Reds college progress to Dallas final

The Reds youngsters set up a mouth-watering cup final clash with the Costa Rico National U20 side after a 2-0 extra-time win over Dallas Texans Academy on Saturday.

The foundation college, which is open to boys and girls aged between 16 and 19, provides coaching alongside a suite of academic qualifications, including BTEC Levels 2 and 3 and GCSEs in Maths and English.

Based at Wyncote Sports Ground in south Liverpool, the college is equipped with top-of-the-range facilities supplied by the University of Liverpool.

Held during Easter Week every spring, the invitation-only Dallas Cup selects the best 180 teams to play in the seven different age categories, ranging from U13 through to the prestigious U19 Gordon Jago Super Group.

College scouts attend the majority of tournament games and many students are offered scholarship in the USA as a result of their performances.

And yesterday, Liverpool's youngsters edged their way into the final with a dramatic 2-0 victory over Dallas Texans Academy. You can read our match report of the clash below.

Liverpool controlled a goal-less first half in this tie, playing through the lines and looking for openings. The midfield diamond had Conway screening the defence and dictating the tempo, while Johnstone, Barrow and outstanding Owens controlled the centre of the pitch. 

The Dallas Texans made tactical changes at the interval, which saw them dominate in the early stages of the second half. However, Liverpool's back-line, marshalled by captain Cartwright remained solid with goalkeeper Kowalczyk untroubled.

Head coach, Carl Macauley, tweaked his formation to 4-3-3 introducing Murphy and Sheppard for Barrow and Kersh and his side were back in control of the game, asking questions of the Texan defence.

The game went to extra-time and the Reds continued to attack. Their patient but positive approach was rewarded early in the first period of extra-time when right-back Hayes won the ball and started a fine passage of play. Johnstone penetrated the Texan defence with a sublime 20-yard pass to super-sub Kelly, who controlled then drilled the ball under the goalkeeper from 12 yards.

The Reds went in search of a second and were rewarded soon after when Halligan played in Kelly, who drifted past the Texan defender down the left hand side of the penalty area. Kelly's deep cross ball to the back post was controlled by other super-sub Antony Sheppard was on hand to fire the ball home past the despairing Texan goalkeeper and wild celebrations ensued.

Celebrations were short-lived when the referee blew his whistle and the focus quickly turned to Sunday's final at the USA World Cup 1994 Cotton Bowl Stadium at 3pm. The challenge is for the boys to recover and prepare their minds and shattered bodies to 'go again' in the final.

Head coach Macualey's players brought him much pride: "I am delighted for all the boys, the way they have progressed in the tournament has been tremendous. Now I hope they can go and enjoy the final tomorrow and hopefully bring home the Dallas Cup."