AFU's Academy teams got back to winning ways this past weekend with solid performances against McLean Soccer Club and Virginia Rush. The u-16's put up five goals to MClean's three in the early game on Saturday. Forward Chris Harrison scored the club's first hattrick of the season, scoring two breakaway goals in the first half and an excellent header in the 2nd. Captain Roberto Hinojosa and forward Jeremy Rector added to Chris' tally's to give AFU their highest scoring game of the season so far. McLean answered with three goals of their own to make for a very exciting game.
The u-18's had to come from behind after Mclean had taken the lead midway through the first half. An unstoppable shot unleashed by Brady O' Brien midway through the 2nd half got AFU back on level terms and when a McLean player was issued a straight red card it looked like AFU could go on and win the game. However McLean stood firm and defended excellently to deny AFU who had to settle for the draw.
Virginia Rush were Sunday's opponents and the u-16 teams played a tough uncompromising game with both teams creating numerous chances. AFU had to wait until very late in the game, when Andres Pena latched onto a long ball by Amin EL Shami and lobbed Rush's keeper to earn all three points. An important and well earned victory.
Next up was one of the most exciting games of the year so far. The u-18's battled to a narrow 3-2 victory over Rush with forward Luke Ade giving an MVP performance. Ade opened the scoring in the 2nd minute with a well taken low drive into Rush's net. Rush equalized later in the half and they were all square at the break. Ade was again involved in AFU's go ahead goal when he provided a excellent cross for forward Stephen Dunbar to head home. Rush responded when a defensive mix up allowed them to sneak a 2nd tying goal. Ade was to have the final say when Dunbar this time became the provider and found Ade in space who beat his defender and found the bottom corner again.
Three wins and a tie will hopefully give the teams some momentum heading into a very important weekend when divisional rivals Weston and Kendall come to ATL to take on AFU.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Local Rivals Do Battle
Local USSF Developmental Academy rivals AFC Lightning came to Scott Hudgens Park this past Saturday to take on the Atlanta Fire United. The u-16's were first up and despite AFU creating some excellent chances in the first half they were unable to capitalize and where deadlocked 0-0 at the half. The stalemate continued in the 2nd half with Lightning finally coming to grips with the wet and soggy field and created some chance so their own. Neither team could find a way through and it finished 0-0.
The 18's were up next. AFU applied the early pressure but AFC came right back and scored midway through the 1st off a deep cross that was not dealt with by the AFU defense and a Lightning forward was on hand to poke the loose ball into the net. AFU upped the pressure in the 2nd half and put some intense pressure on the Lightning backline but some outstanding goalkeeping and spirited defense kept them at bay. 1-0 the final score, a disappointing loss but good motivation for next week when Virginia Rush and McLean Soccer Club are hosted by AFU.
Next weeks games will be held at EE Robinson Park at 2pm and 4pm on Saturday and 9am and 11am on Sunday. Please come out and support your AFU Developmental Academy teams.
The 18's were up next. AFU applied the early pressure but AFC came right back and scored midway through the 1st off a deep cross that was not dealt with by the AFU defense and a Lightning forward was on hand to poke the loose ball into the net. AFU upped the pressure in the 2nd half and put some intense pressure on the Lightning backline but some outstanding goalkeeping and spirited defense kept them at bay. 1-0 the final score, a disappointing loss but good motivation for next week when Virginia Rush and McLean Soccer Club are hosted by AFU.
Next weeks games will be held at EE Robinson Park at 2pm and 4pm on Saturday and 9am and 11am on Sunday. Please come out and support your AFU Developmental Academy teams.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Alabama Rival visits AFU
Birmingham United from Birmingham, Alabama visited Atlanta Fire on Saturday in a key southeast divisional match up. The u-16's played a very exciting all out attack 1st half with AFU twice coming from a goal down to go in 2-2 at the half. AFU's first goal was scored by center midfielder and team captain Roberto Hinojosa just minutes after Birmingham had taken the lead. Finding space in the midfield Roberto powered his way through the Birmingham defense and finished low to the keepers left. Andres Pena then equalized again just before half time after Birmingham had upped the ante with a 2nd goal.
The 2nd half was a less lively affair with both teams tightening up defensively. A defensive error midway through the 2nd half allowed Birmingham to take the lead and despite some excellent chances late in the game AFU were unable to find a third equalizer. A tough loss but an exciting game nonetheless.
Atlanta Fire's u-18 boys had an excellent day recovering from last weekend to record a convincing win over Birmingham 4-0. Pete Kurowsky started the scoring after some excellent work from Taylor Krek set him up for a simple tap in. Luke Ade was next on the score sheet, followed by Matt Levins and the game was wrapped up from the spot by Alec Kronitz after Taylor Krek was fouled after again doing some excellent attacking work. This victory keeps the team in 2nd place in the division behind Weston.
The teams will have this weekend free of games and then face local rivals AFC Lightning on the 17th of October. We look forward to seeing you at the game.
The 2nd half was a less lively affair with both teams tightening up defensively. A defensive error midway through the 2nd half allowed Birmingham to take the lead and despite some excellent chances late in the game AFU were unable to find a third equalizer. A tough loss but an exciting game nonetheless.
Atlanta Fire's u-18 boys had an excellent day recovering from last weekend to record a convincing win over Birmingham 4-0. Pete Kurowsky started the scoring after some excellent work from Taylor Krek set him up for a simple tap in. Luke Ade was next on the score sheet, followed by Matt Levins and the game was wrapped up from the spot by Alec Kronitz after Taylor Krek was fouled after again doing some excellent attacking work. This victory keeps the team in 2nd place in the division behind Weston.
The teams will have this weekend free of games and then face local rivals AFC Lightning on the 17th of October. We look forward to seeing you at the game.
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