Anthony Ampaipitakwong (15) and Ederson Lopes
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.
Coming off a rough road trip that resulted in a tie and the second loss of the year, the Bradenton Academics went right back on the road Thursday.
This time, the trip ended a little more positively.
The Academics twice erased one-goal deficits before winning 4-2 at Central Florida, which guarantees the team a playoff spot with one game remaining. Bradenton (31 points) still holds a slim lead over Mississippi (26) for first place in the Southeast Division, with the Brilla still having three games left on the schedule.
After conceding an early goal, Bradenton’s Anthony Ampaipitakwong tied the game on a free kick. About 10 minutes later, Central Florida struck again, only to have Bradenton’s Miguel Gonzalez tie the game again.
An Ederson Lopez diving header provided the game winner, with Cameron Hepple later adding an insurance goal.
The Academics finish their regular season at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at home against the Panama City Pirates.
