Standout players from games at FC Europa Turf Cup
I was able to catch a few of the boys games at the FC Europa Turf Cup near Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Del. on Sunday afternoon and while it was just a small glimpse into a weekend with games in…
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Continue ReadingI was able to catch a few of the boys games at the FC Europa Turf Cup near Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Del. on Sunday afternoon and while it was just a small glimpse into a weekend with games in multiple sites in Pennsylvania and Delaware there were some standout performances worth highlighting.
The goalkeeping was of particular note in the four matches I watched.
Colin Colebaugh, Goalkeeper, Lionville Force
Lionville conceded early in a tough match with King of Prussia SC Prussians but were able to score two unanswered goals and pick up a 2-1 win largely because of Colebaugh’s strength between the pipes. The Downingtown High School East junior was called on more than once with King of Prussia hunting for an equalizer and he rose to the task.
Justin Angelo, Goalkeeper, Harleysville FC Ready
It took a highlight-reel volley to beat Angelo in a 1-0 loss to Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals in the match I saw on Sunday. Angelo earlier denied what would’ve been an even more incredible goal with one of several notable saves in the match. The Perkiomen Valley High School junior’s quick movements and overall organization and communication from the back both stood out to me.
Randall Elvin, Midfielder, Harleysville FC Ready
The Faith Christian Academy attacker was the danger man all game for Harleysville against Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals, creating several big opportunities for himself and his team. His service on corners and in transition was deserving of a goal or two and I liked his aggressiveness to pull the trigger on a couple shots from long range.
Luis Colmenares Bittar, Midfielder, Lionville Force
The Downingtown East sophomore is hard to miss because of his size but he showed in Lionville’s match vs King of Prussia SC that he’s more than just a big body out on the pitch. He scored the game-winning goal off a play with a soft touch that looked easier to convert than it actually was and was heavily involved wherever he was on the field winning balls in the air, dribbling and holding off attackers in the midfield while also providing a mismatch when getting into the attack.
Shayl Chetty, Midfielder, King of Prussia SC Prussians
When the Prussians looked their best attacking against Lionville, Shayl Chetty was usually involved somewhere in the build-up. His ball over the top helped set up their first half goal and his ability to pick out passes from central midfield helped create a number of chances they just weren’t able to convert in the 2-1 loss. The Conestoga senior was part of a stacked Conestoga team that won the state championship in the fall.
Michele Romano, Midfielder, Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 05B Red
Romano had the goal of the day with the game-winner late off a volley that caromed in off the left post. As a holding midfielder, I liked how Romano picked his spots to get into the attack. He was active defensively, smooth on the ball and decisive moving forward.
Maurece Jean-Brian, Forward, Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 06B Red
The Holy Ghost Prep sophomore has pace and is shifty in his movements, the type of player who can create chances for himself and for teammates through hold-up play and strong runs into the box. I only caught part of the Ukies match against Lower Merion SC and didn’t see the lone goal in the 1-0 win but would like to see more of Jean-Brian.
Paul Ziegler, Winger, FC Europa ’04 Elite
The game I caught with FC Europa and Cohansey Premier 2004 Arsenal ended as a scoreless draw but it really shouldn’t have in part because of the work Ziegler was doing down the left flank. One particular cross from him couldn’t have been placed better but the attempt went wide of the goal. His ability to get down the flank and send in a dangerous cross were certainly on display from the Bishop Shanahan junior (pictured at the top of the article).
Emmanuel McFarlene, Defender, FC Europa ’04 Elite
I love a mobile center back and that’s exactly what I saw from McFarlene. Solid one-v-one defending in the scoreless draw with Cohansey Premier 2004 Arsenal and an ability on the ball to step up and turn defense into offense. McFarlane is a junior at Wissahickon High School.
Tristan Hevener, Midfielder, Lower Merion SC Riptide
Hevener was patrolling the middle of the park for Lower Merion SC and showed a blend of calmness with the ball and aggressiveness without it that you want to see from a player tasked with keeping the midfield connected.