U.S. Club Soccer id2 Arizona: Day 2 Recaps

U.S. Club Soccer id2 Arizona: Day 2 Recaps
by Ralph Amsden
December 13, 2014

The first day of id2 boys matches began on Friday in Casa Grande, AZ, with both teams starting strong. Here are recaps from Friday.

MORE: Match Day 1 Top Players | Boys camp Roster

Game 1: Team 1 vs Team 3

From the start of the Match Team 3 came out with an aggressive offensive attack with right wing Julian Gaines emerging immediately as player to watch. Gaines' effort was slowed by the defensive help of Team 1 midfielder Luke Hansen, as well as the blazing speed of defensed Mario Rocha, but Team 3 kept consistent possession and pressure until around the 20 minute mark. 
 
Team 3, with no available subs, began to slow their pace, allowing for Team 1 to take control of the tempo behind left wing Jasson Andres. Unsuccessful shots on goal near the end of the first half by Andres and midfielder Sean Molloy brought Team 1's total attempted shots on goal for the opening half to four, even with Team 3, though they both remained scoreless. 
 
The second half was completely dominated by Team 3, save for one breakaway goal by forward Azriel Gonzalez. Julian Gaines scored twice, one on a ball that was tipped off the post by the keeper, but still caromed into the net, and the second time on a penalty kick. Defender Damian Searchwell also scored once, bringing the ball up the field himself and scoring on a powerful kick from well outside the box. 
 
Team 3 outshot Team 1 9-1 in the second half, and completely dominated the ball until Team 1 made the switch to put Mario Rocha at midfielder and let him try to outmuscle opponents for possession. Just when the strategy seemed to be poving fruitful, the game ended with Team 3 on top, 3-1.
 
Game 2: Team 2 vs Team 4
 
Team 4, led by midfielder Salvador Villegas, dominated their Friday evening match with Team 2 from start to finish, outshooting them 14-4, and winning 2-0. 
 
The match started with Team 2 applying offensive pressure behind the speedy Jalen Anderson, but local Sereno SC defender Ethan Beck managed to poke the ball away each time, neutralizing the early threat. 
 
Offensively, Villegas, paired with Jesus Esparza, Aidan O'Toole and Jeremy Shortt, kept the ball in or near the box for the entire match. Team 4 secured its first goal when Esparza lifted the ball over the keeper's head around the 10 minute mark. Villegas, who spent the majority of the day on the right wing exasperating defenders, had several deflected shots on goal, and flawlessly attempted crosses that caught teammates by surprise before the half ended in what was surprisingly only a 1-0 game.
 
The second half saw more of the same offensive pressure from Team 4, with the ball rarely being cleared by team 2's keeper or defenders. Aidan O'Toole facilitated a second goal with a perfect corner kick that was headed into the net by Jeremy Shortt. Up 2-0, Team 4 changed up its midfielders and forwards to now feature Jovani Casillas on the right wing and Villegas on the left, and the offensive pressure continued until the final whistle. 
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