The US U18 men’s national team camp closed out its gathering with a pair of scrimmages Sunday at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.

The US team earned a 1-1 tie with California in the opening game. It was a strong exhibition with good soccer on both sides.

Adam Jahn, a big striker heading to Stanford in the fall, put his imprint on the game with constant activity up front. He fought for possessions and kept the ball moving forward for his team.

In the second half, Jahn set up Scott Caldwell for the squad’s only score. Caldwell plays with a constant motor, and it finally paid off down the stretch.

Steven Birnbaum stood out in the midfield for the US, while Chad Barson was one of the top defenders.

Barson, heading to Akron next year, is a smart defender with good all-around technique.

In Game 2, USA played Chivas USA, which featured players such as Alecko Eskandarian, Lance Parker and Sasha Victorine.

Employing a 4-5-1 formation, USA came out a bit conservative. The early action was somewhat lackluster as both teams traded unsuccessful possessions.

The US team finally got untracked when Greg Garza sent a cross into the box that was headed for a goal by Will Bates. The goal stood up as the winner.

For Bates, it was another strong effort in a week full of good performances for the talented forward.

Amobi Okugu and Dillon Powers shined as a midfield tandem while Arsenal SC players Dion Acoff and Miles Byass changed the dynamic of the game when they were inserted into the second half.

Acoff and Byass attacked from the wings and created matchup problems to help the team leave the camp on a winning note.


US U18 Men's National Camp Roster

GOALKEEPERS (2): Alex Long (CASL Chelsea FC Academy; Cary, N.C.), Zachary MacMath (Maryland; St. Petersburg, Fla.)

DEFENDERS (6): Gale Agbossoumonde (unattached; Syracuse, N.Y.), Chad Barson (Columbus Crew Juniors; Lewis Center, Ohio), Peabo Doue (D.C. United Academy; Germantown, Md.), Gregory Garza (Sporting CP; Grapevine, Texas), Kofi Sarkodie (Akron; Huber Heights, Ohio), Zarek Valentin (PA Classics; Lancaster, Pa.)

MIDFIELDERS (11): Jose Altamirano (Del Mar Sharks; San Diego, Calif.), Steven Birnbaum (Pateadores; Irvine, Calif.), Leon Carby (Oakwood SC; West Hartford, CT), Adam Jahn (San Juan Lightning Crew; El Macero, Calif.), Nicholas Millington (Wake Forest; Raleigh, N.C.), Amobi Okugo (San Juan Lightning Crew; Sacramento, Calif.), Dillon Powers (Andromeda; Plano, Texas), Jossimar Sanchez (PDA; Rocky River, Ohio), Anthony Salciccia (De Anza Force; San Jose, Calif.), Ben Speas (Columbus Crew Juniors; Akron, Ohio), London Woodberry (FC Dallas Juniors; McKinney, Texas)
 
FORWARDS (7): Dion Acoff (Arsenal FC; Upland, Calif.), Will Bates (Richmond Strikers; Chester, Va.), Josh Beard (Sockers FC; Schaumburg, Ill.), Miles Byass (Arsenal F.C.; San Bernardino, Calif.), Scott Caldwell (Akron; Braintree, Md.), Hasani Sinclair (Schulz Academy; Coral Springs, Fla.), Justin Watson (Bridge FA; Myrtle Beach, S.C.)