The NCFC Youth Academy wrapped up its biggest competition of the season so far at the U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy Winter Showcase in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., last week. The event, which drew in 76 U17 and 72 U19 Boys' Academy clubs from across the country, featured some of the highest levels of competition the NCFC Academy sides have faced all season. The NCFC Youth Academy teams held their own on the big stage, compiling a combined record of 2W-3L-1D.
NCFC U19 produced several impressive results during the weekend, defeating playoff-contenders Oakwood SC 2-1 in the opening match behind goals from Orlin Roque and Robert Screen. The U19s faced a 2-0 setback against San Jose Earthquakes U19 before closing out the Showcase with a thrilling 4-3 victory over FC Golden State.
While missing many key players in the final match, the U19s went toe-to-toe with the California side with early goals from Parker Cross and Miles Peay. However, Golden State eventually took a 3-2 lead that held through the 80th minute. With time winding down, Screen converted a penalty to level the match in the 84th minute, and Peay scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute to give NCFC U19 the victory and end the showcase on a high note.
The U17’s faced tougher results, but have returned to Raleigh with wealth of experience after playing meaningful games against teams with contrasting styles. The U17s opened the tournament with a 2-2 draw against Real So Cal with goals from Justin Stone and Adam Armour.
The group faced arguably the team-of-the-showcase in New York City FC in the second game. Despite falling behind 3-0 after the first half, NCFC clawed its way back into the match with goals from Stone and Cameron Abernethy. NCFC had a chance in the final minute to equalize, but couldn’t convert the opportunity and New York escaped with the points.
The squad then found themselves on the end of another tough result, as Sacramento Republic FC converted a pair of counter-attack goals and held on for a 2-1 victory in the final match. Despite the result, Stone continued his great individual performance and scored for the third consecutive match in the showcase.
The Academy has officially wrapped up competition for 2017 and will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 27. Through the first half of the Developmental Academy season, NCFC is in playoff position with its U19 and U17 teams. The U15 side also has a strong shot to qualify for the postseason and is just one result from jumping into a wildcard position.
The NCFC Youth Academy wrapped up its biggest competition of the season so far at the U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy Winter Showcase in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., last week. The event, which drew in 76 U17 and 72 U19 Boys’ Academy clubs from across the country, featured some of the highest levels of competition the NCFC Academy sides have faced all season. The NCFC Youth Academy teams held their own on the big stage, compiling a combined record of 2W-3L-1D.
NCFC U19 produced several impressive results during the weekend, defeating playoff-contenders Oakwood SC 2-1 in the opening match behind goals from Orlin Roque and Robert Screen. The U19s faced a 2-0 setback against San Jose Earthquakes U19 before closing out the Showcase with a thrilling 4-3 victory over FC Golden State.
While missing many key players in the final match, the U19s went toe-to-toe with the California side with early goals from Parker Cross and Miles Peay. However, Golden State eventually took a 3-2 lead that held through the 80th minute. With time winding down, Screen converted a penalty to level the match in the 84th minute, and Peay scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute to give NCFC U19 the victory and end the showcase on a high note.
The U17’s faced tougher results, but have returned to Raleigh with wealth of experience after playing meaningful games against teams with contrasting styles. The U17s opened the tournament with a 2-2 draw against Real So Cal with goals from Justin Stone and Adam Armour.
The group faced arguably the team-of-the-showcase in New York City FC in the second game. Despite falling behind 3-0 after the first half, NCFC clawed its way back into the match with goals from Stone and Cameron Abernethy. NCFC had a chance in the final minute to equalize, but couldn’t convert the opportunity and New York escaped with the points.
The squad then found themselves on the end of another tough result, as Sacramento Republic FC converted a pair of counter-attack goals and held on for a 2-1 victory in the final match. Despite the result, Stone continued his great individual performance and scored for the third consecutive match in the showcase.
The Academy has officially wrapped up competition for 2017 and will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 27. Through the first half of the Developmental Academy season, NCFC is in playoff position with its U19 and U17 teams. The U15 side also has a strong shot to qualify for the postseason and is just one result from jumping into a wildcard position.
