Columbus Crew Soccer Academy splits matches with affiliate CSA Wolves in Michigan

COLUMBUS – After a break in play during Easter weekend, the Crew Soccer Academy returned to action to take on their brethren to the North, the CSA Wolves in Michigan. The weekend clash was the only match for the U-16 and U-18 squads. The U-16s fell to CSA Wolves 3-1 while the U-18s played to a 1-1 draw.

Crew Soccer Academy striker Ahinga Selemani showcased the Academy on the international stage on Sunday, as the CSA Wolves product added the final tally in the United States’ 3-0 victory over Haiti in group play of the CONCACAF U-17 Championship in Panama. The U.S. U-17s are back in action Thursday as they take on Guatemala at 7:00 p.m. ET (FOX Soccer).

On the youth levels, Crew Juniors kicked-off their Crew Youth 2013 Spring Season with the Crew Youth Friendlies, with nearly 100 games played across three days. In addition to the soccer action, a used-gear swap was hosted featuring donated soccer cleats, shin guards, soccer balls and soccer clothing exchanged amongst younger players, with surplus items donated to donated to the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.

CREW YOUTH UPDATE ROUND-UP

U-16

Carter Richardson returned to net for the Black & Gold after spending the past few months in Bradenton, Fla. with the U.S. U-17 Residency Program as CSA fell to the Wolves 3-1. Hunter Barone netted a first half brace for the Wolves, while Kalenga Selemani added a third in the 65th minute. Devyn Etling scored CSA’s only goal of the match. With the win, the Wolves clinched a playoff spot as they sit atop the Central Conference table in U.S. Soccer Development Academy play. CSA is currently in sixth-place after 18 matches.

The U-16s return to action on April 20 when the squad travels to St. Louis to face the Scott Gallagher Metro and Missouri teams. The CSA Wolves U-16s are in action this weekend as they travel to face Milwaukee FC on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET and Sockers FC in Chicago on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET

U-18

The CSA and CSA Wolves U-18 squads played to a 1-1 draw as Nate Kohl and Ben Swanson returned to the Black & Gold. Ali Jawad gave the Wolves a 1-0 lead in the 31st minute before Charlie Reymann equalized for CSA five minutes later. CSA is currently in fifth place of the USSDA U-18 Central Conference, while the Wolves trail in ninth-place.

The U-18s return to action on April 20 when the squad travels to St. Louis to face the Scott Gallagher Metro and Missouri teams. The CSA Wolves U-18s are in action this weekend as they travel to face Milwaukee FC on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. ET and Sockers FC in Chicago on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. ET