playing games on consecutive days, having players away with Region I ODP in Europe and several injuries -- to continue their legacy of success.
On Saturday, the team defeated the Terryville Fire by a score of 2-1 behind goals from Sascha Donougher and Johnny Exantus. Donougher put the U-18s on the board with a 25-yard rocket that hit the underside of the crossbar off a Mario Rios feed in the 44th minute, and Matt Kassel assisted Exantus' game-winner in the 70th minute, helping the team clinch at least second spot in the Region I Premier League North Division with two games remaining.
With the finish, the Red Bull U-18s will compete in the Region I Premier League Playoffs, which pits the top two teams from the North Division against the top two from the South Division. The semifinals will take place on May 12, with the final set for the following day.
But for the U-18s, there was no time to celebrate. The very next day, they had a very important match - a first round contest in the New Jersey State Cup against the Hibernian Huskies. The Huskies -- ranked third in New Jersey -- were considered a tough draw for the first round.
Regular time ended in a 1-1 deadlock, but the Red Bulls showed their determination and tenacity in double overtime, pulling out a 3-1 victory.
Kassel opened up the scoring in the 27th minute, assisted by Joao Fartura. However, Hibernian would go on to equalize in the 70th minute and regular time ended in a 1-1 tie.
The Red Bulls U-18s took the lead in the 94th minute on what head coach Paul O'Donnell labeled the "goal of the game." Lucas Swertloff played a through ball to Donougher, who got to the ball at the endline and served a perfect ball into the box for Fartura, who capped off a 30-yard run with a left-footed strike from 12 yards out. A John Tardy goal off a feed from Exantus in the 111th minute put the exclamation point on the U-18s first round victory.
The team's second round match in the State Cup will be played on Sunday against the Barrington 3 Lions.
Red Bulls Academy U-16 update
The U-16 team also got off to a good start in the New Jersey State Cup, winning their first round match in exciting fashion -- on a penalty shootout -- against Pda Cruyff, who were ranked first in New Jersey and seventh overall in the nation.
Joey Spivack put the Red Bulls ahead in the 38th minute on a low drive from 22 yards out, assisted by Hennie Bosman. Pda would equalize and take the lead on two consecutive goals from Yannick Smith in the 55th and 65th minutes, respectively. The U-16s persisted in the attack late and finally were able to equalize in the 78th minute on an indirect free kick from 23 yards out in which Dylan Mencia touched the ball off to Spivack, who buried the shot.
Neither team was able to score in the two overtime periods, forcing a penalty shootout to determine which team would move on to the next round. Four consecutive Red Bulls U-16 players stepped up to the penalty spot and buried their chances to seal the victory. Dragan Naumoski, Dylan Mencia, Akil Howard and Man of the Match Spivack all hit their penalty kicks, punching the young Red Bulls tickets to Round Two.
"It was a great result against a great team in Pda. Our boys really came together and would not quit. The atmosphere was electric," said Stan Lembryk, head coach of the U-16s, following the game.
The Red Bulls U-16 squad will play their second round game on Sunday.
Red Bulls Academy U-15 update
The U-15s were the only Red Bulls Academy team not to play this weekend, receiving a first round bye in the New Jersey State Cup. They will be in action against Pda on Sunday.
Red Bulls Academy U-14 update
In their first game together since January tryouts, the Red Bulls U-14s lost 2-1 in Super-Y League competition against the New Jersey State Cup champion Pasco Stallions.
U-14 coach Stan Matlak said, "This is a very optimistic beginning; having to play an excellent team in the Stallions with little time shows good character. We have a long way to go. However, the boys are very talented are eager to improve."
