In another sign of the continued strength of Met Oval 's Youth Center of Excellence, our U14 USSF Development Academy team topped our MLS affiliate partner New York City FC's U14 team by a score of 2-1 in a closely contested match Sunday at Belson Stadium on the campus of St. Johns University.
Although five Met Oval U14 players were selected to join NYC FC this past summer (the most of any club), Met Oval's current U14 team was poised to show their talent and grit in what turned out to be a physical and tactical encounter. NYC FC had the better of the first 15 min with a number of shots by Balthazar Saunders ( ex Met Oval) saved or blocked. Met Oval's Jasson Garay tormented the defense using his speed to exploit many 1v1'sfrom the wide left position and saw his most dangerous effort parryed wide by NYCFC goal keeper Manny Smalios ( ex Met Oval). The ensuing corner landed in the mixer and Met Oval's Jobany Garcia slotted it home for the lead. 1-0.
NYC FC's Balthazar Saunders offered a reply pouncing on a square ball through the back line, beat two players and the keeper to slot home the equalizer. 1-1. Met Oval's Jasson Garay again broke through the NYCFC back line on a through ball from Marco Cottone arriving to a 1v1 with GK Manny Smalios who took down Jasson and was issued a red card. On the ensuing free kick from 30 yards out, Met Oval's Santi Campos found the top left corner in what may be a goal of the season contender. 2-1 Met Oval.
The 2nd half was defensive oriented for Met Oval as they dropped in the midfield to control the tempo of the game, relinquishing more of the possession in favor of counter attacking opportunities. The game finished 2-1 for Met Oval handing NYC FC its first loss of the season. Met Oval's back line including Gk Juan Cruz had a strong performance and boasted three U13 players playing with the U14 team. It was a reunion of sorts with so many current or former Met Oval players on the field and in the stands.
In other weekend action, The Met Oval U15 Pre Academy team came from behind to beat Beachside 3-2 in NEPAL play. Two goals from Jordan May plus a goal from Charlie Welch powered the team to a 1-1-1 record on the season so far.
The Met Oval USSF Development Academy teams hosted World Class on Satruday. The U14 won 1-0 on a penalty by Jack Wagner. The U13 lost 3-2 on disjointed game with four goals from set pieces. The U12 Academy teams were both victories 5-3 and 3-1 in a positive display of technical capabilities.
The 04 EDP team split their weekend games loosing away at CT Rush and then rebounding to top Manhattan Soccer Club at Randall's Island 3-1. The 03 EDP team lost to MatchFit away while the 06 and 07 Met Oval East teams were victories over DUSC.
Other News:
Met Oval Brooklyn player Merce Keller won theNYC FC "Once in a Lifetime" video contest. Check it out here https://t.co/OSLqYPjtkZ
Both NYC FC's U14 and U16 leading scorers are former Met Oval Players. U14 player Balthazar Saunders has netted 5 goals in 5 games this season while U16 player Jose Flores has scored 4 goals in 4 games.
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About US
The Metropolitan Oval is a USSF Development Academy dedicated to developing the highest-quality soccer talent in New York City while offering youth of all backgrounds the opportunity to play soccer in a committed environment through specialized training, team play, camps and clinics.
The Met Oval's soccer facility was originally built in 1925 by immigrants from Germany and Hungary, and remains the most historic soccer facility in the United States. The Met Oval is the only New York City soccer club that owns its own field and related facilities through its Youth Center of Excellence. Met Oval is the leading elite talent developer in the region with our professional pathway which builds players for USSF Youth National team participation, Int'l and MLS academies, and collegiate careers.