ZARAPETH, N.J. (April 24, 2008) -- The U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team came from behind to defeat Development Academy club PDA, 2-1, in a scrimmage at PDA's training facility in Zarapeth, N.J.

PDA's Ryan Finley converted a penalty kick in the 34th minute after a Norris White was called for a foul inside the box.

The U.S. evened the score just 10 minutes into the second half. After receiving the ball at midfield, Chris Ortega carried it deep into his attacking end and played a cross right to the head of an unmarked John Fitzpatrick, who was able to beat PDA goalkeeper Rafael Diaz.

Minutes before the final whistle, Amobi Okugo took a pass from Eder Arreola on the endline and beat two defenders with his first touch. Okugo then played an outswinger across the goal mouth for Tristan Bowen, who scored the second header goal of the game for the U.S., helping them to a 2-1 win.

The U.S. Under-18 MNT will round out its week-long camp with a final scrimmage against PDA on Saturday, April 25.




Participants: U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team vs. PDA Soccer
Competition: Friendly/Scrimmage
Location: PDA Facility. Zarephath, Somerset. N.J.
Date: April 24, 2008
Kick-off: 6:00 pm
Weather: Sunny afternoon 70 degrees

Scoring Summary:
           1   2   Final
USA   0   2    2
PDA    1   0   2

PDA – Ryan Finley, (penalty)                                       34th minute
USA – John Fitzpatrick (Christopher Ortega)            55th minute
USA – Tristan Bowen (Amobi Okugo)                        89th minute


Lineups:
USA: Dillon Saffle; Chad Barson (Jose Diaz, 46), Hunter Gorskie, Kofi Sarkodie (Aubrey Perry, 46), Norris White (Harrison Petts, 80); Johnathan Aguirre (Amobi Okugo, 46), Christopher Ortega (Eder Arreola, 73), Steven Palumbo (Ben Speas, 14) (Donny Toia, 73), Kelyn Rowe (Scott Caldwell, 73); John Fitzpatrick (Tristan Bowen, 60), Dylan Renna (Dersu Abolfathi, 55)

Subs Not Used: Brian Dominguez, Adam Jahn, Cody Mizell

Head Coach: Bob Jenkins

PDA: 1-Rafel Diaz (0-Grant Schonberg, 63); 24-Bonny Londono, 21- Jossimar Sanchez, 16-Brian Thomsen (22-Brian Hessemer, 63), 23-Ryan Whalen (2-George Caiella, 63); 5-Marc Cintron, (27-Yannick Smith, 63), 7-Kyle McCarthy, 26-Jerry Saintil (19-Johan Hernandez, 83); 11-CJ Crooks, 13-Ryan Finley (12-Robert Barrera, 63), 20-JP Rosero (17-Mark Lubetkin, 63)

Subs Not Used: 00-Garon Smith (GK)

Head Coach: John Murphy


Statistical Summary:

       USA / PDA
Shots 5 / 6
Shots on goal 12 / 5
Saves 3 / 7
Fouls 8 / 11
Corner Kicks 5 / 6
Offside 1 / 6


Misconduct Summary:
USA– Tristan Bowen (caution)      77th minute