The U16 had a great Spring season, finishing second place in the highly competitive league. The team grabbed many crucial wins throughout the season against tough opponents, suffering just one loss and one controversial draw out of eight matches. This is significant progress for the team as they finished fifth place last season, the players have learned very well how to fight on the pitch even against physically stronger opponents. Our players are young, as the team is half composed of U14 players and the other half U16. Especially considering the fast physical development of players at this age, it is truly an impressive achievement from the team. The U16 is a team full of grit- the players are not afraid to fight for what they deserve and are always pushing each other to be better. They have built a great bond with each other and this is what led the team to a successful season.
Though the team has 20 goals in their record, three of those were not scored as the opponent forfeited and Juve were awarded an automatic 3-0 win. Here are some stats for the 17 goals scored:
- Alvaro is the top-scorer, with 10 goals
- Other players on the scoresheet: Matthew Zhou, Chris, Shaun & Matthew Wang
- 3 set-piece goals
- 1 header
- Most common number of goals scored per match: 3
Every single match from the team has been exciting and there have been many amazing wins, with some last-minute goals that sent the entire team on a roaring cheer. The team’s last match of the season, however, was more relaxed as the team controlled the match and won 4-0. It only took three minutes for Juve to take the lead, when Kevin Zhou makes a great cross from the right flank, and Alvaro finishes and scores. The U16 team doubles their lead just about ten minutes later, this time with an assist from Francesco to Matthew Wang. Though the opponent’s goalkeeper was able to save Alvaro’s penalty, he scores two more before the end of halftime to complete his hat-trick. Complete domination in the first half, Juve are already four goals ahead and are sure to take the three points. The team creates many more good chances in the second half but the score remains the same as the opponent played more defensively. A safe victory to end the season, Juve end up in second place deservingly after all their hard work!
The U16 team is best characterized by their Juventus spirit- yelling “3, 2, 1, Juve” from the bottom of their hearts and always playing to win. During last Saturday’s match, the team also commemorated the victims of the Heysel disaster by wearing a black ribbon around their arms. The win was also dedicated to the team’s reliable defender Roshan, who had recently gotten injured and missed the match as a result. They also switched up their usual pre and post-match chant into something more black and white- “Til’ the end, Juve! Til’ the end, Juve! Til’ the end, Juve, Juve, Juve!” The U16 parents are also extra passionate, they are always on the sidelines loudly supporting the team. What makes the team special, beyond their strong ability, is the atmosphere that they build on and off the pitch. Watch the team play, and you’ll feel that they are really Juventus.
Congratulations to our U16: Quinn, Francesco, Yogo, Roshan, Rich, Matthew Zhou, Tom, Quintin, Alvaro, Ben, Shaun, Kevin Zhang, Edward, Chris, Federico, Matthew Wang, Kai, and Kevin Zhou. Let’s keep showing them who we are, Forza Juve!
