While the GA Cup draw was the biggest MLS NEXT news of the week (more to come on that later), there was some great soccer being played up in Blaine this weekend. All three Academy sides were in action, hosting Sporting Kansas City and Chicago FC United in a total of five games, all of which ended in a Loons win.
U18
MNUFC 1 - 0 Sporting Kansas City
MNUFC 2 - 1 Chicago FC United
Two tight results saw the U18s take six points away from this weekend’s slate of matches. A bright start on Saturday helped Alex Morawiecki’s side create chance after chance, keeping the ball in the attacking third through the solid efforts of Bryan Espadero and Ty Perkins. Though they couldn’t find a goal via the run of play, Issa Saidi earned a penalty in the second half, which was coolly dispatched by Espadero to win the game. Brady Schumacher’s excellent play out wide gave his side a threatening edge, unbalancing the opposition with his creativity on the ball in his team’s second home win against MLS opposition this spring.
The Loons picked up where they left off with another strong start on Sunday, putting pressure on Chicago’s box and cutting out some clear chances. The visitors grew into the game, forcing the hosts to defend for a bit, but the efforts of substitute Donovan Sinicropi changed the game when he came on in the second half. Paired with the relentless running of Danny Boakai, the Loons had two game changers on the field at the same time, both of whom ended up scoring and sealing the result. Great combination play and high pressure combined to be too much for Chicago to handle, while the work of defensive midfielder Ty Perkins kept the visitors from finding a late equalizer.
U16
MNUFC 3 - 1 Sporting Kansas City
MNUFC 3 - 0 Chicago FC United
It was a slightly more comfortable weekend of soccer for the U16s, starting with a dominant win over SKC. Patience and persistence were the watchwords in this 3-1 win, as Alex Holst bagged a brace and Etienne Testa added the third. Holst’s ability to find space in the box ultimately led to his goals, while his pressure on the ball forced the visitors into wide areas for his team to deal with. Brody Schauf’s work rate and quality crossing, paired with Max Harwood’s ability to escape pressure in the middle of the pitch, allowed the Loons to exploit space out wide in what was an all-around complete performance.
The second game of the weekend started a bit slower but picked up in the second half. Holst once again showcased his eye for space, and Schauf continued to provide dangerous service into the box. George Porter stepped up in the center of the pitch, recovering and transitioning quickly before finding teammates in advantageous situations. Coach Jamie Carroll-Rolfe was happy with his team’s ability to find another gear to close out the game, especially on yet another weekend with two games in a row.
U15
MNUFC 5 - 0 Chicago FC United
The U15s continued their fantastic spring season with a 5-0 win, bringing them up to second place in the Mid-America division of MLS NEXT Flex competition. With 15 wins and just three losses in 18 games, Head Coach Amin Qasim’s side is just four points behind the first-place Columbus Crew.
Next weekend will be a light one compared to the usual Academy schedule, with the U18s and U16s both taking on the Crew in league play at the National Sports Center. The U15s have got themselves a well-deserved week off to rest and get ready for the remainder of the season.
