Saturday, April 11, 2026 | By Dennis Fitzgerald | 59 views
The U16 squad kicked off their Orlando Classic campaign in Orlando with an impressive display of skill, resilience and teamwork—arguably some of their best soccer of the season.
In game one, the boys secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Internation. The difference came from a brilliant finish by Jaime Navarro, while the defensive unit delivered a dominant performance, shutting down the opposition completely. Hunter Watson anchored the effort with a clean sheet, highlighting a disciplined and organized back line.
Game two tested the team’s character early, as they fell behind 2-0. Refusing to back down, the U16s responded with intensity and composure, leveling the match 2-2 by halftime with goals from Jaime Navarro and Ryan Kamanze. The momentum carried into the second half, where Izak Cooper put the team ahead 3-2. However, NONA Academy managed to equalize late, and the match finished in an exciting 3-3 draw.
Day one ended with plenty of smiles and confidence for the U16s. With a win and a draw, they head into day two sitting in second place, focused and determined with their sights set firmly on reaching the final.
