The Bradenton Academics at IMG Academies are one of nearly 70 teams from around the country representing the United Soccer Leagues in the Premier Development League, which mainly consists of college-age players. The league will run throughout the summer.
Game 1: Bradenton at Mississippi
A hot evening in Mississippi created a rough atmosphere for both the Bradenton Academics and Mississippi Brilla on Friday as the teams battling for Southeast Division supremacy tied 0-0.
From the start, Mississippi (5-1-3) took control of their home turf. If not for a well organized defense led by Guilherme Reis, the Academics (6-1-3) could have been in a hole early in the first 20 minutes. Happy Hall (IMG Soccer Academy alum), and Kyle Williams were matched up man to man and held the Brilla forwards without a shot. It was obvious that this match would be won or lost in the midfield.
As the Brilla defense bunkered, Zak Boggs (IMG Soccer Academy alum) and Ze Roberto Ramos (IMG Soccer Academy alum) struggled to get free. The three quality chances were all created from direct kicks. A well-struck ball by Ramos looked as though it could have been the goal needed but was denied by the top of the crossbar. All efforts from both teams came up short as the first half ended 0-0.
Strategic second-half substitutions gave Bradenton fresh legs to finish the match. Ryan Maxwell and Ederson Lopes aided the attack. Combining with Anthony Ampaipitakwong (IMG Soccer Academy alum and Akron University) and Blair Gavin (IMG Soccer Academy alum and Akron University), Maxwell made his presence known and controlled the right flank challenging the defense at every opportunity.
As time wound down, a quick counter from Mississippi led to a gravity-defying save from Academics goalkeeper Ryan Thompson keeping the Brilla scoreless, which is how it would stay. A well-fought game ended 0-0, with the Academics still on top of the Southeast Conference.
Game 2: Bradenton at Baton Rouge
Coming off a 0-0 tie two days earlier in Mississippi, Bradenton coach Tom Durkin expected nothing less than a win on Sunday, and that’s exactly what he got with a 2-1 victory against the Baton Rouge Capitals.
It did not take long for Bradenton (7-1-3) to strike, as persistent pressure in the midfield pushed the Academic attack early. Combining quickly through the midfield, Blair Gavin found Zak Boggs down the right wing and a well-played ball into the box was buried in the 11th minute by Ederson Lopes.
With a one-goal lead early, Bradenton took their foot off the gas and found themselves in a defensive battle more than they wanted. The wide play of Baton Rouge was their choice of attacking the back line, which held strong by Matt McFarland (IMG Soccer Academy alum) until it broke in the 43rd minute and allowed a tying goal by Baton Rouge (1-5-3).
Bradenton came out strong with three key substitutions as Miguel Gonzalez (IMG Soccer Academy alum), Anthony Ampaipitakwong and Tauren Manders (IMG Soccer Academy alum) all entered the midfield to thrust the attack. As tempers flared, the Baton Rouge Capital coach was ejected in the 57th minute, and Bradenton took full advantage of the situation.
No more the two minutes later, an excellent tackle in the midfield by Gonzales propelled the ball forward as Zak Boggs ran onto it. He beat the Capitals goalkeeper for the game-winning goal. Boggs, leading the team with eight goals this season, always seems to find a way to get the ball in the net, whether scoring or assisting. An immediate red card for Baton Rouge followed the goal, which gave Bradenton a one-man advantage for the remainder of the match, but the score would finalize at 2-1.
The Academics hold a five-point lead with one game in hand over Mississippi. Bradenton will next host the Central Florida Kraze at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
