Aces Academy U16 Boys Red advance to knock out phase of US Club Cup Congratulations to the U16 Academy Boys Red team and coach Stein Garcia for advancing to the knock out phase in the US Club Cup. In game one the team defeated Rockford United 3-1 with 2 goals from Richard Lenke. The first goal came off a header from a corner kick from Fabian Serrato and second strike from a 1 vs. 1 opportunity that Lenke blasted past the GK. Yuske Kanda secured the win with a rebound header goal off of a free kick from Alex Masciopinto. In game two against JAMBUC CLASSIC, the team went down a goal early, but a late free kick goal from Jared Martin made it 1-1 to secure a tie. In the final group game match up was against the Northbrook Spartans. The team had to score 3 goals and finish with a shut out to earn enough points to clinch the group and advance to the knockoff phase of the tournament. The team went right to work in the opening minutes of the game with a early goal from Richard Lenke off a cross from Alex Masciopinto. Minutes later Masciopinto slotted a ball to a sprinting Yuske Kanada on the weak side who then slotted a one touch finish into the bottom left corner. In the second half Masciopinto would find another seam with a pass to Richard Lenke who cut past 2 defenders to rip an outside of the foot bender to the far post corner. In final moments of the game, Yuske Kanada would find Lenke on a diagonal run to complete Lenke’s hat trick for the night. The game finished 4-0 with a very strong performance from a tough backline of Ethan Graven, Matt Burikas, Jared Martin, and Matt Brant. Anchoring the back, between the post was Christian Talbot who secured the shut out on his 16th birthday. “I am very proud of the boys tonight. They played some very good possession soccer and had a great rhythm in the build up into of the attack. We had some great goals and outstanding individual efforts, but this was truly a team win. Our midfielders Joey Madio, Nick Kaczkowski, Fabian Serrato, and Liam Brady controlled the center of the field switching the point of attack often. Our outside mids Josh Galvin, Yuske Kanda, and Avi Chipman were working hard getting up and down the field in the attack and on defense. And Mikey San Romain, Richard Lenke, and Alex Mascipionto looked dangerous in the attack. I will enjoy this moment, but I know we have a tough road ahead of us. I look forward to the challenge.” Playoff brackets will be announced shortly.