The Dynamo Academy combined for three victories over Austin FC at Houston Sports Park this weekend and outscored their opponents 8-2.
“It was a full weekend all around for the Formation Phase. The teams played with good spirit, intensity and exhibited our game model very well.” Paul Holocher, Academy Director
The U-13 squad responded quickly after conceding the first goal of the game on Saturday. David Garcia and Salem Sharif capitalized on the momentum shift to find the back of the net and secure the victory.
“This was a gritty performance by our U13’s, who are showing time and again they can rise to the occasion,” Holocher added. “With four players playing up into the U14’s this weekend, the group continued to play with quality and collectiveness.”
Daniel Menyoli finished with a brace for the U-14 squad and Joshua Correa found the back of the net in the 3-0 over Austin FC. Adam Abdouh, Angel Jaimes and Jack Shannon also led the charge for the U-14 side that consistently attacked the opposing goal.
“This was an outstanding performance by the 14’s as they dominated the majority of the ball with controlled possession,” Holocher said. “It was great to see them get rewarded with the goals and the result versus a good team.”
Houston conceded the first goal of the U-15 game and responded within seconds to level the game. The U-15 squad would score three unanswered goals to secure the series sweep.
“It was great to see this response by the U15’s after conceding a goal early in the game.Many of the moments were highlevel, including the second goal that came from a composed throw-in that allowed us to destabilize with excellent control and composure to finish,” Holocher said.
Additionally,the Dynamo Academy hosted their affiliate partners from Louisiana Dynamo TDP for training sessions and matches that allowed all the teams to have extra quality match minutes throughout the weekend. The Louisiana TDP consisted of players from Baton Rouge Soccer Club, Louisiana Fire and Louisiana Dynamo from Lafayette.
“We are really pleased with the development we have seen even in just a weekend with all the boys. Holocher added. “We had several good training sessions and played some competitive training match minutes which everyone enjoyed.”
The U-19 and U-17 squads also kept active over the weekend by hosting United Premier Soccer League side Barcelona at Houston Sports Park. Both teams entered the friendly with two games under their belt earlier in the week and outmatched the visitors 7-0.
“When we play these adult teams, it is always a good challenge, especially on the physical level, but we are really pleased to see how our groups are moving the ball and looking to implement our ideas,” Holocher said. “We look forward to more of these matches in the coming months.”
