TORONTO – Toronto FC Academy’s Junior Team pulled off a big win against North York Astros in the Canadian Soccer League Reserve Division just hours after returning to Canada from the SUM U17 Cup in Houston. Steve Reel, Nathan Kelsey, Le-Rhone Young and Matthew Arnone scored the goals in a 4-0 victory.
In a well controlled match the Academy showed signs of life very early on by creating several quality chances and only the heroics of the Astros goalkeeper kept the match scoreless. The breakthrough came late in the first half when constant pressure and possession paid off. While the runs off the ball were slow due to fatigue, the pace of the passing was very high.
Reel, notched the first off a freekick and powerd his header over he top of the outstretched goalie. At the 60 minute mark Kelsey launched a ball over the top of the pressing Astros front line which found its way to the goal as the goalie was sneaking off his line. The next two goals came from Young and Arnone. Both players have struggled with consistency over the last few months and it was good to see them find the goal scoring touch off the bench.
Young's goal was a solo effort as he maintained his balance darting through the Astros back line and calmly slotted home his chance. Andrew Demarco played a role in he fourth goal as he played a ball in from the flank to a rushing Arnone who weaved his way inside and tucked his shot in the corner to complete the 4-0 win.
"We have just returned from a gruelling trip that stretched us beyond our limits and some players have had their egos dented,” said Academy Manager Stuart Neely. “The US player is strong, fast, physical and can play some good football. At times we over played and it hurt us. While our results are not always of importance we do need to compete with over US clubs. Today we returned at 3:00 a.m. and had this match to play at 11:00 a.m. I am so happy for the boys as they managed he match very well; it is good to see how quickly they learned.”
“The movement of the ball was good and the runs calculated. They are an extremely tired crew, but came out with a good performance today. I also should thank the families of the players for their patience following our constant airline delays. They did a great job getting the players home for a very short rest and recovery period."
