Premier AC followed last weeks solid performance in Downington, PA with top notch play at the Maryland Soccerplex this weekend. In our four games, Premier demonstrated proficiency in both direct and indirect play and superb defense that yielded no goals and only a few quality shots. Premier defeated three NCSL D1 foes, including McLean Thunder, ABGC Red Devils and Bethsda Ajax. Premier did not give up one shot against McLean as our guest Goalkeeper Samir Bazn handled the ball three times the entire match. But McLean is all about defense and they make it tough to score. While we always create quality chances against McLean, they don't give up many goals. They fight to the end. Premier was able to get buy with a 1-0 win with Torrian putting away the games only goal. The second match pitted Premier against our friends from ABGC....the Red Devils. The Red Devils play good soccer, but the clear difference in this game was team speed. Torrian booked a hat trick and Joey T. popped in the fourth goal to give Premier a solid 4-0 win. Bethesda Ajax dropped three defenders back on Torrian which slowed transition play, but allowed us to control the midfield and create opportnities in numbers. Torrian scored the first goal, and created the second goal. Ajax's goalie took Torrian on point blank and made a spectacular and gutsy save, taking ball and a size 13 foot in the chest. He deserved the save as it was a tremendous effort. Unfortunately, he was unable to hold the ball and Zach was there to poke it in. All were happy to see him stand tall after a short break. Premier AC faced one of Virginia's better teams, the Richmond Strikers in the finals. Premier played a very solid game and had great success in possession play. Torrian booked his sixth goal of the tourney, Eliseo ripped in his first, Eric drilled one in the upper 90 from 25 yards, and Conor scored off a beautiful dead ball header set up by a perfect serve from guest player Emil D. The star of the tourney was Premier's defense. Robin, Thomas, Kevin, Emil, and Ryan combined for 4 shutouts. Tyler Elwell had two outstanding assists. Everyone made a solid contribution this weekend.
Hopefully, Premier can carry this quality of play into the season opener and State Cup competition.
Premier AC 91W Shows Very Well at Spring Fever Tourney in Downington, PA
Loses in Finals to Lower Merion U14 Arsenal
Premier AC traveled to Downington, PA and the beautiful United Sports Training Center for the Spring Fever Tourney. The 91W boys played in a combined U13/14 bracket and did very well. Premier defeated the West Chester Knights 5-0 with solid possession and transition play. The second match pitted Premier AC against Pennsylvania's U14 VESC. Torrian scored the only goal of the match midway through the second half. Premier fought off very good pressure for the balance of the match to preserve a 1-0 win. The third match was another close battle with our friends, the Bays. This game had all of the twist and turns we have grown accustomed to when playing the Bays. Premier created three or four early chances that yielded only 1 goal. The Bays GK was outstanding making a couple of superb breakways saves and he also stopped a PK. The match ended with great excitement as the Bays nearly popped one in during the last 5 seconds fo the match. The Big Cat battled with two great recovery saves and Eric cleared one off the line to keep the Bays out of the net. As always, this match can go either way. The win against the Bays set Premier up for a run at Pennsylvania's U14 State Cup finalist, Lower Maerion Arsenal. This was definitely a mismatch from the start....big kids, fast kids, highly skilled kids that created matchup problems all over the field. Premier had some success with a possession game but it was apparent early that this was a difficult game for us. To see 4'-8" Joe T. battling Lower Merion's 6'-2" CMF was picture worthy. The match ended 4-0 with the Big Cat getting a great work out in goal. Congrats to Lower Merion and as special thanks to Joe Levan who hosted a great event.
