Rush Academy Boys Split in First Games of Showcase
(05.30.10)

(93's First 11 vs. Baltimore Bays Chelsea)

(91's First 11 vs. Baltimore Bays Chelsea)
The U16 Rush Boys started off the beautifully hot and sunny day in Sarasota, Florida with some of their best soccer of the year. Some excellent wing play and nice combining up high gave way to a one shot-one goal half for the Baltimore Bays Chelsea (last year’s U15 USYS national champions). The second half started similarly to the first with the Boys playing well. Some simple mistakes were punished which happens against top teams, and a good performance was shadowed by a 3-0 result. The 18 Rush Boys kicked off straight afterwards at 2pm. The fields are nice and are easily the nicest (and softest!) the Boys have played on all year. The Rush Boys played solid soccer from start to finish with some wonderful soccer moments. A Paolo DelPiccolo corner kick was finished off by Reid Hukari and then a fine combination play between Abdoulie Jatta and Hukari led to a well-deserved penalty kick which Hukari finished off straight down the middle. The 2-0 lead at half would stick, though a couple more chances were created in half two, and the game would finish with a 2-0 win. Famara Bojang earned the shutout. Both teams play FC Westchester Sunday morning.

Academy Teams Head to Spring Showcase
(05.28.10)
The Colorado Rush/AJ Auxerre US Development teams will head to Florida this weekend for the 2010 Spring Showcase in Sarasota. Both the 91's and 93's will play their final three games of the regular season.

The 91's head into the weekend with a narrow lead in the Frontier Division and will face some very tough competition. Saturday, the Rush will play the Baltimore Bays who lead the Mid-Atlantic division. The opponent Sunday will be FC Westchester (First in Liberty Division) followed by Birmingham United on Tuesday, June 1st.

Academy Ends Play in Colorado with Win and Loss at Real
(05.17.10)

(91's First 11 vs. Real)

(93's First 11 vs. Real)
The 16 Academy fell to Real 2-0 on Saturday morning. After defeating Real in the first meeting, and after a string of wins over the last couple weekends, expectations were high as the playoffs were now in the pictre. Now, it will be very difficult to qualify with just three games remaining.

The 18 Academy defeated Real 2-1. Goals by Reid Hukari and Abdoulie Jatta (Aimar) sealed the deal. The Rush Boys took the lead midway through half number one on a great serve from Jared Roberts that found 6'6" Hukari tower above the Real keeper to head it home. With 10 minutes remaining, and after both teams received erroneous red cards (the first and only red card for the Rush Boys this year), Real earned a penalty kick which they converted. So despite numerous chances created for the Rush Boys, the score was 1-1. As we entered the 90th minute however, a cross from Hukari was mishandled by the Real keeper and Aimar was there to pounce on it and thump home the winner.

With three games to go (to be played in Sarasota, FL on Memorial Day weekend), the Rush 18's have a 16-1-8 record which currently has them at number six in the country. Playoffs, which will be held in Greesboro, NC in late June, look to be a foregon conclusion for the Boys. But more work remains as the goal is to be national champions. Continued luck to both Academy teams!

Click here for video highlights against Real.

Rush Academy Goes Perfect 4-0 on Mother's Day Weekend
(Updated 5.13.10)

(93's First 11 vs KC Wizards)

(93's First 11 vs CO Rapids)
Matt Marchena scored game winners on both Saturday and Sunday for the U16 Academy Boys from the penalty kick spot. Both victories were well deserved after the Rush Boys controlled the better part of both games (Saturday vs. Kansas City Wizards and Sunday vs. Colorado Rapids). Erich Marscheider earned the two shutouts.

(91's First 11 vs KC Wizards)

(91's First 11 vs CO Rapids)
The 18 Boys were equally as impressive dominating their matches from start to finish. Alex Merrill earned the shut out on Saturday after goals were scored by Justin Miller in half one, and then followed up by second half goals from Baboucarr Jammeh (off a classy assist from Benny Glass) and Reid Hukari. 3-0. Note: KC is currently the only team to have beaten the Rush 18’s during a snow storm way back in February. The Rapids visited us at Colorado Christian University on Sunday. This time, the early goal came off a through ball by Matt Kerridge and was finished off nicely by Cole Chapleski (who celebrated by paying tribute to his mother on her special day). In half two, the Rush Boys poured it on with goals from Abdoulie Jatta, Paolo DelPiccolo and Alex Frazier. An injury time goal scored by the Rapids did not ruin the day. Rush win 4-1. This was the last home game for Rush, though the Boys play Real next Saturday at Heritage Park.

