FRISCO, Texas – The New England Revolution Under-18 squad played its first group game of the 2011-12 U.S. Soccer Development Academy Playoffs Monday night, playing the New York Red Bulls to a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
After a back-and-forth first 30 minutes of play that had the true feel of a postseason game, the Revolution began to build some momentum. In the 38th minute, Peguy Ngatcha (Manchester, N.H.) dribbled the ball into the right corner, laying it off to Manny Andrade (Boston, Mass.) in the midfield. Andrade took his opportunity, but his shot sailed high.
New England converted its next chance only a minute later. Colin Patch’s (Providence, R.I.) sliding tackle in the midfield caused a New York giveaway, which Dominik Machado (Attleboro, Mass.) collected, navigating around a series of defenders to fire his shot home.
The Revs went into the break with a one-goal lead, but the Red Bulls came out flying in the second half. After several looks at goal, New York drew a free kick. Erik Sa equalized off the set piece in the 51st minute, sending the ball over the wall and into the back of the net.
Matt Bitchell (Byfield, Mass.) came on as a substitute in the 79th minute, injecting new life into the game. The Revs pressed for the go-ahead goal into the final minutes of the match, creating scoring opportunities in the 88th and 90th minutes. But after five minutes of stoppage time, the MLS rivals remained knotted at 1-1, coming away with a point apiece.
Both the Under-18s and the Under-16s are in action on Tuesday. The U16s will kick off against Albertson SC at 5 p.m. ET, while the U18s will take on Chivas USA at 9 p.m ET.
Development Academy Playoffs
New England Revolution U18s vs. New York Red Bulls U18s
Monday, June 25, 2011 – Frisco, Texas (FC Dallas Sports Park)
Revolution 1, Red Bulls 1
Scoring Summary:
NE – Dominik Machado (unassisted) 39
NY – Erik Sa 51
New England Revolution: Matthew Mozynski (GK), Christian Sady, Willis Griffith, Devin Devoy, Forest Sisk, Colin Patch, Dominik Machado, Jack Hilger, Ramiro Osorio, Peguy Ngatcha (Matt Bitchell 79), Manny Andrade (Colin Sweeney 94+)
Unused Substitutes: Tyler Zon, A.J Burnham, Casey Schehl
Misconduct Summary:
NE – Dominik Machado (caution) 50
NE – Ramiro Osorio (caution) 92+
