BOCA RATON (March 30, 2007) – A bit of history was made on Saturday March 28th when Schulz Academy became the first club to hand the U.S. National Team a loss in the Development Academy League play. Two goals by Matias Alvez gave the U16 Schulz Academy team a 2-1 victory over the U16 U.S. National Team. As mentioned, it was the first loss of an U.S. National Team since the start of the Academy League in the fall of 2007.

“I think based on the number of goal scoring opportunities and our superior fighting spirit we deserved the win today. Bryan Sylvestre, the goalkeeper of the U16 U.S. National Team, made some great saves in the beginning, otherwise we could have decided the game already much earlier.” stated Dr. Schulz after the game.

“It was a key game for us in the South East Division. And after the 5-0 loss of Kendall in the Sunday game vs. the U.S. National Team we are in a good position to qualify for the National Finals in Los Angeles in summer. Our team plays extremely well right now and we go with a lot of confidence into the next games.” Continues Fitz Sinclair.

The Schulz Academy U16 Boys threatened the U.S. goal early in the game with some great shots and came agonizingly close by hitting the crossbar. Matias Alvez became the hero when he opened the score with a curling shot from outside the box which surprised a very strong Bryan Sylvestre in the goal of the U.S. National Team.

An outstanding Schulz Academy defense, lead by CJ Phelps and Sean Hart, made sure that any attacks from the skillful U.S. National Team players were thwarted. The defense did well to limit their opponent’s activities in the attacking third and kept them outside the penalty box.

Steven Saballos performed well in the midfield and always looked to be in control of whatever situation the game presented. He was steady even when under pressure from 2 U.S. National Team players in some situations. Saballos was the main connection to Matias Alvez, who proved unstoppable on this day. Alvez not only scored both goals, he also created 3 more goal scoring opportunities by himself.

Matias Alvez (in white) tries to elude a U.S. defender during the March 28th Academy League game. Alvez would go on to score two vital goals for Schulz Academy.

The U.S. defense had difficulty dealing with Alvez’s movements upfront and the timing of his runs.

Late in the second half the U.S. National Team drew level. The game then opened up as both team had opportunities to take the lead. However, in the last minute, Schulz Academy’s Hasani Sinclair made a great dribble on the right outside of the box and served the ball to the middle of the goal mouth where Matias Alvez was earlier and beat his marker to the right position to put the ball into the net for the game winner.

With five minutes of injury time added the Schulz Academy defense had to deal with some scary situations in front of their goal from a pressing U.S. National Team that desperately tried to tie the game. However Schulz Academy deservingly came out with the 3 points.

“After winning the Champions Cup for Clubs last weekend this victory against the U.S. National Team was the confirmation that we do a lot of things right in our Academy. From my point of view we are only in the beginning stages of creating something big here”, Dr. Josef Schulz, President of the Schulz Academy speaks about the future.