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 Strikers Academy 09/10 Results...
from Staff Reports
Academy teams get back on the field!
This past weekend saw all three Academy teams (U14, U16 and U18) play two home games for the first time. The ground staff had done a good of clearing the field although there was a 5 foot snow wall around the perimeter!
Both visiting teams travelled up from North Carolina. On Saturday, the Strikers hosted Charlotte United Academy and on Sunday, North Meck Academy.
U14 Academy Show improvement over weekend
Saturday
The U14 Academy Team started out very
slow on Saturday against the visiting Charlotte team. Lack of ball
possession and loss of concentration gave Charlotte three easy first
half goals. The Strikers had a couple of good chances to score in the
first half but James Hart's effort went just wide of the target.
Richmond Strikers 0 - 3 Charlotte Line up: Owens, Crescentini, Jacobsen, Cippola, Baugh, Aggen, Gonella, Boyd, Pedrazzi, Jenkins, Hart, Jones, Blain, Schaeffer, Perkins, Anderson, Chhristino.
On Sunday, North Meck were the opponents at a sunny but cold Striker Park. The Strikers started the game a lot more brightly than the day before and managed to score two goals, either side of half time. The first came off a James Shaw strike after a deflected shot from target man Liam Jenkins. The second goal was scored by Timmy Pedrazzi. Strikers did a good job in controlling possession and keeping North Meck away from their goal with good team defending. The Strikers went 3-0 up with a goal from James Hart with the assist coming from Pierce Aggen. An accurately placed pass from Aggen found Hart who made a well timed run and finished well. A late consolation goal by the visitors denied the Strikers the clean sheet but the home team finished the game as 3-1 winners. It was a solid team performance and a good response from the disappointment of the 1st half display from the day before. Gonnella and Aggen were impressive in the midfield and Owens did well in goal.
Richmond Strikers 3 - 1 North Meck Line up: Owens, Jacobsen, Christino, Owen, Dale, Aggen, Gonnella, Boyd, Shaw, Hart, Jenkins, Perkins, Marshall, Crescentini, Pedrazzi, Cippola, Caudill, Hamblen
U14 Academy will host CASL at 1 pm on Sunday February 21st at Striker Park
U16 Academy Remain undefeated in the conference
Saturday The U16’s battled to a 0-0 tie against Charlotte. It was a fair result but both teams had chances to win the game. For the home team, Timmy Albright and Todd Wharton both had opportunities to score. Allbright did an exceptional job as our high target, holding up the ball and making some dangerous runs. Big man Robert Torrence also had a chance off a Wharton free kick but failed to hit the target when well positioned. At the other end, Michael Howard did very well to thwart a dangerous Charlotte counter attack and U14 goalkeeper Patrick Hagerman made a fabulous reflex save onto the crossbar from a close range volley. Hagerman was given a starting spot as regular goalkeeper Jacob Franks broke his ankle in training during the week. Everyone at the club wishes Jacob all the best in his road to recovery.
Line up: Hagerman, Cheek, Kendall, Bates, Howard(Krider), Charnes(Ramos), Chapman(Hulser), Zinkhan, Wharton, Sviderskiy (Torrence), Albright
Sunday
On Sunday, vs. North Meck it was a case of both teams dominating a half. The visitors dominated the first half with good possession and some chances. The opening goal came from a corner kick after 5 minutes. Sloppy defending from the home team made it easy for the North Meck player to flick the ball home unmarked. North Meck showed good movement, technique, and were very attacking minded. The Strikers adjusted tactically in the second half and began to dominate the play. Strikers forward Valeiry Sviderskiy equalized in the 50th minute after great ball movement between Zinkhan, Albright and then Wharton. Sviderskiy finished off a great move when he slotted home at the back post. Strikers continued to pressure the visitors and looked to press home their advantage. Sviderskiy hit the post as his shot was not fully controlled by the North Meck goalkeeper. North Meck played with 10 men the last 15 minutes of the game after a one of their midfielders received a second yellow card. Once again, 1-1 was a fair result as both teams had chances to win it.
Richmond Strikers 1 – 1 North Meck
Line up: Hagerman, Cheek, Bates, Howard, Tyson (Krider), Charnes (Phillips), Wharton, Bunnell (Albright), Morgan (Sviderskiy), Ramos (Chapman), Torrence (Zinkhan)
Academy Director and U16 Head Coach Erwan Le Crom said after the game, “I am very pleased with our efforts this weekend. We were not sure coming into the weekend what to expect after such a long break from games and training (4 training sessions and 1 game in 20+ days). The players showed a lot of heart and discipline to compensate and as a result remain undefeated in the conference!”
U16 Academy have a 5-0-2 conference record and will host Greensboro at 2 pm on Saturday and at 11 am on Sunday vs. CASL. Both games are to be played on the Turf field at Striker Park.
U18 Academy Hard working performances; undefeated weekend
Saturday The U18 Academy team played Charlotte in a game which tested the Strikers’ players resolve in overcoming quite a few challenges. Firstly, they had to deal with the weather factor which severely interrupted any proper preparation, and secondly, they had to dig deep and figure out if they had it in them to regroup after a tough conference loss to Rush. After a serious discussion between Coach EC Chatawa and the team about what it takes to develop a team personality and a defensive mindset, the team was ready to do battle.
The first half was evenly balanced with both teams fighting and creating equal chances. Charlotte were very good technically and were well organized as a team. The visitors started the game brightly and scored in the 13th minute. However, the Strikers, with a reshuffled backline, which saw David Walden playing at Center back, got back into the game immediately with shots from Nate Shiffman and Pops Richards. Walden, typically a left sided player, did a very good job of providing some organization and leadership in the back.
The second half saw a determined Strikers team come out and press Charlotte. After some good combination play, Richards delivered the ball into the box which found an unmarked Carl Weber who slotted home to make it 1-1. Both teams mounted attacks only to see their back fours stand strong. The clearest chance came with three minutes remaining when Chase Farnsworth broke through the Charlotte defense only to see his shot well saved by the goalkeeper. The game ended 1 - 1.
Richmond Strikers 1 – 1 Charlotte Line up: Groben, Walden, Hauser, Beard, Walton, Siewers (Riedel 70'), Weber, Richards (Nelson 63'), McDonnell (Fubara 76'), Shiffman, Farnsworth
Sunday As a result of all the energy that was expended the previous day vs. Charlotte, the Strikers were without three players for the Sunday encounter with North Meck. Adam Nelson, Carl Weber and Oral Richards all sustained injuries and were unavailable for selection. With a changed line up, the Strikers were up against a very fast and technical team in North Meck.
The Strikers took a while to get going in the first half and spent a great deal of time organizing themselves defensively to respond to the constant attacks of North Meck. The Strikers frustrated the visitors and stayed very disciplined to keep the game at 0-0 at halftime
The second half saw North Meck take the lead in the 50th minute after a sloppy GK clearance. The Strikers did not react quickly enough and the visitors took advantage. The goal seemed to spur the home team on as they proceeded to launch a series of good combination plays. Brian Clark got down the side and produced a good cross that was finished well by Chase Farnsworth. The game ended 1 – 1.
