The Region I Premier League kicked off this past weekend, and the U15 Boys schedule featured some tight contests between some of the Northeast’s best teams.

In the North division, FSA United was the weekend’s big winner, winning both of its games and allowing only one goal on its way to a strong six points.

FSA’s first game, against the MPS Bulldogs, was a well-played, fast-paced affair. A scoreless first half was followed by a second half that opened with a goal-scoring flurry.

FSA’s Alejandro Tobon scored in the 55th minute and Frederico Ferre of the Bulldogs equalized three minutes later. Looking to seize the momentum, the Bulldogs pressed forward but FSA’s John Kelly quickly took advantage with a nice goal off a counterattack to bring the score to 2-1.

The Bulldogs switched to an offensive-minded 3-4-3 near the end of the game in an effort to equalize for a second time, but they couldn’t finish their opportunities. FSA held on for a hard-fought victory that earned them a satisfying three points.

FSA’s second game was against arch-rival Beachside SC. For the past several years, FSA has a winning record against Beachside in league games, but in each of the past two Connecticut state finals, Beachside has snuck away with victories for the state crown.

Sunday’s game was evenly matched but, perhaps because it was a league game, this one went to FSA. In the second game of the day for both teams, Beachside kept possession for much of the time and created several quality scoring chances, but wasn’t ever able to find goal. FSA goalkeeper Will Steiner played very well. He was a shot-blocking force, and along with FSA’s oversized defensive front, he helped thwart every Beachside attack.

Beachside got a standout performance from defensive midfielder Patrick Connelly, who managed to disrupt the rhythm of the FSA offense and also created some offensive opportunities of his own. Yet, FSA still managed to get one goal in each half. The first came from Matt Juliano and the second from Alejandro Tobon on a counterattack at the very end of the game.

The other two North division games of the day had fewer fireworks, and each ended in a draw.

The first, between Beachside SC and the NH Classics, was dominated by two good defenses. Both teams played well and tried to get a feel for the game by playing crisp, simple passes on the ground and working the ball together to create scoring chances; but neither team was able to finish the game with a goal.

The North division’s last game of the day, between MPS Bulldogs and NH Classics, was the ugly duckling of the group. In the second game of the day for both teams, fatigue turned this match into a sloppy affair. After a scoreless first half, the Classics scored and the Bulldogs quickly responded with a goal on a bouncing free kick from 30 yards out. The pace picked up in the final 15 minutes as both teams dug deep into their energy reserves to find a go-ahead goal, but neither team was able to score again.  

In the South division of the U15 age group, only two teams were in action. The Baltimore Bays Chelsea and PWSI Red Courage played a very evenly-matched game that ended in a 1-1 tie.  

In this game, the Bays got off to a torrid start, creating several opportunities in the first 10 minutes, but finishing was an issue as the team got zero goals after several shots on goal. After a scoreless first half, the Bays got a goal from Christian Porras, who finished a nice combination by dribbling into the box and shooting. His initial shot was deflected back to him off a defender, but he took another touch and quickly knocked the ball into the back of the net.

PWSI scored five minutes later on a nifty counterattack off a Bays corner kick. PWSI’s midfield tracked swiftly up the field and scored after catching the Bays defense somewhat off-guard. The Bays’ Kyle Walczak was sent off after receiving his second yellow card with about 15 minutes left, but his team managed to hold on for the 1-1 draw.

This weekend’s games were fairly typical for the beginning of the spring season. Teams are still trying to regain their form and get into the flow of the season, so it’s rare to see many spectacular goals scored.

We’ve already mentioned some players that stood out in these games, but here’s a short list of others who made a strong early impression.

From FSA, forward Allen Mehmedovic displayed good burst and athleticism and central midfielder John Kelly had an accurate shot and was adept at distributing the ball.

Beachside’s center back Jake Malowitz used his defensive awareness and great speed to neutralize opposing teams’ top threats. Forward Keith Bond caused constant headaches for opposing defenses, using his pace and one-on-one ability to thwart constant double-teams.

MPS Bulldogs’ central midfielder Declan McCabe, a member of the U14 National Team pool, held his own despite playing a year up in the U15 age group. Midfielder Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu and Nico Pascal-Leone are also very gifted and creative with the ball at their feet.

Bays central midfielder Romy Hernandez was very consistent and reliable, and he showed great energy in his team’s one game. He is the engine that makes that team go. Goalkeeper Matt Sanchez was also stellar as he helped hold PWSI to a single goal.

Stay tuned as the season moves forward. Region I has great parity in the U15 age group, and judging by this weekend’s tight results, we’ll be treated to compelling matchups throughout the season.