May 31, 2010 CSL--TFC Academy lose twice on weekend (from TorontoFC.ca)
Double Defeat For Academy
Close margin of defeat for Senior Boys in CSL
Media Affiliate: TorontoFC.ca
Monday, May 31, 2010 - 7:24pm
Toronto FC's Senior Academy team fell to two close defeats in the Canadian Soccer League over the weekend. On Friday night they were beaten 3-1 by London City and on Sunday they lost 1-0 to York Region Shooters.
TFC took a 25th minute lead in the first match of the weekend at Cover Road in London. A slick passing move that started in the defensive third finished with Brennan McNicoll scoring a volley for his first of the season.
After the break, London began to control the game and shortly after halftime Thomas Beattie got his head on a cross and the ball looped over a helpless Angelo Cavaluzzo in the TFC goal to level the score line at 1-1.
London City found themselves 2-1 up just seven minutes later when Gentian Buzali headed in from a free kick. TFC started to find their passing game again and created a few good chances in the last five minutes of the game. First Nicholas Lindsay had a shot cleared off the line by a defender and soon after that Tristan Jackman had his curling shot from 15 yards strike the crossbar. London City put the result beyond TFC in stoppage time when Anasse Brouk tapped the ball in from close range when TFC were pushing for the equalizer.
"In the first half we moved the ball really well and definitely put the home side under pressure," said Academy Senior Team coach Jason Bent. "It was a nice night to play and we knew we had to take the crowd out of the game as it was their 2010 home opener. The goal we scored was probably the best team goal I've seen from this group of players. In the second half, London dominated possession in the early stages and scored two headers off crosses into the box.
"We had a 15 minute period to start the second half where we failed to pass the ball and fair play to London City because they found a way to get themselves back into the match. Obviously I was disappointed at the result but the performance for the most part was quite good and if not for that 15 minute period at the beginning of the second half I think we might have got something out of the game."
The Academy returned to action less than 48 hours later when they faced a very experienced York Region Shooters team. York Region struck first when Kaidian Lecky showed his pace and strength to get beyond the TFC backline and fire a well placed left footed strike in off the far post.
York Region dominated the first half and if not for Garrett Cyprus the score line could have been much worse going into the halftime. Josh Janniere had TFC Academy’s best opportunity of the first half which came shortly after York Region's goal. He was sent clear by Oscar Cordon and found himself in a one-on-one situation with Camilo Benzi who stood tall and saved the shot.
The second half saw TFC begin to grab control of possession and create some chances. First it was Dino Gardiner supplying a nice cross for Oscar Cordon but the midfielder's shot from close range missed the target. Next it was Lindsay who saw a powerful header hit the post. On the day, TFC were unable to find a way past Camilo Benzi and the game finished 1-0 in favor of York Region Shooters.
"York Region is a very good and experienced side that is well coached," said Bent. "They played a very mature style of football and it was a good test for my players. On a very hot day we needed to keep the ball better as were expending too much energy trying to win it back."
"When we played with a quicker tempo and passed the ball using one or two touches, we were able to create chances that on another day might have changed the outcome of the match. Although we have lost two matches over the course of the weekend, we played some good football in spurts. We are seeking to put together a 90 minute performance and we'll continue to work on that side of our game."
The Reds youngsters return to action on Saturday at BMO Field against Montreal Impact Academy following Toronto FC's MLS match against Kansas City Wizards.
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