Richmond Strikers 1 – 1 Charlotte Line up: Groben, Walden, Hauser, Beard, Walton, Sherwin (Siewers 63'), Shiffman, Clark (Fubara 67'), McDonnell (Riedel 74'), Farnsworth, Wright
U18 Academy Head Coach EC Chatawa said, "More and more as a coach I am realizing that talent alone without determination and effort can only take you but so far, but talent, coupled with self belief and determination can take you much further. The boys responded to the challenge which was set for them by collectively working harder this past weekend than they have done over the past 6 months. Although they have played some good games before, they have never been able to do it back to back. They are ca[able of doing it. Now the challenge is for consistency".
U18 Academy will host Greensboro at 4 pm on Saturday and CASL at 9 am on Sunday. Both games are to be played on the Turf field at Striker Park.
from Staff Reports
U16 Strikers Academy win at VA Rush 4-1
After being out of action for a while, the Richmond Strikers U16 Academy team travelled down to the beach on Sunday January 24th to take on Virginia Rush
Straight from the kick off, Ryan Zinkhan got around the Rush back four but his pull back to the oncoming Todd Wharton was intercepted. The men in Orange started brightly and Wharton was in the thick of the action. A brisk counter attack from the away team saw Jack Kendall play in Wharton. The dynamic midfield maestro for the Strikers penetrated down the center of the field before slipping in Bruno Ramos but his shot failed to trouble the Rush keeper.
The Strikers continued to press their opponent and create the better chances. Zinkhan's shot was saved well by the Rush keeper and Jack Bates went close from a corner kick. In the 8th minute, Valery Sviderskiy combined well with Zinkhan who got to the ball first and finished well. VA Rush 0-1 Strikers
The home side tried to respond but Strikers Ian Cheek defended well to thwart any potential danger as did Micheal Howard who cleared a dangerous corner. Wharton and Zinkhan were back to their usual tricks: combining well with each other with slick 1 and 2 touch passes which resulted in Zinkhan firing wide.
Todd.Wharton and Ryan Zinkhan at the heart of the action
Chapman played a great through ball to Sviderskiy but the chance was gone. At the other end, a good move from the home side saw a great cross into the box but keeper Jacob Franks was their to collect. In the 22nd minute, a crisp corner kick from Wharton found Kendall who smashed the ball home from close range. VA Rush 0-2 Strikers
Right after the Strikers went 2-0 up, Rush nearly got on the score sheet when the visitors feel asleep. A long ball was served into the box, no pressure from the Strikers, but the Rush forward failed to hit the target.
The Strikers dominated both physically and technically in the first half. They also had chances to score the 3rd goal and put the game away but didn’t. VA Rush responded by playing long balls into the box and causing a few problems. Half time: VA Rush 0-2 Strikers
Rush started the second half with a point to prove. They really pressed the Strikers and applied good pressure to the visitors, especially for the first 10 minutes. The Strikers weathered the mini storm and started to look dangerous again. Kyle Tyson delivered a great cross which found its way through to a surprised Sviderskiy whose first touch let him down.
The next goal was going to be crucial and the home team got it. A sloppy pass from the Strikers was intercepted by the Rush midfielder. He slipped in his teammate who got in behind the Strikers back four to finish well with a crisp shot. VA Rush 1-2 Strikers
It was game on and the home team was right back in it. Coach Erwan LeCrom was looking for his players to respond positively and they did. In the 62nd minute, Kendall found Sviderskiy who beat the goalkeeper with a shot across the goal. VA Rush 1-3 Strikers
In the last minute a counter attack from Strikers saw Tim Albright shield the ball well before feeding Zinkhan in who beat the goalkeeper.
Full time: VA Rush 1-4 Strikers
Goals 8’ Zinkhan (Sviderskiy) 22’ Kendall (Wharton) 53’ VA Rush 62’ Sviderskiy (Kendall) 80’ Zinkhan (Albright)
Line up: Franks- Charnes- Cheek- Bates- Howard (Tyson)- Chapman (Krider)- Kendall (Hulser)- Sviderskiy (Albright)- Wharton- Ramos (Cohan)- Zinkhan
from Staff Reports
U16 Richmond Strikers Academy
For the second time of the season, the Strikers and Kickers Academy teams matched up. And for the second time of the season, the Strikers teams performed well and defeated their local rivals. Both the U16 and U18 games were played at 7 pm at Ukrop Park.
As is the case in most local derby games, the first 20 minutes or so were fast paced with neither team controlling possession. Both teams were slightly nervous and cautious as neither side asserted themselves. Once things settled down, the Strikers began to find their rhythm. Great movement out of the back by the Strikers, which involved 3 midfielders, saw the away team starting to threaten. Todd Wharton, the Strikers creative midfielder, received the ball and took on his defender before being fouled. From the resulting free kick, Wharton’s solid strike just missed the target.
In the 22nd minute, more attractive build up from the back (a common theme for all Striker teams) resulted with the ball at Ryan Zinkhan’s feet. The dynamic forward, who was recently called into the U18 National team again, escaped his marker and fired a hard shot at goal. The Kickers Goalkeeper could not hold the ball and striker Valeriy Sviderskiy was there to smash in the rebound. Kickers 0-1 Strikers
After the goal, the Strikers continued to dominate and displayed some slick passing and movement, often one and two touch. The Kickers were fighting hard and tried to get back into the game with some quick, direct counter attacks.
Half time: Kickers 0-1 Strikers
The Strikers began the second half where they had left off in the first. Sviderskiy got the better of his defender and served a hard, low cross. Zinkhan got on the end of it but his shot missed the target. Good build up play saw Bruno Ramos feed Zinkhan. Zinkhan beat his man and then slipped the ball to the supporting Alex Cohan but he hesitated and the chance was gone. Cohan was again involved when he got on the end of a long pass and proceeded to lob the keeper but he did not put enough on the finish and the Kickers goalkeeper recovered in time.
At the other end, a quick counter attack by the home team saw a good cross find the forward at the back post. Jacob Franks, the Strikers Goalkeeper, made a good save to tip the ball around the post to keep the visitors in front.
Zinkhan was continuing to cause havoc and his shot was well saved in the 60th minute. Zinkhan was again involved when he accelerated away from his defender to get in behind the Kickers back four. Before Zinkhan could get his shot off, he was caught from behind and the referee correctly pointed to the spot. Wharton stepped up to confidently dispatch the penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way and putting his team 2-0 up. Kickers 0-2 Strikers
With only a few minutes remaining, Jack Kendall played the ball into Zinkhan’s feet. The forward, with his back to goal, flicked the ball around his defender and immediately spun to get on the end of it. It was a fabulous piece of skill by the forward and again he showed great acceleration to burst away from the Kickers defenders. Zinkhan composed himself and slid the ball low under the keeper to make the score line emphatic. A great goal to cap off a fine display.
Full time: Kickers 0-3 Strikers
Line up: Franks-Charnes-Cheek-Bates-Howard(Morgan 70)-Seedat(Kendall 55)-Ramos(Krider 68)- Sviderskiy(Torrence)-Wharton-Cohan(Tyson 68)-Zinkhan
Goals: 21’ Sviderskiy (Zinkhan) 74’ Wharton (pen) 79’ Zinkhan (Kendall)
from Staff Reports
U16 finish the game strongly but come up just short
The Academy teams welcomed the IMG Academy to a wet Richmond on Saturday November 14th. Fortunately, the games were scheduled for the turf field at Striker Park so everyone was delighted to get the game in!
