RECAP
Casa Grande, AZ (September 30, 2021) – Barca Residency Academy’s MLS Next teams squared off with in-state competitor SC del Sol on Sunday in their second fixture of the season. Barca’s U16, U17, and U19 secured victories over del Sol while the U15s collected a point in a 1-1 draw.
Barça Residency Academy U-19s 1-0 SC del Sol
Barca’s U-19s started the game well, dominating possession. Samuel Mendoza scored the sole goal of the game with a nice left footed shot from outside the box in the first half. Barca continued to control possession in the second half but could not find the back of the net, eventually defeating del Sol 1-0.
Barça Residency Academy U-17s 3-0 SC del Sol
Barca’s U-17s had the largest victory of the day, defeating SC del Sol 3-0 behind an impressive hat-trick from Yahir Gonzalez. Goalkeeper Jalen Guadalupe kept a clean sheet en route of the victory.
Barça Residency Academy U-16s 1-0 SC del Sol
Barca’s U-16s earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over SC del Sol. “The game plan worked well during the first half as we had possession of the ball most of the time, which allowed us to control the game and therefore create chances to score,” said U-16 head coach Alex Pozo. But Barca’s recovery proved to be effective as well as they scored the eventual game-winner from a recovered ball in SC del Sols half that led to a goal by Zack Smuck.
SC del Sol challenged Barca’s backline in the second half, but their defense held strong to secure the victory 1-0 thanks to major efforts from goalkeeper Ramon Camejo and center back Devon Galluzo.
Barça Residency Academy U-15s 1-1 SC del Sol
Barca’s U15s largely controlled the game and took the lead in the 22nd minute when Ryan Manabe played a lovely ball to Sean Petrie. Barca created quality chances to extend the lead in the first and second half but did not capitalize on their opportunities. SC del Sol leveled the score late in the second half, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
“Overall, for large periods of the game the boys played in the way we wanted to,” said head coach Eddie Wilding. “It was another really good learning experience for them as individuals and us as a group.”
LOOKING AHEAD
All four of the Barça Residency Academy MLS NEXT teams will travel to Southern California for a weekend doubleheader against Albion SC on Saturday and City SC on Sunday.
