The US U18 men’s national team certainly didn’t ease into its camp this week. Just two days in, the squad enjoyed their first scrimmage Monday against the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Coach Mike Matkovich has called in 26 players to the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., from April 18-26.

Back in January, 18 of the 26 players present this week led the US to gold at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney.  

It’s a talented and entertaining group, and their effort Monday against their MLS opponent confirmed as much.

The Galaxy showed up with most of the team intact, sans Landon Donovan. The match was a physical one that had a lot of tough tackling – one in particular came in the second half and emitted a loud crack after two players collided.

The day’s stars included U18 MNT forward Dion Acoff, who patrolled the right midfield while displaying his speed and quick feet.

U18 midfielders Amobi Okugu and Dillon Powers were also notable. Powers, from Dallas club Andromeda, is a cerebral player and good passer, while Okugu, who had a bout with sickness at the U18 gathering in January, put the whole package to work this time around.

The speedy and opportunistic Justin Watson of Bridge FA in South Carolina had a scoring chance in the second half but missed a left-footed try in the box.

Alex Long and Zachary MacMath spent time in goal against the Galaxy, who predictably controlled most of the possession and the tempo of the match.

All in all, the US team held its own with the defensive unit playing particularly well.

PDL side Ventura, amateur team Hollywood United and college squad California will serve as opponents for the rest of the week.

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.)