The game was still young when Striker forward Valeriy Sviderskiy followed up a shot that the IMG keeper had spilled but the in form Striker failed to convert. The first 25 minutes of the game were not pretty. Both teams were pressing the ball and forcing mistakes as nether team could establish any rhythm.
They were not many attempts at goal, however, Todd Wharton found Ryan Zinkhan at the back post but hi close range effort was pushed away by the goalkeeper for a corner. Down at the other end, an IMG forward latched onto a ball over the top and out muscled his marker Jack Bates. The Floridian composed himself and tucked the ball away with a neat low finish across Goalkeeper Jacob Franks. Strikers 0-1 IMG
Right after the IMG goal, Strikers responded with some nice combination play which ended up with the ball at the feet of Raees Seedat. Unfortunately for the home team, Seedat’s shot went over the bar. The Strikers were looking to equalize quickly when Wharton served a corner kick to the back post where Sviderskiy launched himself at the ball but he couldn’t get enough contact on the ball and the chance was gone.
With five minutes remaining in the half, Alex Krider got down the left hand side and delivered a diagonal ball over the IMG back four. Zinkhan was on to it and his shot was saved by the IMG keeper. Wharton was instrumental in all of the Strikers good work and the midfielder had a shot well saved as the half came to a close. In the closing moments of the first half, IMG intercepted a square pass and slid the forward in. The IMG player got his shot off which Franks got a hand to, but not enough to stop the ball finding the back of the net. Half time: Strikers 0-2 IMG
Wharton was looking to continue where he had left off in the first half, probing and looking to create for his team. The midfielder shielded the ball well and turned nicely around the IMG defender but there were too many bodies around to take a clear shot at goal. A few moments later, Cohan found himself all alone at the back post but somehow failed to hit the target. A huge let off for IMG who remained two goals in front. In the 56th minute, the Strikers finally did pull one back. Wharton’s corner found defender Jack Bates whose acrobatic reach directed the ball on target and in the back of the net. Strikers 1-2 IMG
Center Defender Jack Bates scored his 3rd goal of the season
With momentum on their side, the Strikers pushed for the equalizer. The home team won a series of corners but could not find that elusive second goal. With only a few minutes remaining, Zinkhan was in behind and 1 v 1 with the keeper but the IMG keeper kept him at bay.
Final score: U16 Richmond Strikers Academy 1-2 U16 IMG Academy
Line up: Franks- Bates- Cheek- Tyson (Charnes 50’)- Krider (Morgan 75’)- Ramos- Seedat (Howard 72’)- Torrence (Cohan 50’)- Sviderskiy (Riester 70’)- Wharton- Zinkhan
Goals: 27’ IMG 42’ IMG 56’ Bates (Wharton)
The Academy teams will be back in action again on Wednesday November 18th when they take on local rivals Richmond Kickers at Ukrop Park. Kick off is scheduled for 7 pm
from Staff Reports:
U16 Strikers shut out McLean for 6th win of the season
In state rivals McLean made the trip down I-95 to take on the Strikers for a Halloween match up at Striker Park
Early on in the game, forward Valeriy Sviderskiy lost possession in midfield which gave a chance for the visitors to counter attack. A Strikers defender stopped the move when he fouled the McLean forward at the top of the box. The resulting free kick was well taken but Strikers keeper Jacob Franks was up to the task and made a good save.
In the 5th minute, Todd Wharton found himself on the left with the ball. The attacking midfielder went around his defender and cleverly dropped the ball back to a waiting Scott Phillips whose shot was blocked. A few minutes later, Sviderskiy picked the ball up and ran at the McLean back four. The Strikers forward cut inside from the left and fired a shot wide of the post. The Strikers were off to a good start and were pressing for the opening goal.
However, Mclean were also causing a few problems themselves. A well delivered free kick went to the back post where it was met with a firm header. Franks was happy to see the ball go wide. McLean were to be a constant threat from set pieces throughout the game.
In the 20th minute, Kyle Tyson crossed a good ball to the back post which found Wharton. Wharton composed himself and looked to chip the keeper but his effort went wide. At the other end, the visitors combined well to produce a good cross and a crisp volley but the attempt flew over the bar.
The Strikers kept pushing and looking for that elusive first goal. In the 25th minute, the home team hit McLean on a counter attack. Michael Howard played a long pass out of the back up to Ryan Zinkhan. Zinkhan collected the ball, invited two defenders to pressure him and attacked them both before cutting the ball back to the onrushing Phillips who was wide open. The midfielder took aim from distance but missed the target. Soon after, Wharton got in behind the Mclean defense but was denied by the keeper. The game remained 0-0.
Good work from Alex Cohan down the right flank found Sviderskiy at the back of the six yard box. However, the forward did not see the wide open Wharton and attempted an ambitious header which the keeper saved. The Strikers were knocking on the door but just couldn’t find that bit of quality in the final third that was needed. A few moments later, Wharton showed good acceleration to get free but his final pass was a little heavy and the chance was gone.
Good acceleration from Wharton who then tried to slip in Zinkhan
Right before half time, Zinkhan escaped his marker and penetrated into the box. The dynamic forward forced the McLean goalkeeper to come out so he intelligently pulled the ball back to Wharton. McLean’s number 24 did well to make it difficult for Todd and the shot went wide (see picture below)
Good work from Zinkhan to find Wharton who was thwarted by the Mclean #24
The 1st half saw the home team get the edge but there was everything to play for in the second half. Half time: Strikers 0 – 0 McLean
Before Mclean could settle down after the break, the Strikers jumped all over the Northern Virginians. Cohan got around the back on the left side and delivered a ball across the area to the back post to where Sviderskiy finished clinically from close range (see picture below) Strikers 1 - 0 McLean
Good work from Cohan down the left
results in first goal of the day.
The goal took Sviderskiy’s tally to six on the season (team leader) and his 6th goal in the last five games.
The Strikers gained energy from the goal and were looking to double their advantage immediately but efforts from Wharton and Phillips were off target. The ever dangerous Zinkhan got in behind again but his deflected shot looped over the keeper and the crossbar!
With about 20 minutes to go, great defensive work lead to the Strikers second goal. Michael Howard and Bruno Ramos pressed the ball together and won it. Ramos combined well with Wharton and the midfielder got around the back down the left wing and delivered the ball into the box. Wharton showed great awareness when he dummied the ball and let it go through to Zinkhan who finished first time over the keeper for his 5th goal of the season. Strikers 2 - 0 McLean
Good covering by Tyson helps protect the shutout
The Strikers continued to push for the 3rd goal and showed their physical superiority over the visitors. At times though, the Strikers should have shown more experience and kept the ball from their opponents as opposed to forcing the ball under no pressure. McLean hung in there and caused the Strikers a problem but Tyson was there to tidy up and maintain the shutout. The 2-0 win saw the group register their 3rd shutout of the season.
Final score: U16 Richmond Strikers Academy 2-0 U16 McLean Academy
Line up: Franks- Tyson- Cheek- Bates- Seedat (Torrence 68’)- Phillips (Krider 55’)- Howard (Bunnell 72’)- Cohan (Ramos 53’)- Wharton (Morgan 75’)- Sviderskiy- Zinkhan
Goals: 43’ Sviderskiy (Cohan) 57’ Zinkhan (Ramos/ Wharton)
Next Game: November 11th at Richmond Kickers (7pm)
from Staff Reports
U16 Richmond Strikers Academy fights back
Sviderskiy scored twice and hit the crossbar
The Richmond Strikers Academy teams made the trip down to Charleston on Friday night. The games were scheduled for Saturday afternoon vs. South Carolina United.
