This most anticipated event of the year kept all its promises. Very nice weather, great soccer facilities, high level competition, international games, US scouts and college coaches: all was there to make a professional and learning soccer environment.

Day 1: The Strikers teams started on a high note with two victories on Day one. The U-16 opened up with a 3-0 victory over Seacoast United (NJ). Bates (2) and Henley were the goal scorers. The team played better and better as the game went on. Later in the afternoon, the U-18’s were facing PDA from New Jersey. An Ownby goal in the 23^rd minute was to be the only one of the game. Strikers had several chances to add more goals but were denied. Towards the end of the game, the Strikers relied heavily on good defending to preserve their advantage.

Day 2: The U-18’s took on San Diego Surf. Facing a very experienced, technical and organized team, Strikers were down two goals (13^th and 28^th minutes).  Just before half-time, the Strikers had to play with 10 men due to red card. A combination of good effort and organization helped the Strikers to stay in the game without being able to get on the scoreboard. In the 75^th minute, Surf added the third and final goal.

Day 3: The U-16 team was scheduled to play against Met Oval from Brooklyn. In the 7^th minute of the game a harsh decision from the referee gave Met Oval a one man advantage. The penalty kick and red card seemed to completely freeze the Strikers players and soon saw themselves trailing in the game against a quick and skilful team. Final result: 0-5.

Day 4: The U-16’s and U-18’s played at the same time against, Concorde Fire from Atlanta and Scott Gallagher from St Louis respectively. On their final game of the week, both teams were eager and determined to forget about their previous match result and finish on a high note. And so they did. In a game where the U-16 took the lead, they then lost the lead and finally regained it… the Strikers walked away with a 4-3 win (goals from Lopez; Bates (2); Shiffman). On the Next field, the U-18’s took control of the game right from the start and created several chances. In the 12^th minute, Haboush benefited from a great tackle from Wharton to beat the goalkeeper. In the second half, substitutes Justin Taylor and Gage Robertson added their touch on the scoreboard (58^th and 78^th) assisted respectively by Robertson and Haboush.

Coach Erwan le Crom said, “Trevor and I walked away from the fields with the feeling that the boys did well overall. We definitely had games where the players learned a lot from the opposition: faster and better competition, how to manage their game (no re-entry rule; hot weather; great opponent), working harder to preserve a score and dealing with one-man down. It was a great eye opener for the players to experience such a high level of soccer in a fantastic environment. The overall 4-2 record is very good for the players’ confidence.”

Carlos Martinoli, Director of coaching, said, “It was a great opportunity for the kids to showcase themselves in front of a lot coaches.. I thought the boys represented themselves and the club well both on and off the field. The Nike Friendlies event has improved its standards each year, and this year the fields and competition were simply outstanding. The international games are a great addition to this event and give the players and coaches a better idea about what it is like at the next level. From a coaching perspective, it is always very important and refreshing for our coaching staff to have the opportunity to interact with other coaches (US staff, clubs, and college) to discuss and exchange soccer ideas.”