The Houston Dynamo Academy continued the 2014-15 season in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy last weekend against Austin rival Lonestar SC and the U-18s, U-16s and U-15s each recorded wins.
The Dynamo Academy Under-18s rolled to a 4-2 win as David Koloko, Christian Lucatero, Juan “Charly” Flores and Kevin Rodriguez eached scored before the hour mark for an initial 4-0 lead.
The U-18s (4-0-1; 2.60 P/GP) remain unbeaten this season and in first place in the Central Conference, slightly ahead of FC Dallas (5-1-0; 2.50 P/GP). Flores leads the team with three goals.
“The boys worked really hard again this week and were 3-0 up at halftime and it was 4-nil after 50 minutes and the game was over,” Dynamo director of youth development James Clarkson said. “They really are working hard for everything at the moment, so it is a good sign.”
“It is still a work in progress, that’s for sure. Christian Lucatero is playing really well and really leading by example. Josue Palomino has made a real big contribution this year, but he is injured and will be out this week. The new guys (to the U-18s) are adapting to it well and the guys who moved up from the U-16s are starting to get it, understanding the demands and intensity of training every day, the added workload with CES Performance and the increase in level. ”
The U-16s turned a scoreless game through 45 minutes into a 2-0 victory behind goals from Jordi Cobo and Johnathan Diaz. The U-16s are in eighth place in the Central Conference (2-3-0; 1.2 P/GP) but have time to make up ground, with up to four games in hand on clubs above them in the standings.
“It was a much needed win. They’ve been a bit unfortunate and given away some late goals in a couple of the losses. Now it is a case of building on it and continuing to work and develop as a team, individually and collectively.”
The U-15s secured a 4-1 triumph over Lonestar on Sunday afternoon.
“I watched all the games this weekend, and they were far and away the most entertaining game. They were fantastic. They are a great group to work with and since we’ve come back from Mexico they’ve really pushed on, and that inspired them. They’ve come together as a group and they’re really fun to work with and to watch. Some of the guys have had a chance to play up with the U-16s and they’ve adapted to that really well.”
The U-14s suffered a 1-0 setback to Lonestar.
“They are a very talented group, but over the last couple weeks they’ve had a little dip in form. But they’ve been working hard through the week so we hope to see the improvement this weekend.”
“The U-13s were 2-nil down and came back to win 3-2 on Sunday. The second half performance from them was very pleasing. They adapted to what we spoke to them about at halftime and came out with a different attitude and played some good stuff at times, so that was a positive result.”
“The U-12s played only their second or third game on a full field and we struggled physically. But, that group as a whole is making huge progress. The physical side of things will catch up at some stage. It is the way they play, their understanding, their ability to control the ball and pass it is excellent. Their enthusiasm for the game is incredible.
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