In the first few minutes of the game, a nice through ball found the South Carolina United forward but his shot was well saved by the Strikers Goalkeeper Jacob Franks. At the other end, a floating cross from Valeriy Sviderskiy caused problems for the SCU keeper but Bruno Ramos failed to capitalize. Both teams were looking to play and build the ball from the back.
Alex Krider picked up the ball and let loose from 25 yards which forced the SCU keeper to push it around the post for a corner. SCU attempted to clear the ball from the resulting corner but failed to do so on more than one occasion and the ball ended up at the feet of Micheal Howard but his shot flew over the bar. With only ten minutes gone, both teams were pushing for the opening goal. After good work from Howard and Sviderskiy, Wharton found Sviderskiy who had made a great run. The forward was 1 v 1 with the keeper but failed to hit the target. A great chance for the visitors.
The South Carolina players were doing a good job in taking up clever positions in between lines and attacking well from there. SCU were keeping possession confidently but the Strikers were also threatening on the counter attack.
In the 25th minute, good play down the left hand side by SCU resulted in a long cross to the back post. The cross found an unmarked SCU player who had time to take a touch and compose himself before slotting home. SCU 1-0 Strikers
Strikers were looking to respond immediately and did so in 31st minute. Scott Phillips got the ball quickly to Ryan Zinkhan. Zinkhan turned his defender and played in Sviderskiy who had made a run from the right side. Sviderskiy was in behind and he beat the keeper to get the visitors back on level terms. SCU 1-1 Strikers
Both teams were going for it: The aggressive attacking mentality and willingness to keep possession was a credit to both clubs. With five minutes to go until the break, SCU broke down the left. Another good cross was delivered into the box where the SCU forward let the ball bounce once before unleashing a clinical volley into the roof of the net! SCU 2-1 Strikers
Half time: SCU 2 – 1 Strikers
As soon as play resumed, SCU hit the Strikers with a fast counter attack that lead to a good save from Franks. There was more trouble down the left for the Strikers as the ball got served to the back post again. An SCU player headed the ball back towards the penalty spot where his teammate met the ball cleanly with his own header that beat Franks in the Strikers goal. SCU 3-1 Strikers
In the 50th minute, Jack Bates hit a direct free kick very well but it went just over the cross bar. A few moments later, Sviderskiy looked like he had pulled one back for the Strikers but his deflected shot somehow rolled past the outside of the post, much to everyone’s amazement!
The Strikers were not giving up and were determined to get back into the game. Valeiry found himself with time and space and hit a good shot that beat the SCU keeper. SCU 3-2 Strikers
At this point, Valeriy was on fire and hungry for his hattrick. With his back to goal, the forward turned his man and unleashed a ferocious volley that crashed against the underside of the bar. This was a very unlucky moment for the Strikers. There was still time for the visitors to equalize and Zinkhan nearly did so when, in the 65th minute, he found himself free from a corner kick but couldn’t beat the keeper from close range
At the other end, a great double save from Franks kept the Strikers in it. With a few minutes to go, Charles Bunnell's cross found Zinkhan who got above his marker well but his header missed the target.
Final Score: U16 SCU Academy 3-2 U16 Richmond Strikers Academy
Line up: Franks- Seedat (Tyson 60’)- Bates- Cheek- Krider- Howard- Phillips (Bunnell 50’)- Sviderskiy- Wharton- Ramos (Zinkhan 25’)- Cohan (Torrence 55’)
Goals: SCU 25’ Sviderskiy (Zinkhan) 32’ SCU 36’, 45’ Sviderskiy (Zinkhan) 57’
U18 Richmond Strikers Academy fights hard and show pride
The U18 Academy team travelled to South Carolina this past weekend with a much depleted squad, but the boys did the club proud with their overall effort and attitude
With only a few minutes gone in the game, Eric Nelson, who has been showing consistent improvement since joining the Strikers, did well to get in behind but shot just wide of the post. However, at the other end, the Strikers conceded a goal in the 7th minute of the game when they failed to deal with a cross from the left side giving the South Carolina United forward a free header. SCU 1-0 Strikers
The team responded well to this set back, and after some good combination play and a penetrating run by Pops Richards, Chase Farnsworth scored the equalizing goal in the 16th min. SCU 1-1 Strikers
It was back and forth and both teams were looking to attack and get in front. In the 26th minute, SCU went ahead again with a similar goal to their first. SCU 2-1 Strikers
The Strikers again responded well to going behind and tried their best to get back in the game before half time with shots by Peter Lee, Farnsworth and David Walden. Unfortunately for the visitors, all 3 attempts were off target but they kept pushing. Didi Fubara came on for Pops who was unable to continue after picking up an ankle injury. A few moments later, Nate Shiffman had a shot saved by the keeper and just before the break, Shiffman slid in Farnsworth with a clever ball. Chase composed himself, but after beating the keeper, his shot just went wide of the goal. Half Time: SCU 2 – 1 Strikers
The second half got underway and a bold move was made at the break by Coach Chatawa when he used his last substitute. Nick Wright replaced Trevor Sherwin who was just returning from a serious injury. “EC” instructed the players to go out and do the club proud by not giving up despite the many obstacles facing them. The team knew that there would be no further changes and that those on the field would have to go down fighting, and fight they did. Both teams were playing very hard, and attacks were being mounted at both ends with scoring opportunities opening up. However, both goalkeepers did very well to keep the game at 2-1 to the home team.
With ten minutes to go, SCU scored a third goal. SCU had further opportunities to kill the game off. The Strikers kept their heads up and pulled one back when Wright scored in the 83rd minute
Final Score: U18 SCU Academy 3-2 U18 Richmond Strikers Academy
Line up: Billy Groben, Garrett Harvey, Trevor Sherwin ( Nick Wright 45 mins ), Brian Clark, Alec Walton, Peter Lee, David Walden, Nate Shiffman, Eric Nelson, Oral Richards ( Didi Fubara 39 mins ), Chase Farnsworth.
from Staff Reports
Substitutes make huge impact as U16 Strikers Academy leave it late!
After a break over Columbus Day weekend, the Academy teams hosted Clearwater Chargers from Florida at Striker Park on a cold and blustery morning.
Early on, Todd Wharton played a through ball in behind the Clearwater back line to the on rushing Robert Torrence but the big mans first touch let him down. The Strikers, wearing all black, looked to jump all over the Floridians when Ryan Zinkhan beat his man but his shot was saved by the visitors keeper. Zinkhan, who recently returned from the U18 National Team Camp, was playing wide right instead of his preferred central role where he has been excelling in recent weeks.
In the 12th minute, with the game still goalless, Torrence broke away and the lanky striker was in behind but he couldn’t get his shot off as a Clearwater defender recovered well. A few minutes later, Jack Kendall found Wharton with a crisp pass. Wharton turned his man well and slipped in Zinkhan but his shot missed the target. On the other flank, Bruno Ramos took on the Clearwater right back and beat him but the resulting cross was collected by the keeper.
