RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – CASL hosted South Carolina United here Saturday at WRAL Soccer Complex in a pair of USSF Development Academy matches, with the North Carolina side winning 2-1 in the U18 encounter, and the teams drawing 0-0 in the U16 contest.

U16: CASL Chelsea 0, South Carolina United 0

This game was cagey from the start, with the teams looking extra cautious at the start while probing the opposition defense for chances. It wasn’t until the 2nd half that some real scoring opportunities arose.

With the SCU U18s providing their clubmates with an impromptu cheering section, CASL had an early penalty claimed waved off by the referee at the WRAL Stadium field, which employs artificial turf. CASL goalkeeper Spencer LaCivita was actively commanding his area throughout the match, communicating well to his defenders and always alert to come off his line.

SCU’s Justin White earned a free kick and Devin L'Amoreaux sent in a good service, but a spectacular volley from Nico Rittmeyer failed to connect and the match remained scoreless. On the resulting corner, LaCivita came out and held the ball well.

The CASL back line of Nicholas Williams, Chase Keesling, Ryan McAnallen and Logan Paussa were solid throughout. They proved a good match for the talented SCU front three of Eli Dent, Rittmeyer and Nestor Jaramillo.

Defender Braeden Troyer was exceptional for Clark Brisson’s SCU team, marking well but also showing good feet and smart distribution as he helped the team build up the attack from the back.

Carlos Somoano’s CASL squad had a couple of late scoring chances, with Jon Ray feeding Andrew Morales for one good chance, but the shot flew over the bar. In the closing minute the same two players combined, but Morales’ shot was saved by SCU goalkeeper Zach Shamah.

U18: CASL Chelsea 2, South Carolina United 1
 
This game was a little more entertaining as Doug Hess’ CASL team showed a good ability to win possession and keep it, led by talented midfielder Ryan Metts. Metts helped create the first goal with an outlet pass to JP Rafferty, who sent in a good cross that Alex Givens met with a venomous first-time strike that found the back of the net for a 1-0 CASL lead.

When SCU nearly scored via Zachariah Acree’s header from corner, Metts was there to clear the ball of the line and preserve the CASL lead.

CASL goalkeeper Ethan Hall had a good match, showing good positioning and handling skills when needed. Outside back Eric Steber was active in getting forward, the Furman recruit looking like he has a bright future in the college game. SCU’s Joey DeMare is clever on the ball, with a good pair of feet and the ability to hit a good cross. Forward Isaiah Etheredge is good running with the ball and tough to knock off of it.

In the 2nd half, South Carolina recruit Chipper Root scored a tremendous goal for CASL, drilling a shot home after dribbling past a defender to set off a spirited celebration.

South Carolina scored very late, with Matthew Sieverding making a good run down the left, advancing toward goal along the end line and then pulling a pass back for Alexis Martinez who finished well, but the match ended 2-1 to the hosts.