There is already a thread on this in the Youth and HS Soccer forum, but I thought it might be a good idea to put one here. Anyway, this is quite a prestigious youth tournament taking place in Italy at the moment and it looks like some of our 90s are there. We opened with a 3-3 against Juventud, a very strong Uruguyan youth side. Then a 3-0 win over Napoli. You can find the game info on the official page of the tournament: http://www.trofeorocco.com/index.php?page=trofeo&act=incontri&torneo=1 If anyone would like me to translate the game summaries just let me know and I'll try to get to it later.
Well, due to the avalanche of requests for translations, here's the one from the first game: Juventud vs. U.S. Region IV It was a regrettable start for the Uruguyans of Juventud, who were hoping for a victorious start to the tournament. They could almost taste success, thanks to the two-goal advantage they had midway through the second half. The Americans were excellent, however, for never giving up the fight. Juventud immediately went ahead on a penalty from Garcia. At the 15th minute the U.S. equalized through the initiative of Brungger. In the second half Juventud pulled ahead two times over, first through Pereyra and then through Bogliacino. Victory seemed assured, but then the newly-entered Ciliento invented a maneuver on the right and brought his team to the 2-3 mark. And moments later the fireworks arrived; Brungger, once again taking advantage of Lencina's indecision on the right, got his second to make it 3-3.
thanks, scotty. we look forward to the other two games. Region IV tied 0-0 against Inter-Milan today to finish second in the bracket and advance to tomorrow's quaterfinals against Juventus F.C.
Looks like it was Empoli not Inter-Milan according to the website: http://www.trofeorocco.com/index.php?page=trofeo&act=incontri&torneo=1
All of the schedules except the one linked to the site. Would be great if it was Inter. Also interesting that on the Napoli vs. USA Select we played one American V.Bernardo. I wonder how he played vs. our region 4 team. Losing 3-0 might be a tell but many times good players play on losing teams. http://www.trofeorocco.com/index.php?page=trofeo&act=incontri&torneo=1
according to the website,youth yank Bernardo scored the first goal for Napoli and went 90,but they are defeated by Juventud 1:4 http://www.trofeorocco.com/index.php?page=trofeo&act=incontro&id=8
S.S.C. Napoli 0:3 U.S. Region IV The U.S. team opened the scoring at the 4th minute through Cilientro who was in the mix of players on a free kick. Napoli struggled to react, and at the 15 minute mark Cruz got onto the end of an impressive triangulation from Jones and beat the keeper to double the score. Was Napoli ready to make a comeback as they did the day before? The Italian team gave their all, and Ciano practically carried the team on his own. But the U.S weathered the storm, and and on a counterattack at the 25th minute Cruz bagged his second goal of the game to make it 3-0 for his team.
Empoli F.C. 0:0 U.S. Region IV Empoli and the U.S. didn't manage to do much damage to each other but booked their tickets to the quarterfinals just the same. The game played in Gorizia was an extremely balanced one. In the first half the two teams struggled to overcome each other, even if two great opportunities passed before the feet of the Americans. They pushed particularly hard down the left through the slippery Cruz. At the 10th minute Ciliento received the ball in the heart of the box near the penalty spot but his shot was miraculously taken away from him by Cappelli. Then at the 22nd minute a treacherous corner from the Yankees passed through the entire box without anyone being able to intervene. In the second half the competitive fury of the Americans gradually burned out, as they realized that a draw would suffice for both teams to go through. The only nervous moments came on a strong shot from Fahmian and, for Empoli, a cannon blast from Dumitru that went just inches over the crossbar.
Here's how his goal is described: "Napoli got off to the better start, and after studying their opponent for a while they broke the equilibrium through Bernado. He received the ball from Bruno and then found himself alone against the onrushing keeper Buffa, who he beat with a delicious chip."
And the U.S. team advances by knocking out Juventus 2-0! They will take on Brazilian team Atletico Mineiro in the semifinals on Monday.
Looks like Cruz is at it again. This is the same guy from AZ that did so well at the Nike Friendlies (or whatever tournament that was), right?
