TAMPA, Fla. - The MetroStars U-16s played Florida's West Kendall to a 1-1 draw at Ed Racine Park Sunday afternoon. The team already secured a place in the knockout stages and rested many of their starters.
However, the U-16s still played hard against West Kendall, controlling play in the first half. West Kendall's defense was able to withstand several good scoring chances by the MetroStars. But the MetroStars were finally able to crack through the opposing defense in the 40th minute when Mario Rios scored off an assist from Nestor Grance.
Play was more even in the second half and West Kendall was able to get chances in the MetroStars' end. The referee then awarded a controversial penalty kick to West Kendall when a player was taken down in the box.
West Kendall converted on the penalty kick and the score remained tied till the end of the game.
Coach Paul O'Donnell was confident that resting his players would give them a clear advantage going into the knockout stage.
"We rested six or seven starters and the guys still did a great job against a quality team," he said. "We were happy with the result. We just wanted to keep everyone fit and healthy for the semifinal tomorrow."
Rios thought teamwork was the key to the team's success in the semifinals.
"I think we have a great team - especially because we work together," he said. "I think we have a good chance to win."
The MetroStars first team assistant coach Des McAleenan was also on hand at the U-16 game, scouting potential recruits for the first team. McAleenan was impressed with what he saw.
"I've been very pleased with what I've seen," he said. "They've done a tremendous job in representing the organization. There are definitely some players for the future."
The pairing for the semifinals were announced, with Santa Clara playing Vancouver, and the MetroStars playing tournament hosts H.C. United. The U-16s are in for a tough game with H.C. United winning its last game 4-0.
However, U16 assistant coach Vadim Kirillov feels the MetroStars are up for the challenge. When asked about how confident he was about going into the semifinals, Kirillov answered, "Very confident, because we rested a few key players, so we're fresh and ready for tomorrow."
U-14s advance with 3-0 rout of Del Ray
The MetroStars U-14 team did everything they needed to do against Del Ray to win their group and clinch a spot in the knockout stage, recording a 3-0 victory at the University of South Florida campus Sunday afternoon.
The MetroStars U-14s will play in the semifinal match for the national championship on Monday.
From the start of the game, the MetroStars left no doubts about who the best team on the field was. They tested the Del Ray 'keeper early and often. The MetroStars also dominated possession, and Del Ray's only option was to clear the ball up the field.
In the eighth minute, the MetroStars opened the scoring with a header by striker Yannick Smith. His looping header was mishandled by the 'keeper and fell into the net.
The MetroStars kept up the pressure and in the 30th minute were rewarded when Sam Faeflen capitalized on a rebound and rocketed the ball into the back of the net.
During the half, head coach Stan Lembryk warned a team to come out strong.
"We begin the second half the way we started the game," he said. "What happened yesterday (against the Vancouver Whitecaps) the first couple minutes of the second half? We got caught napping."
The U-14s heeded his advice, and Smith was able to get his second goal of the game just minutes after the restar. He blasted his way past two defenders and got off a powerful right-footed shot from 15 yards out that flew into the bottom right corner.
Smith was delighted at the team's performance.
"We played real good," he said. "It's the best we've played ever and I'm really glad we're going through to the semifinals. Hopefully we'll keep it up."
Smith's second two-goal game in the first three matches of the tournament. Another standout in the game was Robert Santaniello, who recorded two assists.
Giovanni Savarese, director of youth development for the MetroStars, was pleased that the U-14s were able to maintain their composure, considering it was their first time playing in this tournament.
"Being this was their first time in the Super Y-League finals, they were a little nervous," he said. "They were unsure of what the competition was going to be like."
Savarese was confident the team would make a strong showing in the knockout stage.
"They have definitely been progressing positively," he said. "I think they are going to look strong for the semifinals."
Lembryk was statisfied with the team's performance and said, "I think we were very well prepared. The guys had a very strong mentality. We took care of what we had to."
