FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 28, 2020) — The US Youth Soccer North Atlantic Conference, managed by EDP Soccer, saw teams in the 13U and 14U age groups play their third weekend of the Fall 2020 Season on Sept. 26-27. With the season progressing toward its midway point, teams are looking to separate themselves at the top of the table as they make a run to a first place finish.
The North Atlantic Conference is one of 13 National League Conferences, which each provide top teams with an opportunity to advance to their respective USYS Regional Championships. For teams in the North Atlantic Conference, these games are part of the road to the 2021 USYS Eastern Regional Championships, which will take place June 25-July 1, 2021 at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, N.J.
In the 14U Boys Premier I Division, SUSA B07 EDP NL hosted Dix Hills Harbour View. Both sides came into the game after tough battles the previous week, when Dix Hills defeated Valencia CF Academy, 2-1, and SUSA tied Long Island Premier, 2-2.
This weekend’s game was a tough match from the start. Both teams had scoring chances but Dix Hills Harbour View was able to strike first. The goal started from right back Nick Mackin making a pass to right midfielder Jackson Dillon, who was able to send the ball to striker Hunter Croke for an excellent finish. The first half ended with Dix Hills up 1-0. A few minutes into the second half, SUSA was able to score the equalizer off a free kick. It was an exciting battle the rest of the game, with both teams having chances to score the winning goal. With less than five minutes left, Dix Hills' Jackson Dillon was able to find the back of the net for the winning goal. Dix Hills coach Olando Evan praised defenders Preston Podlas, Maurcio Oviedo and Brayden Lane for their efforts in the win.
"We played a solid game, and we were defensively very solid as a team,” Evan said. “We created a lot of chances, but we lacked composure in front of the goal. Overall, it was very good to see our boys compete against a good quality team and come out with a victory in the end.”
In the 13U Boys Premier I Division, Bethlehem SC 2008 Eagles hosted Auburndale SC Blast, and Bethlehem won, 4-2, to move to 1-0 in the season.
In the 14U Girls Premier I Division, New York Surf G07 Academy Blue looked to continue its dominant start to the season when it traveled to play East Islip Scorpions. The Surf kept a clean sheet in a 5-0 victory over a tough East Islip team. Mia Bratti and Jadyn Hsu each tallied two goals and Rachel Nasshorn put one in the back of the net. Defense has been a strength this season and that trend continued with big efforts by defenders Chloe Bergen and Isabella Taylor, as well as keeper Katie Powder.
"It was a team win,” said Surf defender/midfielder Samantha Friedman. ”We always work hard and have fun when we're on the field."
In the 13U Girls Premier I Division, Long Island SC G2008 Academy visited Auburndale SC Strikers 2008, as both teams looked to remain unbeaten in conference play. Long Island SC’s system of play had it pressing high and looking to move the ball quickly and into the attacking third by utilizing balls in and behind Auburndale’s back four. The attacks down the flanks resulted in several services in and around the box. Auburndale used its strength and size in midfield, and looked to play diagonal balls over top to its quick wingers. Late in the first half, Auburndale went up 1-0 on a penalty that resulted from a hand ball in the box off a cross. In the second half, Long Island SC equalized on a shot from outside the box that drifted over the goalkeeper’s head. In the battle between two of the conference's top teams, the game finished tied at 1-1.
In the Club vs. Club Division, Inter Connecticut FC hosted Brentwood in the 13U and 14U Boys age groups. At 13U, Brentwood came away with a 3-2 win a close match. In the 14U age group, Brentwood’s attack was too much for Inter Connecticut to handle, and the match ended 5-1 in favor of Brentwood.
For more information on the North Atlantic Conference, including schedules, scores, and standings, click here.
For more information on all of the National League Conferences, the National League Showcase Series, and the National League Playoffs, click here.