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 Speas Shines In Argentina

ROSARIO, ARGENTINA - Chris Brown's Region II squad maintained its perfect record here Thursday with a 3-1 win over hosts CA Jorge Grifa as the U.S. Youth Soccer Boys ODP International Festival began its 3rd matchday.

Ben Speas complemented a superb performance in central midfield with a pair of successful penalty kicks, and Austin Decker killed the match off and finished a lovely attacking move, as the midwesterners made it 3-for-3 at the event.

Speas got Region II on the board when he controlled a pass from Lepekola Seetane outside the area and made a quick move past his marker, who in turn tripped him after he had stepped into the penalty area, and the referee showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Speas, who plays club soccer for Everest SC in northeastern Ohio, drilled a shot that the goalkeeper got a hand on but could not keep out of the net for a 1-0 lead.

Marco Gutierrez made a strong run down the right and roped a cross through the 6-yard box, but Seetane's volley from an awkward stance went wide. Minutes later Speas let rip a 30-yard drive that had the keeper beaten but sailed just over the bar. Sonny Jane then put in some good on the left before crossing well, but Gutierrez had his header blocked at the defense, and the half ended 1-0.

Speas was showing well as a 2-way midfielder as the 2nd half progressed, winning balls and serving as a distribution center, plus getting forward to help attack. His cause was helped by solid play from the Region II back line of Brian Klemczak, Kofi Sarkodie, Chad Barson and Michael Cunningham.

The Argentines nearly equalize when a long-range volley appeared to catch Region II goalkeeper Keegan Gunderson off his line, but the Minnesotan recovered well and raced back to tip the effort over the bar, with Barson clearing the ensuing corner.

The Americans got their 2nd goal when Jane sent a long pass forwsard Gutierrez, who controlled it well while charging into the area. The Chicago Wind forward was fouled and a 2nd PK was awarded. Speas stepped up again and this time sent the keeper the wrong way, finishing accurately for a 2-0 lead.

The goal awakened Jorge Grifa a bit and they were putting some pressure on in the Region II end, but their most dangerous chance was snuffed out when Gunderson came off his line well and athletically snared a probing cross.

The match was effectively ended minutes later when Speas started a multi-pass move that ended with an Austin Decker finish of a Jane (pronounced 'johnny') pass for a 3-0 lead.

The match slowed down a bit then and the Argentines managed a late consolation goal with a well-worked move and quality finish.

The soft-spoken Speas is a relative newcomer to the regional setup, but looked perfectly comfortable playing such a key role in the side.

"I felt fine out there. All the guys are top notch so it makes it easy for me," Speas said. "I feel like we're meshing well. Hopefully tomorrow it will be just as good if not better. Coach is telling us to move it on the ground and not just bang it upfield. If we ping it around we can make them do all the running."

Region II Lineup
GK: Keegan Gunderson
D: Brian Klemczak, Kofi Sarkodie, Chad Barson, Michael Cunningham
M: Alex Sweetin, Ben Speas, Lepekola Seetane
F: Harrison Petts, Marco Gutierrez, Sonny Jane
Substitutes: Austin Decker, Kyle McCrudden, Ian Christianson, Harry Shipp

The other 3 regional teams play later in the day.