For video highlights from Wiz/Rapids games, click here.

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Rush Academy Boys Take Three Wins from Four Games Against Texas
(Updated 05.07.10)

(93's First 11 vs Texas Rush)

(91's First 11 vs Texas Rush)
Our Rush brethren from Texas went down 2-1 to our 16’s and 5-0 to our 18’s. (Both TX Rush teams did beat the Colorado Rapids on Sunday so congratulations to TX Rush.)  After pressing the Texas back line, Colorado was rewarded by an own goal. After conceding an equalizer on a set piece, Cameron Mohseni was on target for the game winner. Seedy Bah (Deco) was the hat trick hero against the 18 TX Rush. Two goals from outside the box and another from close range (two off of volleys) set the tone. Baboucarr Jammeh (Mal) started the scoring off with a deflected free kick goal and Justin Miller capped off the scoring with a late goal off a counter attack.

(93's First 11 vs Texans)

(91's First 11 vs Texans)
Sunday it was the Houston Texans in town. The 18’s kicked off first on this day and the 18’s again jumped on their opponent after quality pressure (and assist) from Alex Frazier, Abdoulie Jatta (Aimar) sprung into attack beating one defender and rocketing a ball past the Texans keeper. After conceding the equalizer later in the first half, Reid Hukari would tower above the opponent and head home the game winner mid way through the second half. Aimar would put the nail in the coffin at the death. 3-1 win. After a spirited start, the 16’s could not maintain their form and gave up late goals in each half to lose 2-0 in the second match of the day.


Click here for video highlights from the showdown with Texas Rush.
Click here for video against Texans.

FC Milwaukee and Chicago Sockers Visit Rush Academy
(04.26.10)

(91's First 11 vs FC Milwaukee)

(93's First 11 vs FC Milwaukee)
Three of the four games ended in draws. Only the U16 match on Saturday resulted in a disappointing Rush loss. The second game on Saturday saw the 18 Rush Boys dominate possession for the entire match, but a 0-0 score would be the final.

(91's First 11 vs Chicago Sockers)

(93's First 11 vs Chicago Sockers)
1-1 was the theme on Sunday as both games ended this way. Akio Ohtake-Gordon and Abdoulie Jatta scored goals on this day. Both tough games and fair results. The U18 Rush Boys still sit atop the division.

Chicago Opponents Prove to be Difficult Task at Home in a Weekend of Draws
(04.19.10)

(91's First 11 vs Chicago Magic)

(93's First 11 vs. Chicago Magic)
On Saturday, both Rush Academy teams tied their opponent, Chicago Magic, and both teams came from behind to do it. The 16’s/93’s gave up a first half goal (on yet another very windy day in the windy city…Chicago, not Denver!) but battled to ensure the deficit did not increase. Martin Shamala in half two took on the Magic defense, got to the end line and put in a very dangerous cross which was fortunately redirected into the Magic goal by their own player. Though a few other chances were created, none could be capitalized on. 1-1 was the final. For the third game in a row, the 91’s/18’s conceded a (converted) penalty kick. A second goal would follow to give the Magic 18’s a 2-0 half time lead. Though down two goals, the Rush Boys created many scoring chances. Then, partly aided by a Magic red card, the Rush Boys took over, outshooting the opponent 20-3, but only two goals could be mustered and both goals were scored in the final 12 minutes by Reid Hukari and Salman Bahurmoz (88th minute).

