Union Academy alum John Schroeder leads FC Florida to win in first game of U19 national championship

Philadelphia Union Academy alumnus John Schroeder put in a man-of-the-match performance in leading FC Florida to a 5-0 win over Chicago Celtic in the U19 division of the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships on Tuesday.

The University of Delaware sophomore, who played two seasons for the Philadelphia Union Academy, scored twice, the first a cracker from 25 yards out in the 78th minute and the second off a turnover from the keeper in the 89th.

Though normally a right back, Schroeder excelled Tuesday in an attacking role, creating chances with his passes and runs and also chipping in on set-piece duties in a dominant second-half display.

The Houston, Texas, native wasn’t the only Union Academy alum to get on the score sheet in the game. Starting left back Zach Perez (St. John’s) doubled Florida’s lead with a darting run forward in the 72nd minute and put in a fine overall performance on both ends of the field.

Union Academy alumnus Mo Conde (University of Mobile) was also in the starting XI for the Palm Beach, Florida-based club. Unfortunately for those watching on the live stream, there was a mix-up with the lineup and all three players were referenced by different names throughout the match, which was actually closer than the final score would suggest.

A first half sending off of a Celtic player gave FC Florida the advantage coming out of halftime and they responded with five second-half goals to take a commanding lead in the group ahead of a Wednesday match against Smithtown Kickers SC and a final preliminary game against FC Golden State on Thursday.