adidas/Disney International Classic

2004 US Youth Soccer
Boys ODP adidas®/Disney International Classic

Game Summaries
Region I Game Schedule

Region I -vs. - Canada
December 30, 2004
Score: Region I - 2, Canada - 0
by Nick Shi

Region I started the game off slowly, taking 15-20 minutes to get the ball moving quickly. From this point, Region I ODP controlled much of the play. The first goal came on a direct kick from just outside the box when Nick Sih was taken down. Bobby Warshaw ripped a shot into the side netting to put the U.S. squad up 1-0.

Region I picked up their play and intensity in the 2nd half. Region I was able to pick apart the Canadian defense through sharp passing and excellent ball movement. The second goal came from Bobby Warshaw again, this time on a penalty kick when Nick Sih was again taken down in the box.

After the 2nd goal, Region I focused on keeping possession of the ball and they did not attack as vigorously. The Canadian side was not able to threaten and Region I's goalie Evan Newton recorded the shutout.

Region I -vs. - Region II
December 28, 2004
Score: Region I - 1, Region II - 0
by Nick Shi

On the third day of action with fatigue starting to kick in, Region I played Region II from the mid-west. Region I started off strongly, passing the ball to feet and moving the ball well. After a couple of chances around the 18 yard box, Region I finally capitalized off a corner. Brent Hovington deflected Piero Bellizzi's volley from the 6. After the goal the game became bit sloppy. The half ended with Region I up 1 - 0.

The second half was evenly matched with Region I trying to defend our lead. Neither side created few chances, with Region II attacking relentlessly trying to tie the game. With 3 minutes left in the game, Kevin Sweetland made a save from a Region II player from a breakaway that went wide of the goal. The game ended 1-0 with Region I now 2 - 0 - 1 with one more match on Thursday morning against the Canadian National team.

Region I -vs. - Anderlecht
December 28, 2004
Score: Region I - 1, Anderlecht - 1
by Nick Shi

At the start of the game, Anderlecht came out strong with a lot of intensity. This overwhelmed the Region I team who was left defending for most of the first half. Neither team created opportunities with Anderlecht controlling the flow of play, keeping the ball moving quickly. The first half ended scoreless.

In the second half, Region I picked up their intensity. We were slowly beginning to create more opportunities. Region I capitalized on a free kick near the corner flag and Michael DalPra served a bending ball to a charging Bobby Warshaw inside the near post for the first score of the match. Region I's defense led by William Swerta and Mark Wiltse held off the Anderlecht offense for 70 minutes, but in the stoppage time, Anderlecht poked in a corner kick and tied the match. The final score was 1 - 1

Region I -vs.- SL Benfica
December 27, 2004
Score: Region I - 2, SL Benfica - 1
by Nick Shi

After watching the Benfica team the previous night, our team was well mentally prepared for the match. The game started off a fast pace with Region I dominating. Against the run of play, Benfica had an early scoring chance on a breakaway from the left flank. However, Region I was the first to capitalize, Rodney Wallace made a brilliant run and drove a low ball on the ground across the goal box past an outstretched goalkeeper. With a defender on his back, Eric Cava slid in to tap in Wallace's cross. Region I created many more chances during the half but was unable to finish them. Unfortunately, miscommunication by Region I players led to a controversial indirect kick for Benfica placed on the 6 yard line of the goal box. They placed it in the side netting and the game was 1 / 1 going into half.

The second half started with the same intensity as the first half. Keeping the same mindset as the first half, Region I frequently attacked from both flanks. Midway through the second half, Jorge Mora made an amazing through ball that sent Eamon O'Neill running through two defenders and soaring into the goal. After the goal Region I played more defensively, not attacking as much. A Benfica player earned himself his second yellow card and was sent off the field after a flagrant dive. Minutes latter a Region I player inadvertently stepped on a Benfica player and also was sent off. Both teams now played 10 v 10 the rest of the half. Benfica surged for the last 10 minutes but Region I held on to win 2-1.