(91's First 11 vs. Chicago Fire)

(93's First 11 vs. Chicago Fire)
On Sunday, the 16’s looked to be heading for a 0-0 draw until six minutes into injury time of the second half, when a penalty kick was awarded to the Chicago Fire. 1-0. Within two minutes the Rush Boys answered with a goal by Logan Bailey. Inexplicably, still another two minutes of time were played and in the 10th minute of injury time with the very last touch of the game, Fire found the back of the net again to win 2-1. The 18’s ended the weekend with another tough game and another big comeback. The game was well fought for 90 plus minutes, but Fire did hold more of the attacking play in the second half. Fire was rewarded when around the 70-75 minute mark, they found a seem through the Rush back line and took a 1-0 lead. Heading into the third minute of injury/stoppage time, Justin Miller dropped a ball back for Abdoulie Jatta who hit a sublime cross which bent in towards the back post area. As Rush and Fire players desperately crashed the goal, the last of the players on the back side was Seedy Bah who calmly slotted the ball past the Fire’s diving keeper. 1-1 was the final.
Rush Academy is home this weekend at Colorado Christian University against FC Milwaukee and Chicago Sockers (Saturday and Sunday respectively).

Academy Boys Visit Great Lakes Region
(04.12.10)

(91s Starting 11 vs Indiana United)

(93's Starting 11 vs Indiana Unites)
Saturday the Rush boys took on Indiana United. Beautiful weather and a nice Turf field greeted the boys. The 93’s started the game in a very intense way. Their main attacking threats were the two wing players that were very fast and good 1v1. We managed to double team most of the time our transition from D to O was not fast enough. The real threat was a big man that was their target man in every set play. Second half the 93’s started well as we exploited their wings, unfortunately a big defensive mistake gave our opponent the chance to score an easy goal. We attacked and pressed our opponent in their half of the field, gaining confidence and several set plays out side of their box but we didn't take advantage of those opportunities. 93’s lost 1-0.
 
The 91’s opponent was the defending USDA Champions. Very solid team with two wing players and a striker; all were very dynamic and fast. We were able to keep good ball possession and serve the ball behind their back line at the right moment. At 20' min, Aimar Jatta scored a very good goal after a very crafty pass by Reid Hukari, 1-0. In the Second half our opponent started very hard pressing our players, once in possession their wingers were always a threat. A pk was given for a handball in the box. United score. 1-1. Their pressure was a constant factor and we were not able to reorganize the midfield in a more compact defensive shield. After a couple of changes we were able to regain the control of their midfield and serve more balls to Aimar who was constantly a threat for their defenders. Towards the end of the game we had a couple of clear changes to ensure us the victory but we were unlucky. 1-1 tie.


(91's Starting 11 vs Ohio Elite)

(93's Starting 11 vs Ohio Elite)
Sunday the Rush boys took on Ohio Elite. The 93’s intention was to press them in their half of the field an force them to make mistakes from which to take advantage. In one of these pressing the ball was cleared towards our goal, unfortunately a misunderstanding between our defender and our GK allowed our opponent striker to score an easy goal. The 93’s regrouped and after several good chances that developed from wing play, Matt Marchena equalized with a PK goal towards the end of the first half. Second half same story. We pressed them very hard and stole several important balls but our finishing was not good. Game ends in a 1-1 draw.
 
Despite the final score the 91’s game was not easy, at least the 1st half.
We kept ball possession for the whole time. Our opponent was only defending. Countless crosses were served from the wings but due to their GK in great shape, and our poor finishing as well, we were able to score only one time toward the end of the half with Justin Miller. 2 minutes later, a Rush foul gives up a PK. 1-1 at half. Second half we started with the confidence that we were the better team on the field and playing our soccer would sooner or later yield our victory. After we changed a couple of tired players, our chance to score arrived and we scored with Kenny Tribbett. With that goal, our opponent lost confidence and we took advantage scoring four more goals with: Seedy Bah had one, Aimar Jatta scored twice and Reid Hukari. Rush boys win 6-1.

Rush Academy Takes Four Points from Rapids
(04.05.10)

(93's Starting 11 vs. Rapids)

(91's Starting 11 vs. Rapids)
The Rush 93’s won 2-1 on goals from Matt Marchena and Akio Ohtake-Gordon. Just two minutes in Marchena hit a wonderful left footed volley from 18 yards out to get the Rush Boys off to a great start. Fourteen minutes later it was Akio with a short run with the ball followed by a booming shot which could not be kept out of the net by the Rapids keeper. The Rush Boys took a 2-0 lead into half time before giving up an own goal early in the second half. The Rapids pressed but the Rush Boys held strong and earned the valuable three points.
The 91’s took one point from what must be deemed a disappointing draw. Multiple chances were created (including a penalty kick that was not converted) and a red card was handed to the Rapids late in half one. The Rush Boys controlled the entire game but could not beat the Rapids keeper and when they did, the crossbar and side posts were in the way. One foul led to the Rapids one and only shot of the second half which led to their one and only goal. Abdoulie Jatta scored the equalizer deep into injury time for the 1-1 draw.
The Rush 91’s remain at the top of the table and the 93’s sit in second. Both teams travel to Indiana and Ohio this coming weekend.

