LAUDERHILL, Fla. – AdiPower and AdiPure played to a 0-0 draw in the first game of the 2011 MLS Combine on Saturday.
Both sides featured some of the best defensive prospects in the draft, and it showed on the field, as chances were few and far between for both AdiPower and AdiPure.
WATCH: FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Dartmouth’s Dan Keat had an early chance for AdiPower when Anthony Ampaipitakwong teed him up for a shot from outside the box. Keat, however, curled it over the bar.
Everything AdiPure tried to create was answered by AdiPower’s central defense pair of A.J. Soares and, in particular, Michael Boxall, who was impressive in dealing with long balls knocked in his direction.
Opposing center back Jalil Anibaba shored up the back for AdiPure and did his best to transition his side into a quick attack.
[inline_node:326143]AdiPure's best chance to break the deadlock came from a Hector Jimenez free kick, but he only managed to hit side netting right before the end of the first half.
After a slew of substitutions came at the break, with AdiPower replacing almost their entire starting lineup, but neither side managed to grab an early second-half goal.
John Rooney came on as a substitute early into the second half and almost immediately made an impact. The midfielder weaved into AdiPower’s box only to have his shot blocked out for a corner.
Twenty minutes later, Rooney directed a free kick that goalie Joe Willis snapped up with two hands.
Both defenses held firm through the rest of the first game to keep the match goal-less.
Matchday 2 of the round-robin continues on Monday, when AdiPure take on Jabulani at 11:15 a.m. ET. AdiPower, meanwhile, are set to face AdiZero at 1 p.m. ET.
Lineups
AdiPower: Joe Willis, Chris Korb (Michael Tetteh, 45), Michael Boxall, A.J. Soares, Rich Balchan (Karl Reddick, 45), Ryan Kinne (Marlon Ganchozo, 45), Anthony Ampaipitakwong (Ben Sippola, 45), Servando Carrasco (Matt Marcin, 45), Daniel Keat (JC Banks, 45), Steven Beattie (Ashley McInnes, 45), Corey Hertzog (Dan Keat)
AdiPure: Jeff Attinella, (Maurer, 45), Eddie Ababio (Demetrius Omphroy, 45), Curtis Ushedo, Jalil Anibaba, Greg King, Hector Jimenez, Lebogang Pila (Dustin McCarty, 45), Jeb Brovsky (John Rooney, 60), Brayan Martinez, Davis Paul (Herrick re-enters 77), Jason Herrick (Matt Eliason, 60)
