Vancouver Whitecaps affiliate teams put themselves in contention for the semifinals of the USL Super Y-League North American Finals following Day Two action in Florida.Both Mountain WFC U-14 and U-16 Boys claimed big victories over Major League Soccer club DC United, while Coastal WFC U-13 Boys drew their second straight game after a 1-1 stalemate with FC Delco. The results put all three teams in position to claim semifinal spots on Monday, with one more round of games still to be played on Sunday.Both Mountain WFC U-15 and U-16 Girls are not out of contention for the semifinals, but the two teams have their work cut out for them after results on Saturday.
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Mountain WFC U-14 Boys 2 vs DC United 0
It took Mountain and Devin Phelan just three minutes to jump on a tough DC United side for an early 1-0 lead. From there, Mountain withstood early pressure to end the half at 1-0. The second half was evenly balanced until a key substitution by coach Tony Francisco resulted in a goal from Jason Wahlla, with his first touch of the ball. Dalvir Sanghera was well supported by a strong defence and solid performance by Daniel Gazzola. Mountain goalkeeper Brando Ciccone was called upon to make one more spectacular save to preserve the shutout and the victory. Mountain now controls their own fate, as a win or a draw over Juventus Sport Club from California on Sunday will put them in the semifinals.
Mountain WFC U-16 Boys 2 vs DC United 1
Mountain continued their winning ways with a 2-1 win over Major League Soccer’s DC United. Adam Bingham scored late in the first half to put Mountain up 1-0. Midway through the second half, DC United was rewarded for their pressure and equalized to make it 1-1. However, with ten minutes to go, Mountain snatched the late winner with a well-placed finish by Massimo Pannozzo. A win or a tie over California’s Mustang SC on Sunday will put them into Monday’s semifinals.
Coastal WFC U-13 Boys 1 vs FC Delco 1
Coastal came off the mark much quicker than game one, playing a composed but conservative opening fifteen minutes and absorbing FC Delco attacks. Coastal drew first blood when a trademark Danny Chahal free kick cleared the defenders and dropped nicely for the onrushing Tanner Wright, who clinically side-foot volleyed home from about ten yards out. Coastal controlled the tempo for the rest of the half, with Kiefer Sui and Bryan Fong particularly outstanding with their performances. In the second half, Delco raised their game and kept Coastal pinned for long stretches. With an injury to captain Julian Katz, Coastal was under further pressure. The bubble burst shortly after, as Delco leveled the game at 1-1. With both teams really needing a win to keep pace with Kalamazoo Kingdom (who beat Santa Cruz County Breakers 3-1), neither could get the elusive winner. The draw was Coastal’s second in a row and leaves Group D up for grabs on Sunday. Coastal must win and hope that Kalamazoo and Delco play to a draw. A Kalamazoo win will give them the group title, while a Delco victory and a Coastal win will mean that goal difference will be needed to separate the two sides.
Coastal WFC U-15 Boys 0 vs Parsippany SC 3
Coastal were in tough against New York State champions Parsippany Soccer Club. The first half was a stalemate, as neither team were able to make good on the few scoring opportunities. Parsippany then made several substitutions that turned the game in their favour. After striking the crossbar, Parsippany converted a corner kick on the hour mark, making the score 1-0. They added two more shortly after for a 3-0 final. Joey Audia and Adam Staschuk were strong in Coastal's attack. Audia’s tenacity made the Parsippany backline uncomfortable, and Staschuk's work in the midfield kept Coastal in the game.
Mountain WFC U-15 Girls 1 vs California Odyssey 1
Playing against a physical and speedy California Odyssey side, Mountain were on their heels early. Great goalkeeping from Mountain allowed the team to battle back into the game. In the second half, fresh legs up front and better possession produced several good scoring opportunities for Mountain. In particular, strong play and determination from Yvamara Rodriguez raised the level of play. After falling behind to the Odyssey, Mountain equalized with a spectacular header in the dying minutes. The 1-1 draw meant the U-15 Girls are still in the hunt for the semifinals, but they must beat first-place Cleveland Internationals and hope for some help from the final round-robin games on Sunday in order to gain the lone wildcard spot.
Mountain WFC U-16 Girls 0 vs MPS Cape Cod 5
Mountain were coming off a dramatic last-minute win over Northern Virginia on Friday, but there were no such heroics on Saturday, as MPS Cape Cod built on a 1-0 halftime lead by adding four second-half goals for an emphatic 5-0 result. The loss creates a three-way tie for first place, but Mountain are currently in fourth place on goal difference. A Sunday win over Juventus Sport Club - combined with a tie in the other match - will give Mountain the group title. A loss or a tie will eliminate the girls from contention for the group title or the lone wildcard spot.
