The Riverhounds Development Academy opened its doors last weekend, as Highmark Stadium hosted its most extensive action since the return to play with 10 total ECNL matches filling both days of action.
The 2007 Boys were the weekend’s biggest winners after sweeping a pair of Ohio clubs at home. The 07s defeated Pacesetter SC by a 4-1 score Saturday and had the same winning margin Sunday in a 5-2 victory over Ohio Premier.
John Krug and JJ Vozar had identical scoring outputs with a goal each Saturday and two apiece in the team’s second match. Pablo Linzoan also scored in both matches, including the go-ahead goal in the second half against Pacesetter, and Brayden Davin hustled to record an important goal in the opening victory.
On the girls’ side, the 07s split their matches after falling Saturday on the road against Cleveland Internationals, 5-3. The side bounced back at home for a 2-0 win Sunday over Ohio Premier, as Molly Kubistek posted the shutout in goal. Fiona Mahan was excellent all over the field for the Hounds, and Sierra Dupre and Emma Schupansky provided the goals needed to take the three points.
The 07 Regional League Girls also had a productive weekend in which they earned four points at home. Lilly Hillegas finished from a first-half corner kick in arguably the weekend’s most balanced match, a 1-1 draw with Pacesetter SC. Hillegas scored again in a 2-0 win Sunday over Ohio Premier, a match in which CC Wessel also finished, and Maddie Marcotte provided the assist for both goals.
Other RDA teams in action included the 09 East Boys, who played an excellent second half and got goals from Noah Jurcevich and Jackson Backer to get a 2-2 draw on the road Saturday at Cleveland Force in Great Lakes Alliance play.
For a complete rundown of the weekend’s games and updates on matches to come, visit the Live Results page.
Sunday, Oct. 4
In ECNL matches at Highmark Stadium:
• The 07 Boys completed a weekend sweep of their Buckeye State visitors with a 5-2 win over Ohio Premier. JJ Vozar and John Krug scored twice each, and Pablo Linzoan had the other goal in a game where the Hounds could have added two or three more. The defense did not concede in the run of play, as the visitors’ two goals came via penalty kick and corner kick.
• The scoreline wasn’t flattering to the 08 Boys, who fell 4-0 to Ohio Premier, but the Hounds’ coaches still had plenty of good things to say about the performance. The RDA side played well, but the visitors were an exceptionally good opponent and the Hounds were “slightly naive in a few big moments,” according to the staff.
• The 07 Girls bounced back from Saturday’s defeat, especially defensively, to take a 2-0 win over Ohio Premier. Molly Kubistek posted the clean sheet in net, and Fiona Mahan was outstanding from start to finish for the Hounds. Sierra Dupre and Emma Schupansky handled the scoring in the win.
• The 08 Girls took some steps forward, but they were beaten by some through balls behind the defense and fell 4-0 to Ohio Premier. Ava Hutter and Cianna Brokenbeck both were very composed in possession for the Hounds, and Emma Kline was active in the center of the midfield.
In ECNL Regional League matches at Highmark Stadium:
• After a scoreless first half, the 07 Regional League Girls got goals from Kate Hillegas and CC Wessel for a 2-0 win over Ohio Premier. Maddie Marcotte assisted both Hounds goals.
• The 08 Regional League Girls played an even first half against Ohio Premier, but communication broke down along the back line in the second half and the team struggled to connect playing out of danger in a defeat.
In Great Lakes Alliance matches near Cleveland:
• The 10 East Girls played perhaps their best match, but a few mental breakdowns cost them in a 5-3 defeat against hosts FC Evolution. The second match of the day was a tougher one, as the side fell on the road to a very good Cuyahoga Valley SA side.
Saturday, Oct. 3
In ECNL matches at Highmark Stadium:
• The 08 Boys got the day started with a rout, topping Ohio’s Pacesetter SC by a 7-0 count. The defense was excellent throughout, and Calder Mahan shone with three goals and also some excellent passing up front. Zach White scored twice, and Brody Kennedy and Owen Shearer also notched goals.
• The second half was the better one for the 07 Boys, who pulled away for a 4-1 win over Pacesetter SC. The visitors leveled the score on a set piece after John Krug put the Hounds ahead in a sloppily played first half. The Hounds pulled ahead for good five minutes after the break through Pablo Linzoan. Having the better of possession then led to Brayden Davin not giving up on a play and scoring from a long cross, and then Linzoan set up JJ Vozar for the last goal with a big pass over the top.
In ECNL matches in Medina, Ohio:
• The 08 Girls competed well and created chances that could have made it a different match against Cleveland Internationals. The hosts were clinical in front of the Hounds’ goal, however, sending the RDA side to a 5-1 defeat. Morgan Ferris tallied the Hounds’ goal.
• Defensive errors were costly for the 07 Girls, who finished enough chances to get a result but fell, 5-3, to Cleveland Internationals. Emma Schupansky and Sierra Dupre each scored goals that pulled the scores level before the home team pulled ahead 4-2. Schupansky scored again, but the Hounds conceded a fifth as they pushed forward looking to tie the game late.
In ECNL Regional League matches at Highmark Stadium:
• From a first-half corner kick, Lilly Hillegas put a rebound into the roof of the net for the 07 Regional League Girls, and the Hounds were able to hold on for a 1-1 draw against Pacesetter SC in a well-played match by both sides.
• The 08 Regional League Girls played well in the back and decently in the midfield, but despite having a majority of possession, they didn’t have their striking boots on and eventually fell 2-0 to Pacesetter SC.
In Great Lakes Alliance play in North Ridgeville, Ohio:
• Noah Jurcevich and Jackson Backer scored for the 09 East Boys, who had a great second half with opportunities to grab a winner in a 2-2 draw against Cleveland Force.
