U18 Generation Adidas Quarter-Final Standouts

I was most intrigued by the MLSNext qualifier from Indio as [program_tooltip program_id='283745' first='Sockers' last='FC'] took on Brazilian side Santos. A cinderella run that unfortunately came to an end for the team from Chicago. They were up 1-0 until the last minute of the game when Santos equalized and then ultimately lost on pens. Two very different styles of play as Sockers were extremely direct but effective with their game plan. While Santos tried to dictate play a bit more. I believe Sockers were unlucky to lose as I thought they created more meaningful chances then their Brazilian counterparts. I also caught bits of the RSL vs Orlando game on field 1 as Orlando advanced to the Semi-Final on Saturday.    The defensive midfielder who is headed to Princeton in the fall put in a fantastic shift for his Sockers side on Thursday afternoon against a very technical Santos side. He frustrated the Santos midfielders with his disruptive tackling and physicality. He was solid in possession as he is always looking to play the ball in behind on the half turn.     Herbel is an absolute beast and the Sockers captain should be very proud of his heroic defending against Santos. He was doing everything a great defender is supposed to do. Winning headers, disrupting play, making clearances, successful ground duels, and blocking shots. He played a couple of fantastic balls over the top into advantageous positions for his forwards to run onto as well.     Posada was the best offensive player on the field in this game. He scored his teams only goal from the left wing where he beat two defenders and blasted the ball home. He was giving Santos constant problems cutting inside and facilitating play, while also getting to the byline. Really fast first step and confident dribbler.     Had a strong showing at Left Back for Sockers. His defensive positioning is very sound and he was going up against a very good right winger playing for Santos whom he slowed down for most of the game. He broke the midfield line on the dribble a handful of times and has a great understanding with teammate Rafael Posada on the left side.     Put in a fantastic midfield shift for Sockers. He must have been exhausted after this one as he covered an insane amount of ground. He took the majority of the set pieces and seemed to be everywhere on the field making plays on the offensive and defensive ends.     Roll-Royce of a defender. Reads the game exceptionally well almost like he knows where the ball is going to go. Starts the play with exceptional consistency from the back and is so calm when being pressured. Uses his body really well to shield space and just seems to make the game look easy. Gives me Virgil Van Dijk vibes.     Scored the goal that ultimately sent his side into the semi final on Saturday against Santos. He tapped in from close range after the Real Salt Lake Goalkeeper saved a header from [player_tooltip player_id='59855' first='Justin' last='Ellis']' header off a lovely taken corner from [player_tooltip player_id='174874' first='Dylan' last='Judelson']. This Orlando City side were the favorites coming into the tournament and look to be poised to win it all come Sunday.

I was most intrigued by the MLSNext qualifier from Indio as Sockers FC took on Brazilian side Santos. A cinderella run that unfortunately came to an end for the team from Chicago. They were up 1-0 until the last minute of the game when Santos equalized and then ultimately lost on pens. Two very different styles of play as Sockers were extremely direct but effective with their game plan. While Santos tried to dictate play a bit more. I believe Sockers were unlucky to lose as I thought they created more meaningful chances then their Brazilian counterparts. I also caught bits of the RSL vs Orlando game on field 1 as Orlando advanced to the Semi-Final on Saturday.