U.S. Region IV 2:0 Juventus F.C. The big surprise occurs in Marano: Juventus at home, and the U.S. revelation earns the chace to challenge the Brazilian title-holders of Atletico Mineiro. The game played out in Marano was a very hard-fought and balanced one. The Italians and Americans responded to each other blow for blow throughout the entire first half, even if the clear cut chances were few and far between. Juventus tried to impose their own rhythm, but the Yankees showed no reverence or fear whatsoever and made their physical advantage felt. In the second half the game seemed to ignite when, at the 47th minute, an outrageous 30-meter shot from Raynor struck the crossbar with Nocchi beaten. The turning point arrived at the 57th minute. A lovely buildup down the left from the slippery Cruz saw his deadly left-footed shot finish in the corner. Juventus felt the blow and their decline was clear, especially from a physical standpoint. And then not even four minutes later the assurance goal arrived for the stars and stripes team. A raid down the right from Alvarez finished with the punctual insertion from Raynor and the win was secured.
the italian teams are not physically top right now. they just finished a 24 game season (very tiering) they are also looking forward to next week's playoff games. the americans are fresh and pumped. lets see vs the brazilian team. i heard bernardo played well vs the americans, but again napoli fell short from the physical standpoint. Bernardo did score a "delicious chip" the last game, showing class in his play.
They may have practiced with eachother for a week or so...A region team does not meet that often if ever.
How do you know that the players on the U.S team haven't played a lot of games already this season? You don't. The fact of the matter is that Juventus has quite possibly the best youth system of any team in Italy, and these American kids just knocked them out of the tournament. Give them some credit, please!
If it's Danny Cruz then, yes, it's the same kid who tore it up at Disney. He's been called in to the U18 national team to play up but apparently his play hasn't been good enough in the eyes of Hackworth & Co. to warrant a call-up to compete against his fellow 90s for a spot with the 17s. Cruz is set to graduate HS this spring and head to UNLV in the fall so I suppose there's a chance he wants to start his college career ASAP and doesn't want the conflict the U17 WC will have. But, I doubt he'd turn down the U17 national team and a chance to play in a world championship to play a couple of early season college games. Maybe he'll just head off to college, tear it up for UNLV and join the list of distinguished players that Bradenton missed out on.
I really appreciate your updates Calcio but your excuse making is incredibly lame. As someone asked - Do you know how many matches the Americans have played? How long these kids have played together? Do they even know each other? Played in a foreign country, on their home turf no less? 24 game season? I guarantee these kids have not only played more but traveled across the US to play tournies and matches, a country that is a bit bigger than Italy. Even when we have a good guy like Calcio giving info the Euro-arrogance comes out. We win = excuse. They win = it should be like that. I truely think it's just inbred. They can't help themselves. Hmm. We have how many regions and players? Wonder how many can play in Italy on youth teams. My guess. Quite a lot. In 10 years, when the US has a halfway decent youth system in place with MLS clubs, and a bit more cash to spend things are going to get really good. It has gotten much better in the last several years but we are close now. I'm sure I am not making much sense as I am too tired right now after working like an animal for the last 3 months. I mean, what would Euros, especially Italians know about hard work? . Pretty dumb and one sided statement, wouldn't you say C?
Well, the run finally came to an end this evening as the U.S. team lost 0-2 to the Brazilian team Atletico Mineiro. Now they will face Mexican opponents Atlas, who lost to Empoli on PKs, in the third place game. The game kicks off tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. I'll have a translation of the match report up shortly.
Atletico Mineiro 2:0 U.S. Region IV The game was stifled for the entire first half. The 4-3-3 of the Brazilians clashed with the 4-4-2 of the Americans. The rhythm was high and the game was very combattive, but not dirty. The minutes passed and the supremacy of the defending champions Mineiro grew, as they attacked in bursts. However, the only chances created were two shots from outside the box by Jadson and Diogelis at the 12th and 22nd minute, and both times Brooks was ready in his response. The best chance for the Americans came at the 26th minute when Cruz broke free down the flank, entered the box and shaved the post on a diagonal shot with his outside left. In the second half the balance soon shifted. First there was a U.S. goal at the 49th minute which was disallowed for offside. The situation quickly reversed with an play in which the ball stayed on the ground the entire time. First Daniel got things started, followed by Diogelis then Kleber, who centered it to Vinicius, where he made no mistake with his finish. It was a heavy blow for the Americans, also because the Brazilians confirmed themselves not only unbeatable in their ball skills, but incredibly in their defensive organization (no goals suffered). At the 73rd minute the second goal arrived, and it was just as splendid in its buildup as it was in the finish. The action developed on the left, Jadson switched the play for Kleber, who immediately served the ball to Gabriel. His first time conclusion flew into the far upper angle. The U.S. reaction materialized at the 78th minute with a shot on the turn from Barrera that was tipped over by the 'keeper for a corner.