It’s been an eventful week for the players at US U18 Men’s national team camp, which will be coming to a close this Sunday.

The group continued intensive training Friday, taking part in short scrimmages while the coaching staff stopped play to drive home points.

Led by head coach Mike Matkovich, the staff was demanding but insightful.

“It’s tough, because the coaches are getting on you,” admitted Dion Acoff, of Arsenal FC. “It’s a really nice environment to play in though. It’s much faster than you’re used to and you get to learn things that you wouldn’t with your club team.

“You feel like when you return home you’ve really improved.”

The US squad will complete the camp with a final scrimmage against Cal Berkley on Sunday. This, after competing against the LA Galaxy at the beginning of the week followed by two more competitive friendlies midweek.

The US team defeated the Ventura County Fusion 4-2 on Wednesday led by a goal from Norberto Ochoa, who played well. Ochoa was making an appearance, along with fellow Arsenal teammate Chris Smith, for the U20 team.

In the second contest of the night, the talented group knocked off Hollywood United 2-0. Undeterred by the physical disadvantage against the adult squad, the US controlled what was a high tempo game and could’ve very easily scored a few more goals.

Will Bates provided both of the scores. Bates, a strong and well-built forward, took a feed from Miles Byass late in the second half and finished a well-designed play.

Dillon Powers had a strong scrimmage as well. A technically polished player, Powers has been teaming well with Amobi Okugu in the midfield throughout the camp.

Aside from the goals, the US missed a few good chances – one coming from forward Justin Watson, who has a knack for being in the right place for scoring opportunities, who missed a left-footed attempt in the box.

Gregory Garza was steady in his first trip back the States since last summer. Garza has been playing professionally in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon, and it showed in his poise.

Hollywood United had a few chances of their own to make the match interesting, but a strong US defensive effort was spearheaded by Gale Agbossoumonde, a physical back with all the tools.

Centerback Kofi Sarkodie is always a force, and is one of the vocal leaders on the team.

By all accounts it’s been another successful gathering for the U18s, and the team is looking to finish strong on Sunday.

 

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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.)