Day 5: Bulls Fall to LAFC in Super-Y Final
Despite a strong performance, the Red Bulls U-16 team fell to Los Angeles Futbol Club, 2-0, in the Super-Y League finals championship game at Ed Radice Sports Complex in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday.
In a match that featured two 40 minute halves, LAFC went ahead in the 43rd minute when they slotted it in from close range after a free kick was played into the box. Fourteen minutes from time, LAFC doubled their advantage after knocking home a corner kick.
"I think we played very well and for most of the game, I think we were the better side," said Red Bulls head coach Stan Lembryk. "Unfortunately, we got caught on two set pieces we were beaten on."
The Red Bulls were able to control most of the first half, but could not put any shots into the back of the net. Coming into the match, the Red Bulls only conceded one goal and posted a 3-0-1 record during the tournament.
"Overall, I really have to compliment the players on representing the Red Bulls well both on and off the field. I think they were outstanding," Lembryk said.
During the past year, the U-16s have competed in the MLS Academy Tournament in Colorado, traveled to Spain over the summer to partake in a top international youth tournament and advanced to the Super-Y championship match.
According to Lembryk, all of these experiences have helped his players develop.
"This is a classic example of preparing our players because each year, we've done better at this tournament and each year, we've been able to play against teams from across the country," Lembryk said. "During this year, we've played against a number of different teams and different styles and adjusted well, and this only bodes well for the future."
Day 4: Red Bulls Advance to Finals
Thanks to a 27th minute goal by Brooklyn, NY product, Giorgi Chirgadze, the Red Bulls U-16s advanced to the Super-Y League Finals championship game by defeating Musting SC (California), 1-0.
Chirgadze, the team's leading scorer with three goals, put the Red Bulls in front when he gathered a through ball from Oscar Gonzalez, faced goal and blasted it into the upper 90. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls' defense continued its dominant form that it has exhibited throughout the tournament, earning its third shutout in four games.
"I believe their commitment to keeping it very simple and limiting other teams' opportunities is good," said Head Coach Stan Lembryk of his team's defense. "They're really putting in the effort and it's not easy, especially when you're playing five straight days."
The Red Bulls attacked from the start, putting a number of chances on the Mustangs. New York has only conceded one goal in this tournament.
"We came out with the same plan and the success so far is due to the fact that we've been very successful defensively," Lembryk said. "On the other end, we've been fortunate enough to create some opportunities and capitalize on them."
Next up for the Red Bulls in the final on Tuesday is Los Angeles Football Club, who defeated RSL Arizona, 1-0.
"They're a very athletic, solid team. They have a couple of special players in the midfield and up top. I anticipate it to be a very tight game," Lembryk said. "Like anyone would be, we're very excited because we've been here before. We just need to go out and continue to do what we've been doing."
Day 3: U-16s Advance to Semifinals
Going into Game Three of the Super-Y League National Finals, the Red Bulls were well aware of the situation. United 1996 FC had defeated Ottawa earlier in the day giving them five points for the tournament. With the Red Bulls coming into their game with four points, that meant a win was the best possible way to ensure a trip to the semifinals. Not only did the Red Bulls win, they did it in explosive fashion defeating Schulz Academy of Boca Raton, Florida, 4-1. With the win, the Red Bulls are through to the Semifinals, and they received the top seed for that round. They will face the Mustang Soccer Club from California Monday.</p>
Schulz Academy struck first to go up 1-0, but that lead was far from secure against this Red Bulls squad. Joey Spivack equalized for the Red Bulls with an unbelievable volley from 35 yards out to give the squad some momentum. Georgi Chirgadze booted the second one home from 25 yards out to put the Red Bulls ahead to stay. Eric Jorgensen, who intercepted a pass, beat two players and finished it to increase the lead. With two minutes left, Jake Roca put the game out reach scoring for the Red Bulls to make it a 4-1 final.
"Our team defense was solid again," said Head Coach Stan Lembryk, "It was our first goal against in three games; the four goals were nice, and the team showed great character being down 1-0, and coming back to win and earn the top seed in the whole tournament. The team unity has been great," Lembryk said.
"Everyone is contributing which is very positive, and we're playing good team defense, and you know it's hard to lose games if you are not giving up goals," said Lembryk, "We are getting better and better each game. We're getting results from everyone so it's not as if we're relying on one guy.
"Several players are contributing, and if you add to the total team defense we've been playing and good goalkeeping the results have been there. It's the second time in three years we have made it this far. We are looking forward to getting the opportunity to make it to the finals." Two more wins are needed in order to earn the championship trophy. The Red Bulls will take on Mustang Football Club, the winners of Group D, while the other game pits Real Salt Lake Arizona against the Los Angeles Football Club.
Day 2: Bulls Secure Tie with United 96
Coming off of a strong 1-0 win against the Ottawa Fury, the Red Bulls knew that the task would be just as difficult against the offensive-minded United 1996 squad from Kentucky. It proved to be difficult, but the Red Bulls put together a strong defensive effort, good enough to secure a 0-0 tie, 1 point, and a chance to advance without needing any assistance from other teams.</p>
While the Red Bulls were kept off the scoreboard, they kept their second opponent off the board as well. "Travis Ives was outstanding in goal," said Head coach Stan Lembryk, "Defensively, as a unit we were very organized and limited opportunities for '96. We knew they were a good attacking team so they did well. We control our own destiny which is a good thing so we are not relying on anybody so we know if we get a good result we move on."
The Red Bulls will be keeping an eye on the other matches. "Ottawa and United will be a good game because Ottawa is strong," said Lembryk "But '96 has some talented players up front. It will be a close game." Mp> Should the Red Bulls move on, they will not know their opponent due to seeding. A win would mark a bit of revenge for some of this group from their knockout in the Group Stage last year.
Day 1: Red Bulls Race Past Ottawa Fury
It has been said that the first game of a tournament always sets the tone for the rest of the way. If that is the case, then the Red Bulls U-16 squad is in very good shape. The team put forth a strong effort in their first game in the Super-Y League National Finals Friday, defeating the Ottawa Fury of Canada 1-0.</p>
Having been to the finals for the last two years, this group certainly had the experience and was hoping to put it together this year. In what turned out to be a very hard fought, and physical game, the Red Bulls are off on the right foot. Making the most of your opportunities are what it's all about which was the squad did today. In the 68th minute, Eric Jorgensen played a diagonal ball into space where it was booted home with a left footed volley from Georgi Chirgadze who ran onto the ball and finished it.
Once the Red Bulls got that goal, it was about clamping down defensively and shutting down Ottawa. Head Coach Stan Lembryk said of the goalkeeping and defense, "Travis Ives finished with 6 saves, and made a great save at the end to preserve a shutout. The defense played strong as a group led by Jorgensen, Sacir Hot, Kevin Finnegan, and Franco Gamero."
Said Lembryk, on what the team must improve upon to continue to get results, "We need to try to keep the ball a little more and not give it up. We can always create more opportunities. I thought Ottawa was a very strong and good team to get a good result against. It was a good start and good first game of the tournament. Also, getting Oscar Gonzalez back will help as well. It was good to win without Oscar, and we are looking forward to having him come back for the second game. It's a good lift for us."
Overall, it was a strong effort from the team getting that important first win in a tournament situation where the first win is so important. The team showed great composure with a good group effort. Lembryk spoke highly of the team effort, "We played well as a team, got that first win, and showed good composure with the lead while under pressure from a good team and finished it off."
