TFC Academy's Senior Team ended group play in the Dallas Cup Super Group with a 4-0 defeat against English side Manchester City. The Reds youngsters ended the tournament with a record of 1-1-1 including a 3-0 win over Italian giants AC Milan.
TFC started the game well and created a number of first half chances but were unable to score. Academy goalkeeper Soitiri Varlokostas made a good save to keep the score tied at 0-0 heading into the halftime interval. Shortly after the restart Manchester City capitalized from some poor defending to take the lead and they double the advantage within a few minutes. TFC made several substitutions in an attempt to change the complexion of the game but couldn't find a way back. In the end, Manchester City ran out comfortable 4-0 winners which ultimately eliminated TFC Academy from the Dallas Cup Super Division.
"I was very happy with our first half performance," said Senior Team Head Coach Jason Bent. "It would have been such a boost to score considering the quality of our football in the first half. In a five minute period early in the second half the match was over. We made defensive errors that are criminal at this level of competition. Manchester City have some very good players, especially the two strikers upfront. Their movement and pace caused us all sorts of concern."
Despite the defeat, Bent believes the team's appearance in the Dallas Cup was a great experience for the players. "We have played some good football over the course of the tournament and I think a lot of people recognize that. Unfortunately for us we came up a bit short, but it has definitely been a tremendous experience for our players and staff and we hope to return in the future," he said.
