USYS Nationals: Philly Area Boys Standouts Day 3
Thursday was decision day at the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships in Orlando. Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals U17s had already booked a spot in the semifinals and YMS Celtic U14s made it three wins out of three as the only other…
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Continue ReadingThursday was decision day at the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships in Orlando. Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals U17s had already booked a spot in the semifinals and YMS Celtic U14s made it three wins out of three as the only other local team to advance to the semifinals on the boys side. Lower Merion Invictus, PA Dominion’s 2004 and 2007 teams, FC Europa 2006, Lehigh Valley United 2003 and CASA United 2003 all missed out on the semifinal on tiebreakers.
James Melnick, Forward, Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 2005
Melnick was involved in both goals for the Ukies in a 2-2 draw, showing his strength to fight off a defender in the box on a play that led to a handball and his finishing when he buried a chance to put his team up 2-1 late. The celebration showed a bit of swagger too.
Alexander Zama, Midfielder, Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 2005
Zama is an exciting player to watch with the ball at his feet, whether he’s running by defenders or finding a passing lane to set up a teammate. His strength to beat a defender led to his set up for Melnick’s goal and he had a number of bright attacking moments for the Ukies on the day.
Ian Alicea, Defender, Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 2005
Alicea converted a penalty kick with similar calmness to the way he defends and distributes the ball from the back. His calming presence on the back line and his ability to distribute the ball and defend 1v1 both stood out on the day.
Timoty Devine, Goalkeeper, Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 2005
Devine was called up early by Elkhart Flames in the 2-2 draw but did a good job commanding his line with some impressive stops and good distribution the other way to start the attack.
Ryan Noel, Midfielder, PA Dominion 2007
Noel scored a lovely goal to put PA Dominion up from a tight angle and was an active presence in the attack for PA Dominion in a 2-2 draw with PDX United. He appeared to have set up a game-winner off a free kick but the goal was waived off and the advantage in the tiebreaker went to PDX United.
Matt Fisher, Midfielder, PA Dominion 2007
Fisher played the ball to set up Noel’s first goal and headed home a recycled play for their second goal. Fisher was frequently at the center of PA Dominion’s bright attacking moments and showed well in his vision passing the ball and positioning himself to make things happen.