FRISCO, TEXAS – Heat and wind maintained a strong presence here at the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Playoffs Sunday, but pressure rose in prominence as an ingredient for the U16 age group as teams jockeyed for position in their effort to qualify for the national finals next month.
The format here includes 8 groups of 4, with teams playing a single round robin and only the winner of the group advancing to the finals in Milwaukee. While the U18s had the day off in preparation for final games Monday, the U16s played their 2nd match and the qualification picture for each of the 8 groups came into sharper focus.

In Group 1, Seattle Sounders clinched the group with a 1-0 win over Empire United, but the other match produced a nice display from Crew Soccer Academy as they defeated DC United 3-0.

Billy Thompson's Crew team got a couple of first half goals from forward Ray Olaverria, and a match-clinching strike from Tommy Granot.

Thompson was pleased with the team’s performance and agreed it was a product of the organization’s professional approach to player development.

In Group 6, Real Salt Lake AZ and Charlotte Soccer Academy played an entertaining match. In the 1st half, RSL had more of the ball and showed some good ability to attack on the ground. Nick Semintendi especially was active with some weaving runs and both he and Dylan Kelly went close with shots from inside the area. Charlotte keeper William Pyle provided one sprawling save for his team in the early going.

Focusing primarily on keeping shape and counterattacking, Charlotte’s best 1st half chance came from Ian Orr, but he brought out a good save from RSL goalkeeper Joe Speshock. RSL seemed to lose some vigor in attack as the half went on, with Charlotte absorbing very well.

In the 2nd half, an early substitution of Bennett Yort at right back quickly resulted in the opening goal of the game. Yort made a surging run down the right wing and earned a corner. He then got on a receiving end of a good set piece by Austin Yearwood and buried a volley into the ceiling of the net from close range to put the North Carolina side up 1-0. Yort had a good game on the defensive as well, along with nearly setting Benjamin Burdon lose for a 2nd goal, but the fast forward’s volley under duress went just wide of an open goal. Charlotte left back Yearwood was also strong on the evening, both in defense and getting forward, while Burdon was a constant danger up top on the counterattack.

RSL began to climb back into the match and Romain Gall narrowly  missed with a curling shot. Minutes later, the game was tied at 1-1 as Ben Spencer scored with a good individual effort, backheeling home from a scramble in front of goal.

The Arizona side then took the lead after a good passing move that concluded when Rodrigo Uriarte swung a pass wide right to Brian Bates who provided an excellent finish from an acute angle.

That appeared to give the match to RSL, but Burdon continued to be dangerous and his tremendous speed got behind the defense and into the area, where he was tripped up for a penalty. Roland Minogue took the spot kick with just a couple of minutes remaining and scored to provide a final 2-2 result.

RSL still can advance with a win Tuesday over FC Westchester, which won its 2nd straight match Sunday night, beating Baltimore Bays Chelsea, 3-2.

Other Sunday Results and Qualifying Scenarios by Group:

Group 3: LA Galaxy defeat IMG Soccer Academy and Houston Dynamo defeated Sporting Kansas City, each by a score of 4-1. The Galaxy are on 6 points and a win or a draw vs. Houston Tuesday will put them in the national finals.

Group 4: Solar Chelsea drew with Real So Cal 1-1, while FC DELCO edged De Anza Force 1-0. Solar and Real are level at 4 points and FC DELCO are one point behind at 3.

Group 5: North Carolina Fusion edged Pateadores 1-0, while Texas Rush beat New England Revolution 2-1. Rush lead the group with 4 points and Fusion and New England are on 3.

Group 7: Chicago Fire beat North Meck 1-0 while PA Classics drew 2-2 with South Carolina United. Classics lead with 4 points and Fire and North Meck are each a point behind.

Group 8: St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri defeated FC Dallas 3-2. CASL Chelsea edged Sockers FC 2-1. CASL and Gallagher will square off for the group title on Tuesday.

Our coverage of The Development Academy playoffs will continue through Wednesday.

COMPLETE PLAYOFF COVERAGE:

Day 1 - Red Bulls, Indiana win
Day 2 - 16-year old pro scores winner
Day 3 - U16 playoff picture comes into focus