After a long week in Dallas, TX, Coach Tom Durkin has returned home putting the fight of the Dallas Cup behind and regained his team’s focus for staying on top of the Academy League Southeast Division.

A flawless performance Saturday at Academy Park provided spectators with a great opportunity to see why the IMG U-18 Boys are currently leading their division with a record of 8-1-1. AFC Lightning made the long journey from Georgia to Bradenton Saturday, only to be defeated 5-0. A scoring arsenal and defensive clinic had AFC with the pressure on their back for the full 90 minutes.

Sparking that attack was Costa Rican National Team Player and second year starter, Reinaldo Brenes. His relentless attack from the right midfield sparked the first three goals for IMG. Quick goals from Luis Calzadilla and Alex Walters were the result of Brenes speed down the flank. Martin Ontiveros also was the beneficiary of Reinaldo’s pressure, finding the end of his cross with a world class one time volley beating the AFC goalkeeper. At the end of the first half, IMG was up 3-0.

It was no surprise that IMG would come out fired up in the second half. Team Captain, Luis Ocejo controlled the midfield and navigated the ball in and around the Lighting defense. Late game goals by Mateo Vertucci secured the shutout for IMG Goalkeeper Larry Jackson.

Earlier that Morning the U-16 Boys tied AFC 2-2, keeping them in the race for the playoff in the second spot in their division. Two goals by Andres Acevedo put the team ahead, but it wasn’t enough to protect the victory.

Both the U-16 and U-18 Boys will be traveling this weekend to North Carolina for Academy League play to compete against South Charlotte and North Meck.