Red Bulls Academy sends MLS-high three players to USMNT U-18 for NTC Invitational
New York Red Bulls Academy players Marcello Borges, Kyle Duncan and Andrew Lombard have been called-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team Under-18 roster for the NTC Invitational.
In total, nine players from MLS academies were named to the roster, but New York Red Bulls’ academy led all MLS teams with three players, all defenders, named to the squad.
U.S. U-18 national team head coach Javier Perez has called up 20 players to compete in a three-team tournament with Uruguay and the Czech Republic, to be held at StubHub Center in Carson, California, from July 11-15.
READ: Four MLS players, nine from MLS academies highlight USMNT Under-18 roster for NTC Invitational
US NATIONAL TEAM U-18 ROSTER:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Jonathan Klinsmann (Irvine Strikers; Newport Beach, Calif.), J.T. Marcinkowski (San Jose Earthquakes; Alamo, Calif.)
DEFENDERS (6): Marcello Borges (New York Red Bulls Academy; Kearny, N.J.), Kyle Duncan (New York Red Bulls Academy; Brooklyn, N.Y.), Malcolm Jones (LA Galaxy Academy; Chino Hills, Calif.), Andrew Lombard (New York Red Bulls Academy; Montclair, N.J.), Pablo Pelaez (San Diego Surf; San Diego, Calif.), Mauricio Pineda (Chicago Fire academy; Bolingbrook, Ill.)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Cam Lindley (Chicago Fire Academy; Carmel, Ind.), James Murphy (PDA; Scotch Plains, N.J.), Emmanuel Sabbi (Chicago Magic; Libertyville, Ill.), Sebastian Saucedo (Real Salt Lake; Park City, Utah), Ben Swanson (Columbus Crew SC; Grove City, Ohio), Jackson Yueill (Minnesota Thunder; Bloomington, Minn.)
FORWARDS (6): Mukwelle Akale (Villarreal CF; Minneapolis, Minn), Coy Craft (FC Dallas; Frisco, Texas), Sebastian Elney (Philadelphia Union Academy; Boca Raton, Fla.), Christian Lucatero (Houston Dynamo Academy; Pasadena, Texas), Victor Mansaray (Seattle Sounders; Des Moines, Wash.), Haji Wright (New York Cosmos; Los Angeles, Calif.)
RBNY U-16s advance to semifinals
The New York Red Bulls Under-16s defeated Chivas USA in the quarterfinals of the playoffs on Wednesday, July 8, at the Red Bulls Training Facility, 4-2. Omir Fernandez opened the scoring, Brian Saramago earned a brace and Kyle Casey cemented the victory in front of their largest ever crowd of 300.
New York got off to a fast start when Saramago made a powerful run down the right flank and connected with Fernandez to open the scoring in the fifth minute. Saramago doubled their advantage in the 36th minute, but Chivas USA answered with a goal of their own before halftime to cut the lead to one.
The Red Bulls regained their two-goal advantage when Saramago struck again only four minutes into the second half. Thanks to a quick combination with Jeanpaul Marin, Saramago was able to beat the on-rushing Chivas goalkeeper and secure his brace.
The victory was capped off in the 73rd minute when Saramago made an impressive 70-yard run downfield, only to cross to Casey who finished the fourth and final Red Bulls goal. Chivas USA added a late goal, but it would be the Red Bulls U-16s advancing to the semifinals.
Saramago, the man of the match, finished the match with two goals and two assists on the night.
READ: New York Red Bulls U16’s Playoff Weekend Recap
The U-16s will now travel to Los Angeles where they will face Georgia United in the semifinals. The semifinal will take place on Thursday, July 16. For more information and to watch via live stream, check out USsoccer.com/development-academy.
SCORING SUMMARY (Assists in parenthesis):
NY: Omir Fernandez (Brian Saramago) 5’
NY: Brian Saramago (Omir Fernandez) 36’
Chivas USA 40’
NY: Brian Saramago (Sean Teixeria) 49’
NY: Kyle Casey (Brian Saramago) 73’
Chivas USA 80’
RBNY U-16s:
Lineup: Xavier Kennedy, Sean Teixeria, Mason Deeds, Kyle Perno, Noah Powder, Ryan Mingachos (Kazu Shigenobu 65’), Jared Gilbey, Jeanpaul Marin, Omir Fernandez (Zach Ryan 74’), Brian Saramago, Rodrigo D’Andrea (Kyle Casey 59’)
Subs not used: Wojciech Gajda, Kevin O’Toole, Vince Borden, Zaire Bartley
Man of the Match: Brian Saramago
Attendance: 300
RBNY U-13s prepare for NPL Finals
The Red Bulls U-13s departed for Indianapolis, Indiana, yesterday for the NPL Finals. The team took one day to train and are set to kickoff the five day tournament against FC Stars of Massachusetts on Thursday, July 9. Afterwards, their opponents (in order) are SLSG Illinois and FC Alliance. The semifinals will be held on Sunday, July 12, and the final is set for Monday, July 13.
