Saturday, December 7, 2013
BRADENTON, Fla. – The Toronto Lynx got a pair of goals from Philip Merkinde as they swept to a 5-0 victory against Washington FC to claim a place in the semifinals of the Boys U17 Division at the 2013 Super Y-League North American Finals, presented by Nike, at IMG Academy.
The Lynx surged out to a quick start, and had a two-goal lead within the opening 10 minutes. The first came five minutes in as a floated cross from the left found Jacob DaCosta alone at the far post, and he headed home just inside the right post. Five minutes later, Hitesh Joshi and Logan Podrebarac linked up cleverly at the top of the penalty area, and while the goalkeeper was able to parry Podrebarac’s initial shot, Joshi was on hand to put away the rebound.
Washington FC’s first real chance came in the 17th minute from a free kick when Grant van Gorder’s flicked header went just wide of the left post. Eight minutes later the Lynx added to their lead as Podrebarac converted from the penalty spot after a foul in the penalty area.
Merkinde got into the action in the 28th minute as he was able to take advantage of a poor defensive play near the halfway line to break in on goal and shoot low past the advancing goalkeeper for a 4-0 lead.
The second half had fewer chances, although Washington’s Diego Aparicio had a pair of good long-range strikes that challenged Toronto goalkeeper Peter Bonano. The first came in the 53rd minute, with the Lynx goalkeeper being able to tip the shot over the crossbar and out for a corner.
Aparicio’s second effort came with 10 minutes to go, as he drilled a shot from 25 yards out toward the right corner, only for Bonnano to make a good diving stop. Two minutes later, Merkinde added a fifth for the Lynx, scoring a beautiful individual goal that saw him first beat his man and then place a good chip over the advancing goalkeeper to cap Toronto’s performance.
The Lynx’s victory moved them top of Group A in the division, and they will face Cleveland Soccer Academy in Sunday’s semifinals. The other semifinal will be contested by Ironbound SC, which won Group B, and the F.A. Euro - New York Magic, who advanced on goal difference ahead of Washington FC after a 3-0 win against Lightning SC.