MLS Next Cup Day 1 Standouts
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FRISCO, Texas – Day 1 of the MLS Next Cup playoffs are off and running with the U-15 and U-16’s going today. The day was a great opportunity to see many rising stars in the younger age groups. Despite the…
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Continue ReadingFRISCO, Texas – Day 1 of the MLS Next Cup playoffs are off and running with the U-15 and U-16’s going today. The day was a great opportunity to see many rising stars in the younger age groups. Despite the hot temperature the effort level stayed high in the win or go home playoff format.
U-16
Artsiom Hyrnblat
Artsiom Hyrnblat
Artsiom got the scoring started minutes into the game with a beautiful curling shot into the top right corner. Playing in a box-to-box role he continued to have a major influence on the game consistently finding teammates with line-splitting passes. Showed good strength on the ball when receiving from the center backs using quick touches to get on his favored right foot as well as to turn defenders and get the ball up the field. FC United dominated most of the game with Artsiom playing a big role in not allowing the opponent to build any rhythm through the center of midfield
Rizvanovich was not tested much in this match as FC United controlled proceedings however, he looked comfortable in possession of the ball had good kicks and made good reads with his distribution. What was most impressive was his ability to bounce back. Despite conceding a penalty on a long ball over the top when faced with a similar situation he found the solution to the problem coming off his line stopping the attacker twice allowing his defenders to recover and get the ball out of danger. Fundamentally he looked strong in all facets of the game
U-15’s
Adri Mehmeti
Adri Mehmeti
Adri Mehmeti is an 09 number 6 and a locked in starter for the New York Red Bulls. Sitting at the base of a midfield 3 in front of a back 3 Mehmeti showed a good range covering ground from sideline to sideline. He also showed the ability the hit long diagonals in order to switch play and find the wing backs on the outside. Despite a slender frame he was not afraid to get stuck in breaking up multiple St Louis Scott Gallagher attacks.
Playing as a right back Vanney, the son of LA Galaxy manager Greg Vanney, looked every part of a coach’s son. Showed a high level of intelligence positioning him self well offensively and defensively. Technically he was tight with the ball comfortable shifting it centrally and recycling possession. Coming forward from his right back spot he fired a ball into the top left corner to give LA Galaxy a commanding 3-1 lead.
Playing as a target forward Adams showed why he is one of the top prospects in the state of Ohio. He found space dropping off the defensive line receiving the ball and quickly finding his teammates in space. As the game went on and opened up he started stretching the field more showing an ability to beat a defender one on one in space. His work on and off the ball was rewarded with a nice headed goal as well as an assist as the Crew advance.
Tortola started the scoring for Columbus with a nice back post run from midfield and a confident header to slam it in. He showed to be a press-resistant midfielder who consistently got on the ball and progressed the ball. Showed an ability to drive with the ball and break lines on the dribble as well as with a pass.