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Academy Boys Take on Chicago Fire, Magic
(03.30.10)

(91's Starting 11 vs. Chicago Fire)

(93's Starting 11 vs. Chicago Fire)
On a windy Saturday afternoon at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Rush 93’s (U16) lost 1-0 to Chicago Fire. Rush played a solid first and went in to the break tied 0-0 after battling against the wind. A defensive lapse on a set piece led to a Fire goal early in the second half. Rush had several opportunities late in the match to get the equalizer, but couldn’t find the back of the net. In the second game, the 91’s (U18) were on the right side of a 1-0 game against the Fire. Baboucarr Jammeh (Mal) scored what proved to be the game winner on a wonderful, dipping free-kick late in the first half. The second half Rush battled the wind and a desperate Fire attack for nearly all 45 minutes. The defense remained organized and Famara Bojang (Baba) made some key saves as Rush held on for the 1-0 win.

(91's Starting 11 vs. Chicago Magic)

(93's Starting 11 vs. Chicago Magic)
On a beautiful, but brisk Sunday morning, Rush 93’s started strong against Chicago Magic taking an early 1-0 lead off a Ridge Robinson goal. Ridge dribbled past several Magic defenders in the box and his shot from close range found the upper corner of the net. Rush took a 1-0 lead into half time. Some sloppy defending on a corner kick allowed Magic to equalize early in the second half. Rush had an opportunity to go up 2-1 with about 10 min remaining in the game, but Ridge Robinson’s pk was saved by the Magic goal keeper. The rebound fell right to the feet of Matt Marchena who slotted the ball home, but was whistled for entering the box too soon and the goal was called back. Rush kept attacking and were taken down two more times in the box, but the whistle was not blown. In the end, it was the Magic who was awarded a penalty kick with 2 minutes remaining in the game. Magic converted the pk and won 2-1. Once again, the 91’s (U18) started strong and immediately forced the opposing gk into action. The Magic gk was up to the task early, making some key saves. Late in the first half, Jared Roberts through ball found the feet of Abdoulie Jatta who raced past the Magic defense, then dribbled past the Magic gk, and tapped the ball into the open net. Against the run of play, Magic was able to score 2 second half goals midway through the half. With 10 minutes remaining in the game, Jatta scored his 11th goal of the season after beating several Magic defenders in the box and calmly slotting the ball past the sliding, Magic goal keeper. Rush continued to attack, but were unable to score the game winner and the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

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Akio Ohtake-Gordon Returns from Injury and Makes Immediate Impact
(03.24.10)

(91's Starting 11 vs. Real Colorado)

(93's Starting 11 vs. Real Colorado)
A 2-0 victory for the Rush 93 Academy Boys over local rival, Real Colorado, was the story of the weekend. Akio Ohtake-Gordon was the hero with two follow up goals to secure the win. A fierce strike by Logan Bailey led to the first goal towards the end of the first half. The Real keeper simply could not handle the knuckling strike and Akio was there to bury the rebound. Another quality strike in the second half, this time by Johnny Sawyer, led to goal number two which sealed the win. Erich Marscheider secured the shut out for the Rush Boys. The second game of the day between the two U18 teams ended in a 0-0 draw. This was a very well contested match between two dangerous teams. With the weekend’s results, the Rush 93’s moved into a tie on points for first place and the Rush 91’s remain alone on top of the table. Stay tuned for information on this coming weekends home games with the Academy Boys.

A special thank you to all parents and staff who came out to help remove snow prior to kick off!

For video highlights from the games please click here.

