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Soccer Goals: After a day of rest and relaxation due to the weather and pitch conditions, the combine invitees offered an inspired performance. Besides playing under more ideal scenario which offered moderate temperatures and improved field conditions, several players increased their stock with back-to-back performances, while others' stock plummeted faster than Tiger Wood's sponsorship deals.

 

Soccer vidoes: Game One soccer goals featuring Condivo vs Predator X

 

MLS Combine 2010: Monday Game One Goals from mlsinsider on Vimeo.

 

In game one, the goal scoring machine, Team Condivo (Blue), faced the scoreless foes of Team Predator (Red), who were unable to net in their debut in day one. Although neither team would score in the first half, both teams produced good passing and attacking sequences in the first 45 minutes. Once Michael Thomas (Notre Dame) scored from 20 yards out on a pinpoint set piece strike, the goal floodgates opened.  Just after Thomas scored on a curling kick high in the corner, Predator midfielder, Mike Seamon, streaked up the field, tricking the keeper with a soft chipped ball which also avoided two Condivo defenders.

 

With the score even, Condivo searched for the game winner and maintained their goal scoring tear, when Andrew Hoaxie would convert an easy finish against the keeper and on-running defender, adding to his total of two goals. Team Condivo would secure the 2-1 victory and a 2-0 record against Team Predator.

CONDIVO

--------------Hoxie--------Kissi--------

Elenz-Martin----Tchani----------Braun

Peterman----Edwards---Barry---Loyd

-------------------Perk-------------------

PREDATOR

---------McInerney------Noone-------------

Da Luz-----Joseph-----Bone--------Appiah

Ream----Nyamekye----Edgington---Borak

------------------Bubonja--------------------

 

Impressive performances

1. Tony Tchani (Virginia): increased his status and value with another strong performance, providing deft passes from a deep lying position and also covering mammoth defensive ground.

 

2. Isaac Kissi (University of Dayton): has shown good hold-up play while offering deceptive speed. While he has not scored the goals, his distribution and attacking savvy from the target position has inspired the offense to score six goals in two games. It is possible that these two consistent performances has improved his draft status.

 

3. Othaniel Yanez (Louisville): impressive with his off-the-ball movement and give-and-go play, his quick play sparked the Condivo attack. Although his size and athleticism is limited, his speed of play and skill compensates for these shortcomings.

 

4. Zach Loyd (UNC) and Justin Morrow (Notre Dame): As Condivo wingbacks, the duo utilized their athleticism and speed on the wings while providing strong defensive coverage. Morrow wins the award for the best Kevin Alston impersonation by reproducing his bouncy-haired, speedy runs.

 

5. Kwaku Nyameke (Harvard): Considering his subtle first day performance went under the radar, day two offered a glimpse of his physical and aggressive play , which consisted of leaping aerial challenges and the ushering away of dangerous and menacing forward runs. In addition, he proved that he possessed solid positioning, possession, and distribution.

 

6. Mike Seamon (Villanova): After two strong performances, Coach Matthew Spear should buy the crafty midfielder a couple of cold ones for scoring their only goal in two games. On a counter attacking sequence, the Villanova star chipped the keeper to equalize the score late in the second half. The goal scored is only a small sample of his performances in day one and two, making him one of the surprise of the drafts.

 

7. Blair Gavin (Univ. of Akron): With Condivo dominating the first half of play, the Akron midfielder offered composure in the possession game in second half, while also marshaling the midfield for potential counter attacks. Team Predator X seemed to be the stronger of the two sides in the second half, when he sparked the attack from a deep-lying position.

 

Honorable Mention: Bright Dike (Notre Dame), Michael Thomas (Notre Dame),  and Austin Da Luz (Wake Forest).

 

Poor Performances:  Samuel Appiah (Boston University) and  Michael Stephens (UCLA),

 

Adidas F50i vs Jabulani

After receiving a 4-1 beat down in Day One, Team F50i rebounded from their disasterous play to draw first blood and the game winner from break-out performer, Irving Garcia, who received deflected ball from a team mate scoring a powerful line drive into the back of the net. Although F50i secured the 1-0 victory, Jabulani can raise their head high after outperforming their foes for a majority of the match.

 

Many of the players who impressed in the first day continued their streak with strong performances. Youthfull and savvy, Amobi Okugo dominated the central midfield with his soft touch and quick decision making, making the difficult movements appear effortless. Is he really only 18?

 

Maryland midfielder, Drew Yates, patrolled the center of the field, jump starting counter attacks, finding the open man, and controlling the game's pace. Following up an already positive performance, forward Zack Schilawski produced another consistent and active showing.

 

Division II attacking threat, Pascal Millien, shifted to forward, transforming into a player that dwarfed day one's version. After having seen him play on several occasions and once against Real Salt Lake where he scored a goal and terrorized their flank for the majority of the game, it became apparent that his ideal position should be forward where he disturbed the back line with his speedy diagonal runs and pesky defense. His performance improved vastly from day one to two. If he produces a strong showing on day 3, his draft stock could soar. Just ask RSL, they would probably vouge for him.

 

Impressive performances

1. Irving Garcia (Univ. of Cal. Irvine): Scoring the game winning goal still did not supplant his day one performance, but the strike offered a glimpse of his skill set. Although his height and size could be a disadvantage at the next level, his speed, skill, and competitiveness have allowed him to excel at the 2010 combine. Perhaps, his style is better suited for a league such as the Mexican Primera Division. I do hope that a MLS team will sign him.

 

2. Drew Yates (Maryland): produced two solid performances and hopes to conclude the 2010 MLS Combine with an even better performance. The active play maker maintained a good continuity and flow for the offense, while showcasing his skill and soccer mind.

 

3. Amobi Okugo (UCLA): Besides the fact that he is physically developed, the Bruin's midfielder manages the midfield with such ease. His upside could cause teams to look to take him earlier than previously projected. At 6'0, a midfield beast, and gifted with a excellent soccer mind, teams might want to look at Okugo as a potential investment, a player that can be groomed and then sold to Europe in several years.

 

4. Mike Pezza (Univ. of Conneticut): could draw comparisons to 2009 GA prospect, Danny Cruz, but with Pezza flaunting a better skill set. Like adding electric seat warmers during a car purchase as an extra option, Pezza's upgradability boasts tenacious play, accurate crossing, and an ample skill set. Scouts could drop his value due to his 5'8 frame: but don't let his size fool you, he will scrap with the best of them.

 

5. Pascal Millien (Univ. of Tampa): Demonstrated that his pace causes problems for opposing defenses when playing in the forward position. In the occasions that he lost the ball to a defender, he swiftly searched for the ball pestering the opposition in an attempt to regain possession.

 

Honorable Mention: Teal Burnburry (Univ. of Akron), Justin Davis (Univ. of New Mexico), Kwame Watson Siriboe (Univ. of Conneticut), Zack Schilawski (Wake Forest), Chris Schuler (Creighton),  Olukorede Aiyegbusi (NC State) and Collen Warren (Portland).

 

Poor Performances: Ronnie Bouemboue (NC State), Nelson Becccera (St. John's), Two-Boys Gumede (Univ. of Alabama-Birmingham), and David Estrada (UCLA).

 

 

What do you think of day two's performances? If you were in charge of a MLS Team, who would you select? How many surprise players will surface in the 2010 draft? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: 2010 MLS Combine Day 2 Recap - Tchani continues to shine

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