Phoenix, Ariz. -- For the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association Boys 1994 team, its experience at the U.S. Youth Soccer ODP Championships was a learning one. In the semifinals two days prior, Daniel Bedoya struck twice within a 24-minute span in the second half to lift Eastern New York to a 2-1 comeback victory over North Carolina. "The team showed a lot of character," Nemeth said. "It was a great victory." Matthew Tysinger had given Carolina the lead in the 33th minute as he took a ball off his chest and turned to shot to the far post for a 1-0 halftime advantage. "At halftime, we said to the team not to panic," Nemeth said. The team didn't. Bedoya an East Elmhurst, N.Y. native who plays for Auburndale S.C., equalized in the 55th minute off a nice individual effort and scored the go-ahead and eventual game-winning goal with another beauty of a shot a minute left in the game in the 79th minute. "Danny's a big-time player," Nemeth said. "He is the team leader. When Danny plays well, the team plays well." ENY finished second at the U.S. Youth Soccer ODP Championships, dropping a 4-0 decision to California South in the Boys 1994 title game at Reach 11 Sports Complex on March 14. "The tournament showed what soccer was at the next level," ENY coach Gary Nemeth said. "We saw how fast the California team played and how fast they ran at you. . . . It was a great learning experience. "All in all, I'm proud of our kids. The best team won." "No excuses or anything," Nemeth said. "We scouted them before. We knew how dangerous they were. They were in form." And for good reason. Cal South was able to train and play games most of the time outside. Due to the harsh winter, ENY had one session outdoors -- at the Met Oval in Maspeth, Queens. "Our game plan was to stay organized and defend and not give anything up early," Nemeth. "Unfortunately, we made a mistake early in the game." Nemeth is hopeful the team will return to the finals next year by winning Region I again. The preliminary round of this year's regional tournament is set for several sites in Mercer County, N.J. from June 11-13. The semifinals and final will be played at the Kirkwood Soccer Complex in Delaware from June 25-27. "Hopefully, we will win again, be back in the nationals and beat California," he said.