(June 3, 2011) - The WCDA U17 Finals got off to a flying start this evening with New Mexico Rush 94 Argonauts meeting Fullerton Rangers 93. Fullerton’s Nick Escalante got his team off to a fast start with a goal in the 9th minute following a great individual effort. After a Messi-like run down the right side of the field, Nick cut across the box put the ball on his left and found the net with a low shot to the right of the keeper.

Eight minutes later, New Mexico Rush’s superb left back, Justin Schmidt leveled from just outside the center of the 18 following a throw-in. The remainder of the half was a back and forth affair, with the Argonauts coming close in the 28th minute. Fullerton keeper Steven Barrera was active during the entire first half, and on this occasion, slid out to deny an approaching Argonaut who was alone on the left side of the goal.

During the second half, Fullerton began to get back much of the possession that belonged to the Argonauts in the first 45 minutes. As the half wore on, Fullerton looked the more likely to score. As full-time expired, Fullerton served up a corner kick that bounced around inside the 6-yard box before falling kindly to Alex Hansen who made no mistake. With Fullerton up 2-1 New Mexico had one last rush before the whistle blew, but the Argonauts could not conjure up a goal to share the points.

In the other game of the evening, FC Portland 93 Navy downed Crossfire 93 Collings 3-1. FC Portland jumped out on top with a 10th minute goal. Crossfire got even in the 26th minute. However, FC Portland added two goals in the second half to seal the win in the teams’ opening match of the Finals.

All four teams are back on the field tomorrow as the finals continue: