San Diego Soccer News: SD Flash vs CV Manchester Match

The Pros vs today's youth: The professional soccer players took on the U19 youth players from CV Manchester at Westview High School on Sunday, March 27, 2011.

Coached by Warren Barton, the SD Flash played a 'local' friendly match with Coach Darren Parker's CV Manchester U18/U19 youth players.  The game was an exhibition match designed for training and practice purposes for both the professional and youth teams.  The SD Flash pro season opens next weekend and Coach Warren was happy for the opportunity to have his team out on the field playing a practice match and the CV Manchester team, who usually beat all their same-age opponents, needed to play a tough team that would give them great competition ... and beat them.  

Although the CV Manchester players did dominate and control the ball during the beginning of the first half, the seasoned, more experienced pros turned the tables and once SD Flash started scoring, the game's eventual outcome quickly became clear.  

Yes, the pros beat the youth team, and yes, when CV Manchester scored, all the parents and even some of the SD Flash fans applauded but it was apparent that both teams needed to strengthen their game.

Coach Warren Barton says, "SD Flash came to the soccer field to win, and to have a great chance to practice before our season starts.  Coach Darren Parker is a great coach and has a good team, but we wanted to win.  When I am out on the field, I am here to win. That is what it is about."

SD Flash over powered, over towered and out maneuvered CV Manchester but CV Manchester's players grew a bit weary as the score against them increased.  Although the final score was 8-2, the youth soccer players needed not resign themselves before the last whistle.  Then again, that is an easy statement to make from the sidelines.

Former professional soccer player Billy Garton, who used to play in England for Manchester United says, "For fifteen minutes the game was very even, possession and territory was equally shared. As the game progressed the Flash dominated with possession and quality of play and thoroughly deserved to get their comfortable lead in the game."

Garton, who is the Director of Coaching for CV Manchester says, "Credit to the Manchester boys, they continued to compete and work hard. But I felt the superior level of play from The Flash and some basic defensive errors from Manchester, contributed to the high score."

Coach Parker says, "I am very proud of my team, they boys were able to hang in there with the pros for the first 15 minutes or so and then the lack of experience, age and size caught up with them.  It was a great experience for my team to play the Flash."  The CV Manchester goalkeeper played well as did the entire CV Manchester team.  

Coach Warren Barton says, "I look forward to the start of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) season.  We are here to win the soccer championship, that's my goal, my reason for being here.  The SD Flash practice three times a week; once on the beach for endurance and twice on the field.  It takes work to win and our players are working hard."

Garton says, "I think it is fantastic that you can see a good standard of semi pro soccer on your door step. The Flash have some excellent players and play a nice style of attractive soccer. I think it can be a great outing for a family and a great experience for all young soccer players. I was disappointed at the attendance.  I hope the local soccer community supports the Flash in the upcoming league games."

Last season's CV Manchester Roster: Frederic Audelo, Joshua Diaz, Ruben Esparza, Brian Garcia, Donovan Gomez, Nolan Griswold, Adrian Gutierrez, Ryan Johnston, Alex Lagotta, Billy Leach, Alfredo Lomeli, Roberto Martinez, Robert Matsuura, Ivan Mendoza, Mark Revell, Rey Salado, Cesar Sanchez, Terry Travers, Bryant Vera and Drew Webb.

ALL PHOTO CREDIT:  Aaron Jaffe

Supporting local soccer is important.  Come out to the games.  You and your family will have a great time.