10 Points from Possible 13 for Academy Boys in St. Louis
(03.14.10)

(91's Starting 11 vs. SG Missouri)

(93's Starting 11 vs. SG Missouri)
The Rush Academy Boys earned a draw and a win on Sunday. The 93 Boys finished the weekend with a win and a draw and currently sit second in the league table with a 3-2-1 record (5-2-3 overall). Today a hard fought 0-0 draw would have to be enough as the Boys continue to be a difficult team to break down. Liam O’Connor earned the shutout in his first game with the Development Academy team. For the second day in a row the 91’s battled for a 3-2 win. Different than Saturday when they came back twice from a goal deficit, today’s game brought a new challenge when the Boys gave up their lead twice but ultimately persevered to achieve the win. Goals were scored by Baboucarr Jammeh, Abdoulie Jatta and Seedy Bah. The 93’s currently sit atop the Frontier Division with a 6-1 record (9-1 overall).
 
Come support the Rush Boys (and wear your Rush blues and blacks) as they play in the local derby next Sunday against Real Colorado at Colorado Christian University. Kickoffs are at 1pm (93’s) and 3pm (91’s).

Academy Boys Secure Two Wins on Day One in St. Louis
(03.13.10)

(91's Starting 11 vs. SLSG Metro)

(93's Starting 11 vs. SLSG Metro)
The 93 Boys (U16) earned a 2-0 win today against Scott Gallagher Metro. A well deserved win saw the Rush Boys get an own goal after a Matt Marchena cross came from behind the Metro defense. Ridge Robinson cemented the three points with a late strike. The 91 Boys (U18) earned three points as well, but it came much harder. After conceding an early penalty kick, the Boys went down 1-0. Within seconds though, a sublime little chipped ball from Kenny Tribbett found the slashing Abdoulie Jatta who beat the keeper and slotted home the equalizer. 1-1 at the half. Another set piece, this time from a wide cross, would get Metro their second goal. Fifteen minutes later Jatta again was in the box to draw a foul. Seedy Bah stepped up to hit home the penalty kick that resulted. And it was a set piece for Rush which produced a short corner that Bah was able to head home for the third goal and eventual winner. The Boys will face off against Scott Gallagher-Missouri tomorrow at 9:45am and 11:45am.

Academy Boys Take 9 of 12 Points from Chicago/Milwaukee Games
(03.08.10)

(91's Starting 11 vs. Chicago Sockers)

(93's Starting 11 vs. Chicago Sockers)
Saturdays games were against Chicago Sockers. Fields were cleared of snow just in time to get both sets of games in. The 16’s kicked off first at 10am. The early run of play belonged to the Rush Boys, but midway through the first half, Chicago countered, scored and took the 1-0 lead. Rush answered shortly before half with a lovely dribble penetration by Emmanuel Martinez who slotted a touch-perfect pass to Johnny Sawyer. Unfortunately, with less than 10 minutes remaining in the game, the Sockers found their second goal and with it the game winner. The 18’s followed at noon and also started off solidly, but after a  Rush player was tripped in Rush’s own box with no call, the ball fell to the foot of a Chicago player, and for the second game in a row, it was 1-0 to Chicago. But from then on, the Rush Boys took over, winning the game 3-1 getting goals from Abdoulie Jatta (2) and Baboucarr Jammeh. An excellent comeback victory with some very nice soccer displayed.

(91's Starting 11 plus Assistant Coach for the day, Scott Bushey, vs. FC Milwaukee)

(93's Starting 11 vs. FC Milwaukee)
Sundays games were played in Milwaukee against FC Milwaukee. The 16’s were anxious to rebound from Saturday’s disappointing result. A rejuvenated squad found the energy to fight and second half substitute, Matthew Marchena, hit home a wonderful bending free kick and that sealed the deal. 1-0 win! The 18’s did not start off on Sunday as well as they did the previous day, but it would not take long for things to get moving. Abdoulie Jatta (Aimar), once again got the Rush Boys off to a fine start in scoring with a 1v1 effort that ended with his fifth goal in three games. 1-0. In half two, Kenny Tribbett was on the end of a well played corner kick by Matt Kerridge, and put the Rush Boys up 2-0. Though a few late chances were squandered by the boys, it did not take away from the solid performance that ultimately resulted in a 2-0 win. The Rush Boys sit atop the Frontier Division with a 4-1 record (6-1 Overall).
Next week, the two teams travel to St. Louis for two matches each.