Global Satellite Soccer Academy (Canada) – GSSA – opened the Columbus Crew SC University / College Showcase in very impressive fashion with a 2 – 0 victory of the Columbus Crew Academy.

 

From the get go, GSSA asserted authority of the game with their possession style ball control and no-nonsense defense. Welcome back Thomas Atkinson. 

 

With 20 minutes of the first half gone, outside left midfielder Emmanuel Belle picked up the ball in the attacking third and drove past his marker before unleashing a terrific 18 yard strike from the left edge of the penalty box. The ball flew off the under side of the crossbar before nestling in the back of the Columbus Crew Academy’s net. GSSA was now at another level with midfield dominance by Jalen Case, Drew Nicholson, Gavin Ramsay-McCormack and Brandon Richards. The defense well marshalled by Danny Lindo, August Walk-Kowalchuk, Sebastian Rosiecki, the very young (13 years of age) Dennis Kettner and of course Thomas was a delight to watch in a strong effort. The offense was proving very difficult to pin down with good performances from striker Dorian Scott-Holder throughout ably assisted by Kobii McCready.

 

It was one 1-0 at the break. In the second half Columbus Crew Academy displayed some determination to get back into the game and began to play with pace and passion. They were relying on the long ball to get their fast strikers in behind the GSSA defence which remained resilient throughout. Then with sudden precision and alarming speed Brandon Richards picked up the deep in enemy territory. His assault on the Columbus’s goal was only bettered by the brilliant run from midfield by Gavin Ramsay-McCormack. His run was met by a delightful through ball by Brandon and Gavin coolly, confidently and calmly dispatched the ball beyond the Columbus keeper to send the ground into raptures.

 

As the contest closed, GSSA maintained possession with unmatched ball circulation and a determination to hold on to their lead. The final whistle sounded and their was an acknowledgement by everyone that GSSA had started this prestigious Showcase in impressive fashion.