At the other end, Clearwater had a free kick. The ball was served into the box and a Clearwater player got above everyone but his free header was comfortably saved by Jacob Franks. After good work from Torrence and Zinkhan, Wharton’s shot was tipped over the crossbar. The Strikers were pushing for that opening goal and creating good chances but it was the visitors who struck first. A Clearwater midfielder picked up the ball 30 yards from goal. With nothing else really on, the Charger player tried his luck and struck a crisp shot along the ground which beat the outstretched hand of Franks to nestle right in the corner. Strikers 0 - 1 Clearwater
Before the half time whistle, Ramos and Zinkhan both found themselves in promising positions but nothing came of it. Although having a slight advantage in possession, the Strikers failed to capitalize on the chances they created. Both teams could not really find any great rhythm and were not quite hitting their stride in the final third. Overall, the Strikers were having difficulty in figuring out how to break down a tight and well organized Clearwater back line
At the start of the second half, Strikers defender Ian Cheek gave the ball way carelessly but the Strikers recovered quickly. A tactical change at half time saw Zinkhan move centrally to see if he could get involved more and combine with Wharton to create problems for Clearwater. Alex Krider delivered a free kick into the box which found Kendall. Unfortunately for the Strikers, Kendall’s header went straight at the keeper.
The Strikers were really up for it and aggressively went in search for the equalizer. The dynamic duo of Wharton and Zinkhan combined well to create a good chance but again the Clearwater keeper kept it out. Michael Howard, the commanding Strikers defensive player won the ball and set up a counter attack when he released Valeiry Sviderskiy. Sviderskiy was in behind but his shot missed the target and the Strikers frustrating afternoon in front of goal continued.
Sviderskiy in behind but his shot just missed the target
The Strikers player continued to focus and really push for the equalizer. Zinkhans through ball found Wharton but the midfielders weak shot did not trouble the Clearwater keeper. Moments later, Ramos got in behind and his shot was deflected into the air by the keeper. Sviderskiy flung his body at the ball as any decent contact would result in a goal but somehow his touch missed the target.
The clock was ticking and there was only 15 minutes remaining in the game. Wharton fed substitute Cohan who beat his defender and then slid the ball past the on rushing keeper. The keeper got a piece of the shot but not enough to stop the ball crossing the line. The Strikers were finally on levels terms! Strikers 1-1 Clearwater
With the momentum, the Strikers were hungry to push on and win the game. Two minutes later, a corner kick delivered by Wharton went near post. Howard, who came off the bench in the second half, was in the right place at the right time and scored from close range. Two goals in two minutes! Strikers 2-1 Clearwater
Micheal Howard and Valeiry Sviderskiy were both on target this weekend
At this point, the Strikers were buzzing and Zinkhan nearly made it 3-1 when he was well found by Wharton but the Fredericksburg native rushed his shot and dragged it wide of the post. The Strikers dominated the second half but got a scare when a rare Clearwater attack resulted in a shot at goal but fortunately Franks was positioned well and saved comfortably.
With 2 minutes to go, the dangerous Cohan missed out the first post run of Zinkhan to find the second run of Sviderskiy. Valeiry took a touch, composed himself and finished clinically into the top right hand corner to make it 3-1. Strikers 3-1 Clearwater
U16 Richmond Strikers Academy 3 – 1 U16 Clearwater Chargers Academy
Line up: Franks- Tyson (Phillips 58’)- Cheek- Bates- Krider- Bunnell (Howard 48’)- Kendall (Seedat 58’)- Zinkhan- Wharton- Ramos (Cohan 52’)- Torrence (Sviderskiy 48’)
Goals: Clearwater (27’) Cohan (Wharton) 64’ Howard (Wharton) 66’ Sviderskiy (Cohan) 78’
Head Coach Erwan Le Crom said, “It was good to see the guys off the bench bring the necessary energy and composure. They forced Clearwater to do much more defending and all three of our goals came from the substitutes. I thought we played better soccer in the second half and it was a good effort from the boys to come from behind and figure out a way to win the game”
The Strikers Academy teams are back in action this Saturday as they travel down to Charleston, SC to take on South Carolina United
Strikers U18 Academy struggle against Clearwater
The Richmond Strikers U18 Academy team lost 3 - 0 against a very disciplined Clearwater Chargers team. The game started evenly balanced with neither side getting the better of each other. However, in the 12th minute, a defensive mistake by the Strikers allowed the visitors to take the lead. Strikers 0 – 1 Clearwater
The Strikers responded well to going behind, but failed to equalize after shots by Chase Farnsworth, David Walden and Adam Nelson.
The second half began with the Strikers making two subs, Bobby McDonnell for Nick Wright, and Pops Richards for Ricky Siewers. The Strikers were determined to get back into the game, and began applying pressure with some clever combinations. The U18’s created three more clear cut opportunities to level the score and even take the lead. Richards was released twice with only the keeper to beat, and McDonnell also missed his opportunity. Peter Lee also had a shot that just cleared the crossbar. Right when Strikers were pushing for the equalizer, a momentary defensive lapse by the Strikers resulted in an own goal. Strikers 0 – 2 Clearwater.
Alec Schaffer replaced the injured Lee in the 71st minute. A long ball by Clearwater over the Strikers defense resulted in the third goal for Clearwater. Strikers 0 – 3 Clearwater.
In summary, an extremely frustrating day for the U18 team. The combination of missed chances and defensive mistakes were hard to recover from.
U18 Richmond Strikers Academy 0 – 3 U18 Clearwater Chargers Academy Line up: Billy Groben, Carl Webber, Garrett Harvey, Ethan Beard, Alec Walton ( Brian Clark 80mins),David Walden, Adam Nelson, Peter Lee ( Alec Schaffer 71 mins ),Ricky Siewers (Oral Richards 45 mins), Nick Wright ( Bobby McDonnell 45 mins ), Chase Farnsworth.
from Staff Reports
U16 ACADEMY WINS 3 IN A ROW
Sunday, October 4th U16 McLean Academy vs. U16 Richmond Strikers Academy
Strikers celebrate first goal. Ramos and Wharton set up Zinkhan for the goal.
After a great time the previous day at West Creek, where some of the players volunteered their time to help with the 2nd annual Fall Festival, the Strikers Academy teams travelled up I-95 to take on in-state rival McLean.
The U16 Strikers looked to get off to a quick start as Todd Wharton was fouled on top of the box. Bates attempted to take a quick free kick but the keeper was in position and caught the ball comfortably. A few minutes later, Ryan Zinkhan turned quickly and got his shot off but the game was still 0-0. However, the score line would soon change as the Strikers executed a clinical counter attack. Mclean won a corner that was headed out by Jack Bates. Bruno Ramos picked up the loose ball and combined well with Wharton before playing a ball through to Zinkhan. The speedy forward dealt with the bouncing ball very well and flicked a header over the defender. He quickly composed himself, took a touch around the onrushing Mclean goalkeeper and finished in with ease. 1-0 Strikers. It was a breathtaking display of speed and combination play
A mix up in the Strikers defense gave the McLean forward half a chance but Franks came off his line quickly to smother the danger. With only fifteen minutes gone, Strikers doubled their advantage. A free kick was awarded about 40 yards out. Bates struck the ball with pace, possibly looking for someone to get on the end of it, but saw the ball sail pass the goalkeeper and under the crossbar. 2-0 Strikers
Looking to put the game away, the dangerous Zinkhan received the ball and immediately turned to go at the Mclean back four. A few minutes later, Ramos caused a problem for Mclean when he skipped by the full back but then hesitated at the crucial moment and the chance was gone. Ramos again beat his man but his shot from a tight angle just missed the target. An intelligently struck free kick by Wharton low towards the top of the six yard box created panic for the Northern Virginians but they managed to clear the ball out for a corner. With thirty minutes gone, the Orange team were in total control and were looking for the third goal to kill off McLean. Wharton, with his back to goal, shielded the ball well and laid it off to the supporting Zinkhan whose shot narrowly missed the target. Zinkhan and Wharton combined well again but McLean managed to keep them out. Zinkhan and Wharton were at the center of everything and McLean could not contain them.
