcelle Moss notched the equalizer with an assist from Alex Masbruch in the 70th minute. In the 80th minute, Braden Andryk scored the game winner assisted by Nate Steinert.
Due to injuries, 5 U16s were called up to participate in the match. Center back Keoni Bailey played 90 minutes.
Coaches Presser and Coleman were pleased with the resilience and character on display in what turned out to be an exciting match to watch. Coach Coleman added "our 1v1 defending was a lot better, as was our team defending. Tonight's performance showed an understanding of how we want to play and how each player's ability will contribute to that. Hard work and discipline within our system will lead to favorable results."
Next up: The U16 and U18 Academy teams will travel to the Chicago Fire facility in Bridgeview, IL September 8th and 9th, to play in their final friendlies prior to the season opener against Shattuck St. Mary's, September 15th.
