U18s Open Win Convincing Win

Driver, Millard score in 2-0 win over Bridge FA

Greensboro, N.C. (Jan. 5, 2008) -- Shaking off some nerves and a little rust, the Greensboro Youth Soccer U18 Development Academy team  opened its season with a 2-0 win over Bridge FA Saturday at Macpherson Stadium in Greensboro.

After weathering some early pressure from the visitors, Greensboro began to sustain some possession around the 15-minute mark, gaining confidence and momentum as a result.
“We were a little nervous early on,” said Greensboro head coach Marc Nicholls. “Once we settled down, I thought we pretty much took command of the game.”

In the 29th minute, Greensboro nearly got rewarded for its new-found composure. Ronal Castellanos won a 50-50 ball with the Bridge goalkeeper, but missed the open goal from a sharp angle near the left post. Greensboro stepped up the pressure after the near-miss and took the lead in the 33rd minute on a goal by Thomas Driver. Jonathan Leonard earned assist.

“Jonathan did a very good job to keep it alive,” said Nicholls. “Thomas was in the right place at the right time. That goal was important because we were having a nice stretch and it’s important to get rewarded for that.  It was a bit if a wait for the second goal, though.”

 After taking the 1-0 lead, Greensboro continued to attack, but missed several opportunities wide and over the top. In the meantime, Bridge FA’s counter-attacks, many mounted by speedy forward Alex Filo, were an area of concern. But goalkeeper Peyton Ford and the Greensboro defenders turned Bridge away each time.

“While I didn’t think they created a lot of chances, they had several slippery players that made it difficult for us,” said Nicholls. “They were right in the game until we got the second goal.”
In the 74th minute, Mark Millard caught Bridge pushing forward and got in one-v-one with the Bridge keeper. Millard was caught at the last minute by Bridge defender Justin Keys, who knocked the ball safely out of bounds. Millard, however, broke through again in the 80th minute. This time he buried his shot in the corner.

“For our first game, I thought we did well,” said Nicholls. “There was some rust, especially in our finishing, but what I was most pleased with was that every player who got on the field today contributed. It was a solid effort by everyone.”