Shortly before the break, Alex Krider struck the ball well but saw his shot go straight at the keeper. At the other end, a sloppy first touch let Mclean in for a counter attack. A goal is scored but the linesman flagged for offside so the score remains 2-0 to the visitors. Right on the stroke of half time, Krider found Wharton in space. The creative midfielder looked up and kept it moving to Valeriy Sviderskiy. A quick one two and Svidersky was in behind and the Strikers forward smashed the ball in from close range. 3-0 Strikers
A great first half performance from the Strikers who were very aggressive and offensive minded. The team combined well and created numerous goalscoring opportunities.
Strikers began the second half as they ended the first when Wharton’s powerful long range effort just missed the target. McLean tried to get something going when the winger served a dangerous ball into the Strikers box but nothing came of it. After great work from Sviderskiy, Wharton’s low shot was brilliantly saved by the McLean keeper to prevent a Strikers 4th goal.
Cheek clears a dangerous cross. The Strikers defense held
With 20 minutes to go, Strikers defender Ian Cheek stepped high and won the ball. He then played in Zinkhan who beat his defender but not the goalkeeper. Zinkhan, working tirelessly up front, won a hard tackle and then found Robert Torrence. The lanky forward could not add to the score line as he didn’t get enough pace on his shot.
In the last few minutes of the game, both teams had chances. A quickly taken free kick from Bates found Zinkhan. Zinkhan got down the line and crossed the ball to the on rushing Wharton whose left foot shot fizzed past the outside of the post. In injury time, a good cross from the right found the McLean forward but his first time shot went straight at Franks.
U16 McLean Academy 0 - 3 U16 Richmond Strikers Academy
Franks- Tyson (Bunnell 65’)- Cheek- Bates- Krider- Kendall (Phillips 71’)- Howard (Seedat 60’)- Sviderskiy- Wharton- Ramos (Torrence 55’)- Zinkhan
Goals: Zinkhan (Ramos) 7’ – Bates 16’ – Sviderskiy (Wharton) 40’
Academy Director Erwan Le Crom: “I thought it was an extremely solid team performance today. We created some great chances, scored some good goals and kept a clean sheet. After six consecutive Academy games, our players can now enjoy a little break until our next game in two weeks against Clearwater.”
Strikers U18 Academy recover from early setback to earn a draw at McLean
After a great performance from the U16’s earlier in the day, the U18 squad attempted to follow suit as they went up against U18 McLean Academy.
The referee had only just blown the whistle to start the game when the Strikers found themselves picking the ball out of the back of the net. The back four failed to deal with a routine long ball which allowed the McLean forward to capitalize and put team 1-0 up after only 38 seconds of the game. The Strikers had to respond as quickly as possible if they were to stay in the game. The U18’s responded with some good attacking play and solid defending. In the 12th minute, Bobbie McDonnell received a through ball from Nathan Shiffman, but the forwards effort went wide of the post. A few moments later left back Justin Pugh received a pass from Oral Richards, but the defender watched in vain as his strike hit the post. The constant pressure applied by the visitors paid off in the 24th minute when a corner from David Walden was met at the back post by Eric Nelson who scored his first goal for the club. Half time: McLean 1-1 Strikers
The second half was more evenly balanced as the Strikers struggled to create many meaningful combinations, either by being too impatient or just misreading the flow of the game. As a result, McLean were having a lot of possession and the Strikers had to do a lot of defending. Goalkeeper, Billy Groben, made some very good saves to keep the Strikers level and in the game. The Strikers made some tactical substitutions, but this did not have much impact on the game which ended 1-1.
U18 McLean Academy 1 - 1 U18 Richmond Strikers Academy
Line up: Billy Groben, Justin Pugh, Carl Weber, William Walton ( Ethan Beard 67 min), David Walden, Chase Farnsworth, Eric Nelson (Rickey Siewers 72 min), Nate Shiffman, Bobbie McDonnell (Nick Wright 89 min) Oral Richards (Peter Lee 57 min)
from Staff Reports
RICHMOND STRIKERS ACADEMY TEAMS
SCORE
Saturday, September 26th U16 Birmingham United Academy vs. U16 Richmond Strikers Academy
After a flight down to Atlanta on Friday night, the Strikers made the short trip to Alabama to take on Birmingham United.
Early in the game, Ryan Zinkhan was in a promising position but lost control of the ball and the chance was gone. A slight mix up in midfield resulted in a good chance for Birmingham United but fortunately for the Strikers, they couldn’t capitalize on it. A few minutes later, Wharton played in Zinkhan who lobbed the keeper but watched agonizingly as it went by the post and out for a goal kick. In the 12th minute, a clever diagonal run by Valery Sviderskiy created a chance for Bruno Ramos. From the ensuing corner kick, Zinkhans shot was cleared off the line. The game was still goalless after a frantic start. A counter attack from the home team lead to a 1 v 1 but Jacob Franks stayed big and made a good save to keep it at 0-0. Strikers returned the favor with their own counter attack. It resulted in a free kick which Todd Wharton found the target with but the Birmingham keeper kept it out.
In the 20th minute, Zinkhan pounced on a loose ball and finished easily to put the Strikers up 1-0. Soon after, Wharton held the ball up well and laid it off to the supporting Zinkhan who failed to hit the target as his shot sailed over the bar. Looking to respond quickly, Birmingham went close to an equalizer when a header from a corner just went by the post. Zinkhan was causing more havoc as the winger went close on two more occasions. Franks, once again, did very well in a 1 v 1 situation to keep United out. At the other end, Ramos found some space and hit the ball well but straight at the Birmingham keeper. Right before the break, Birmingham equalized when Franks was finally beaten at his near post. Half time: Birmingham 1 – 1 Strikers
U16 Strikers score 8 goals on the road.
The second half was underway, and before anyone could get settled, Wharton intercepted a square pass. Todd accelerated into the box and as the keeper came out, chipped the ball exquisitely over his head and into the net. Wharton displayed tremendous composure and technique; a world class finish putting the Strikers 2-1 up.
Birmingham responded immediately and hit the post. Sviderskiy had a chance to put the Strikers 3-1 up but his first touch let him down and the opportunity was gone. Birmingham were pressing for the equalizer again and went close with two long range strikes. In the 60th minute, Strikers again had the chance to go 3-1 up but Bates missed the target from the penalty spot with a free header. With 15 minutes to go, Strikers finally gained a two goal advantage when Alex Krider fed the ball through to Zinkhan who finished well. Sviderskiy and Alex Cohan both had chances to make it even more convincing but the score stayed the same.
