FALL RIVER, Mass. - New England Revolution Under-16 and Under-18 youth teams played their first home games of the 2010 season this past weekend in torrential winds and rain as a Nor’easter plowed through New England. The weather, however, did not prevent another three-for-four weekend, as the U18s claimed victory in both their matches and the U16s split their weekend set.
The U16s opened their 2010 campaign in last month with a 3-2 win over SC Premier in Bridgeport, Conn. SC Premier avenged that season-opening loss with a 2-0 shutout win over the U16 Revs. Abraham Bartoa scored what proved to be the game-winner in the 20th minute for SC Premier and Zackary Zurita put the game out of reach with his 80th minute goal. Felix DeBona (Everett, Mass.) and Diego Fagundez (Leominster, Mass.) carved out a couple of decent scoring chances in the first 20 minutes, but the Revolution could not convert.
The Under-18 squad took to the field Saturday afternoon against SC Premier in monsoon-type conditions but got the only score it needed just before halftime in a 1-0 win. Kyle Gordon (Uxbridge, Mass.) crossed a pass to Homero Morais (Somerville, Mass.) who flicked the ball ahead to Jonni Ventura (Westminster, Mass.) who calmly slotted one home. Jose Silva (Northborough, Mass.) earned the clean sheet in goal. The U18s also defeated SC Premier 4-0 earlier this season.
Sunday was a new day for the Under-16s and with it came new fortune. Although the Revs were facing adverse weather conditions again, this time the Revs harnessed their offense to defeat Oakwood SC, 4-0. Felix DeBona scored twice for the Revs while Diego Fagundez tallied one goal and two assists. Cole Denormandie (Lincoln, Mass.) netted one goal and assisted on one more for the Revs, who lost to Oakwood, 1-0 in the first weekend of the season. The win evened the Under-16’s record to 3-3-0.
Gustavo Santos (Framingham, Mass.) scored on a drop-in pass from Homero Morais just after halftime in what would prove to be the game-winner as the U18 Revs defeated Oakwood SC, 1-0 Sunday afternoon. Chris Foley, Jr. (South Windsor, Conn.) earned the shutout in goal. The Revs lost to Oakwood SC early in the season and Sunday, earned an important victory over a division foe. The U18s are currently riding a four-game winning streak and have improved their record to 5-1-0 in the process.
Next up on the schedule for the Revs is a trip to New Jersey. The U16s and U18s play at NJSA on Saturday and at Match Fit on Sunday.
