BRADENTON, Fla. – Kalamazoo Kingdom’s U16 Boys have been one of the more stout defenses during the 2016 Super Y League North American Finals. On Monday, the group came through again during a 1-0 semifinal victory against Miramar United at IMG Academy.

Levi Crooks tallied a first-half goal the defense posted its third clean sheet of the tournament to advance to Tuesday’s final against FCV Annandale Elite Loudoun.

“We stayed disciplined, had the lead and saw the game out at the end and kept everything in front of us,” Kalamazoo Head Coach Chad Wiseman said. “We did what we needed to do to advance to the finals.

“It’s day four – four games in four days – so everybody’s got tired legs, but I was happy.”

Kalamazoo demonstrated a strong energy level and wide spacing throughout the first half, typically finding some success delivering from the flanks.

The game’s opening goal was a deep cross from the right that found Evan Marques near the far left post. He volleyed the ball back in toward the edge of the six-yard box and Crooks finished for the 1-0 lead.

“Levi is an ’02 playing up, and he had probably three or four unbelievable chances and he got the game-winner,” Wiseman said. “He’s got a strong work rate and is a good player.”

With the advantage, Kalamazoo’s defense was the focal point. The center back duo of Jaylen Shannon and Mitchell Pollack in particular came up with some key blocks, touches and clearances throughout each half to maintain the clean sheet.

“You look at Jaylen Shannon, I don’t know if there’s a better center back down here, including the 18s,” Wiseman said. “We’ve conceded one goal in four games and it was off a set piece. We’ve been pretty solid there. We’re really limiting the types of quality chances some of the teams get. Jaylen’s the total package back there.”

Miramar possessed the ball heavily and was in the vicinity of the attacking third, but the club lacked a final pass or touch. Miramar generated some free kick opportunities, especially in the second half, with perhaps the best chance being David Medeiros’ second-half strike that was saved at the near right post.

With emotions high, goals at a premium and both mental and physical attributes playing a big role, Wiseman said his Kingdom side is held high in many regards.

“When you play in a tournament setting, I think they have to really understand what it takes to move on,” Wiseman said. “I think sometimes you see a lot of teams down here, they react the way you wouldn’t be so proud of. I’m pretty proud of how our guys are disciplined and the way they handle themselves on and off the field – topnotch kids.”