U16 Birmingham United Academy 1 - 3 U16 Richmond Strikers Academy
Franks- Tyson (Kendall 75’)- Cheek- Bates- Krider- Seedat (Bunnell 48’)- Phillips- Sviderskiy- Wharton- Ramos (Cohan 45’)- Zinkhan (Torrence 66’)
Goals: Zinkhan 19’- Birmingham 40’- Wharton 42’- Zinkhan (Krider) 65’
Ryan Zinkhan (3 goals and 2 assists over the weekend)
Sunday September 27th U16 Atlanta Fire Academy vs. U16 Richmond Strikers Academy
After a good trip to Birmingham, the team travelled back to Atlanta for the second game of the weekend.
An early shot from Todd Wharton flashed by the post. The U16 Boys signaled their intentions right from the start as they attacked relentlessly. Bunnell went close to but the score remained goalless. The stalemate continued when Strikers goalkeeper Jacob Franks made a fantastic double save to deny the Fire. With only a few minutes until the break, Alex Cohan intercepted a stray pass and accelerated past two Atlanta defenders before shooting low across the keeper into the far corner. 1-0 Strikers. Jack Bates nearly made it 2-0 when he came up for a corner but his back post header failed to hit the target. Right on the stroke of half time, Robert Torrence tried to get on the end of a dangerous free kick but just failed to connect. Although the Strikers had some decent chances, it was a scrappy affair with both midfields fighting to win possession. Half time: Atlanta 0-1 Strikers
At the start of the second half, Atlanta had a long range shot deflected but there was no serious concern for the visitors. Torrence met another quality Wharton free kick with authority but his header went wide of the post. Charles Bunnell anticipated well and got his shot off but the Fire GK was in the right position and saved comfortably. Soon after, Ryan Zinkhan found himself 1 v 1 with the keeper but his chip missed the target. The Strikers were applying good pressure and were looking for that vital second goal. Good work from Valery Sviderskiy down the right resulted in a great chance for Wharton but the usually composed midfielder put the ball over the bar. The Fire were still in the game at 1-0 and with Strikers continuing to miss good goal scoring opportunities, there was still a chance for the hosts to get back on level terms.
However, with fifteen minutes to go, Alex Cohan found Zinkhan with a lovely through ball. The winger beat two defenders and made no mistake from inside the box to make it 2-0 to the Strikers. Before the Fire could catch their breath and re group, the ever dangerous Zinkhan crossed the ball and found Bruno Ramos at the edge of the area whose low shot beat the keeper to make it 3-0. By this point, the Strikers were rampant and were hungry for more. A ball over the top was chased down by Zinkhan. Before the striker player could gain control he was tackled well by the Fire defender. At this point, Zinkhan was everywhere and the Fire could not contain him. Zinkhan popped up at a corner kick but his header went over the bar. At the other end, defender Ian Cheek did well to thwart a rare Atlanta attack with a strong sliding tackle.
The Fire did manage to pull a goal back. A cross from the left resulted in an easy finish for the Fire Striker from close range. With the shutout gone, the Strikers responded immediately when Svidersky got on the end of a great head back across goal from Zinkhan. The striker composed himself and finished well from inside the six. Wharton made the score line emphatic when his blistering free kick found the corner of the net giving the Fire keeper no chance. It was an example of great technique by the dynamic midfielder as he lifted the ball up and over the wall with great pace and accuracy. A fantastic way to put the seal on a good performance.
U16 Atlanta Fire Academy 1 - 5 U16 Richmond Strikers Academy
Franks- Tyson (Seedat 55’)- Cheek- Bates- Krider- Phillips- Bunnell (Kendall 60’)- Torrence (Sviderskiy 50’)- Wharton- Cohan (Ramos 62’)- Zinkhan
Goals: Cohan 37’- Zinkhan (Cohan) 65’- Ramos (Zinkhan) 67’- Atlanta 74’- Sviderskiy (Zinkhan) 76’- Wharton 77’
Erwan Le Crom, the U16 head coach said this after the game. “I am very pleased with the attacking mentality performance and results this weekend. I thought Jacob Franks came up with some outstanding saves at crucial moments in each game to keep us in it. I am also very satisfied to see five different players scoring over the weekend.”
Saturday, September 26th U18 Birmingham United Academy vs. U18 Richmond Strikers Academy
The game was cancelled after 23 minutes due to unplayable field conditions. The score was still 0-0.
Sunday September 27th U16 Atlanta Fire Academy vs. U16 Richmond Strikers Academy
Having had the previous day's game cut short by the bad weather, the Richmond Strikers U18 Academy team was determined and ready to play against the Atlanta Fire. After a disappointing previous weekend where the Strikers team lost both games to South Conference teams, they were motivated to improve. Coach Chatawa stressed the importance of not worrying about which players were missing but instead focus on the players that were present and what a good opportunity it was in front of them. After a week of some intense practices, the key concepts for the weekend became "Discipline and Patience", even though the overall philosophy is to play attacking and attractive soccer.
In the 6th minute Strikers won a free kick about 30 yards out. David Walden took responsibility and stepped up and blasted a "Ronaldo" like shot past the Fire keeper to put the Strikers 1-0 up. This goal allowed the team to settle down very quickly and take control of the game. Moments later, a clever ball from Ethan Beard allowed Chase Farnsworth to shake his marker off and finish well to make it 2-0. The score remained the same for the rest of the first half with both teams competing very hard. Oral "Pops" Richards replaced Nick Wright at the beginning of the second half, and this almost paid immediate dividends when Pops chipped the keeper only to see his effort go over the crossbar. Alec Walton came on for Beard in the 60th minute to help add some fresh legs to the back four as the Fire were beginning to mount some pressure with some good attacking combinations. Goalkeeper Billy Groben stood firm and was determined to keep a clean sheet. With 20 minutes to go, Farnsworth scored his second goal of the game after good work from Adam Nelson. Alec Schaffer replaced Rickey Siewers to finish out the game. In the 72nd minute, a powerful shot from Walden was parried by the Fire Goalkeeper into the path of the on rushing Farnsworth who finished clinically completing his hat trick.
U18 Atlanta Fire Academy 0 - 4 U18 Richmond Strikers Academy
Team: Billy Groben, Ethan Beard (Alec Walton 60min) Garrett Harvey, Justin Pugh, Carl Webber, David Walden, Nathan Shiffman, Adam Nelson (Brandon Hauser 80min), Ricky Siewers (Alec Schaffer 69min), Nick Wright ( Oral Richards 46min), Chase Farnsworth.
from Staff Reports
Miami clubs dominate Academy Strikers
Wharton scores twice for U16 Academy but not enough to slow down Weston
In the 4-2 loss against Weston, Wharton (2 goals) and Zinkhan (1 assist) were involved in all Strikers goal scoring opportunities
On Saturday September 19th, the U16 Academy team hosted Weston Fury from South Florida at Striker Park
Weston came out strong and showed good early movement. The visitors soon had a corner kick that caused the Strikers some problems, as Chapman did well to clear off the line. Weston continued to press and created two good chances but could not open the scoring. In the 24th minute, Wharton delivered a dangerous ball in off a free kick but none of the Striker players could capitalize. Weston immediately went up the other end and hit the post. It was only a matter of time before someone opened the scoring as both teams were attacking with pace.
Franks did well to deny the Weston forward a goal and then a minute later, the same player dribbled around Franks but failed to hit the target. Somehow, at half time, the game was still goalless.
Right after the restart, Weston opened the scoring to make it 1-0. Strikers responded straight away when Wharton collected a ball from Kendall and placed it perfectly over the keeper into the top corner. A quality finish from the Strikers attacking midfielder making it 1-1.
With about 20 minutes to go, a bad clearance from the Strikers was punished clinically by Weston and they went 2-1 up. Moments later, Weston created two chances and converted both of them. With five minutes remaining, Wharton got on the end of a good Zinkhan cross and hit the inside of the post. The ball trickled over the line for a striker’s goal!
Weston’s fluid movement, technical proficiency and pace throughout the game caused problems for the Strikers and the club from Miami were a constant threat.
U16 Strikers Academy 2 – 4 U16 Weston Fury
Line up: Franks- Phillips (Howard 41’)- Cheek- Bates- Tyson- Chapman (Seedat 52’)- Kendall (Krider 54’)- Zinkhan- Wharton- Sviderskiy (Ramos 68’)- Torrence (Cohan 45’)
Goals: 45th Weston- 47th Wharton (Kendall)- 56th Weston- 70th Weston- 71st Weston- 74th Wharton (Zinkhan)
U16 Strikers Fall short against Miami Kendall
Howard clears a dangerous cross. Later, he would find himself at the end Wharton’s cross to tie game at 1-1
On Sunday, September 20th, the U16 Academy team took on Miami Kendall at Striker Park.
Right from start, Zinkhan looked dangerous as he began to cause problems down the right wing. Miami Kendall, also tried to be positive and hit the post with one of their first attacks. As both teams looked to open the scoring, Howard did well to clear the danger from well served free kicks from Miami Kendall. Wharton and Zinkham combined well on two occasions but could not beat the keeper. Wharton and Zinkhan were at the heart of a lot of good attacking moments for the Strikers but it was Miami Kendall who struck first to make it 1-0 to the visitors. Jack Kendall tried to equalize quickly but his long range effort went over the bar. Strikers did manage to level things up, right before half time. A crisp serve from a Wharton corner found Howard at the penalty spot and the Striker defender smashed a firm header across goal to find the back of the net.
The second half was underway and there was good work from Cohan in the box but the midfielder could not get a shot off. Franks did well at the other end to keep the game at 1-1 when he won his duel with the Miami forward. Unfortunately, a stray pass in midfield for the men in Orange resulted in a counter attack goal for Miami who took a 2-1 lead. With 15 minutes to go and Strikers looking to get back on level terms, Krider unleashed a half volley that just missed the target. Franks, again, did well in a 1 v 1 situation as the keeper kept out another Miami attack. Sviderskiy, with seconds remaining, had a good look from outside the box but his shot went straight at the keeper.
U18 Strikers Academy 1 – 2 U18 Miami Kendall.
Line up: Franks- Seedat (Tyson 29’)- Cheek- Bates- Krider- Kendall (Chapman 45’)- Howard- Albright (Sviderskiy 45’)- Wharton- Cohan (Ramos 50’)- Zinkhan
Goals: 24th Miami- 40’ Howard (Wharton)- 54th Miami
Both Academy teams are on the road this weekend with games in Atlanta (GA) and Birmingham (AL)
From Staff Reports:
Strikers Academy wins first two games of the 2009 season
U16 Strikers dominates derby in 2-0 win
The U15/U16 Strikers Academy opened up their season against cross town rival Richmond Kickers.
With fluid possession, Strikers imposed their stamp on the game early on. Wharton was involved in all attacks and was a constant threat feeding balls through to Sviderskiy, Cohan and Albright. Though Strikers had good possession, attempts from Wharton, Sviderskiy, Kendall or Zinkhan could not find the back of the net. Defensively, Bates, Cheek, Chapman and Kendall did a good job with winning the ball from the opposition.
In the second half, Strikers kept pushing to find an opening against the tight Kickers defense. Ten minutes into the half, substitute Bunnell got on the end of a clever ball from Wharton and finished well with the inside of the foot into the top corner. (click here for video of goal) The goal forced Kickers to come out more and they managed to create some chances from some dangerous long balls. In the 77th minute, a free kick was awarded to the Orange. Morgan, fresh off the bench, served a crisp ball to Bates whose header at the back post beat the Kickers goalkeeper. In injury time, Strikers had a couple of counter attacks and created more chances but the score stayed at 2-0.
Final score: Strikers 2- 0 Kickers
Line up: Franks- Bates- Cheek- Phillips (Howard 42’)- Tyson (Krider 77’)- Kendall- Chapman (Seedat 68’)- Wharton (Morgan 71’)- Allbright (Zinkhan 22’)- Cohan (Bunnell 48’)- Sviderskiy (Torrence 72’)
Goals: 55’ Bunnell (Wharton); 77’ Bates (Morgan)
U18 Strikers overcome early deficit and beat Kickers 3-1
The U17/U18 Strikers Academy opened their 2009-2010 successfully with a win over their cross town rivals the Richmond Kickers. With pride on the line in the first local derby of the year, both clubs came out strong early in the first half.
It was a scrappy start as both teams could not establish much rhythm or possession. Both teams were fighting hard and winning clean tackles. In the 16th minute, the Kickers got in behind the Striker defense and the forward was brought down in the box: penalty to the Kickers. The penalty kick was converted for an early 1-0 lead for the Kickers.
Strikers responded well by creating several good opportunities. Good movement from forwards Chase Farnsworth and Nick Wright led to some excellent chances but the Strikers failed to convert. In the 42nd minute, the Strikers equalized. A beautiful cross from the left side by David Walden found Bobby McDonnell who headed home in style. Half time saw the game tied at 1-1 setting up an exciting second half.
Strikers started the second half well and Chase Farnsworth (54th) and Pops Richards (56th) both had good strikes at goal but were saved well by the Kickers GK. The game settled down a bit and the Strikers started good possession and control of the game. A nice pass from Chase Farnsworth found Bobby McDonnell. The strikers forward fired a hard shot under the GK’s diving reach into the left lower corner for his second goal of the game . The game was put out of reach for the Kickers when a minute later Pops Richards slipped in behind the Kickers back four and into the box and was fouled leading to a penalty. Nate Shiffman confidently dispatched the penalty to give the Strikers a 3-1 lead. The Striker defense took over the match to hold off the last minute charges by the Kickers leading to the first Striker victory of the season.
Final Score: Strikers 3 – 1 Kickers
Line up: Groben-Lee-Hauser-Pugh-Walton (Clark 70’)-Walden- Shiffman-Weber-McDonnell-Farnsworth-Wright (Richards 52’)
Goals: 43’ McDonnell (Walden); 76’ McDonnell (Farnsworth); 78’ Shiffman pen. (Richards)
Both Academy teams will return to action this weekend.
Saturday, September 19th
U15/U16 Academy
vs. Weston Fury
U17/U18 Academy
vs. Weston Fury
Sunday, September 20th
U15/U16 Academy
vs. Miami Kendall
U17/U18 Academy
vs. Miami Kendall
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