PURCHASE, N.Y. | The New York City FC Academy beat Cedar Stars Academy on Saturday afternoon at the Club’s First Team Training Facility on the campus of SUNY Purchase.
It was the first-ever home match and just second ever for the Under-13/14 squad comprised of 16 players from New York City FC’s 11 Youth Affiliates and elsewhere.
Youth Technical Coordinator Rodrigo Marion was impressed with the players’ efforts while emphasizing the Club’s philosophy of a possession-based attacking style.
“Overall, the team did a very good job moving the ball and keeping possession, which is one of our principles in our style of play,” Marion said. “We have to continue working on building out of the back and the combinations in the middle. The team did a good job keeping our principles in mind.”
Marion said the Cedar Stars Academy’s high press and overall skill level is a good litmus test for the squad.
“There were moments in the game where the other team was pressing high and that allowed us to work under pressure building out of the back,” he said. “It was a great test for the boys.”
The New York City FC Academy return to action against FC Boston Bolts on Sunday. Kickoff is 2:45 p.m. from Mount Ida College Stadium in Newton, Mass.
