The Academy was back at the National Sports Center this weekend for a doubleheader against Sockers FC Chicago and Bavarian United. It was a high-scoring two days for the boys, who managed to score a total of 29 goals between six games, earning five wins between them and holding their opponents to a combined 11 goals in doing so. Time to break down the performances that produced such impressive numbers.
U18
MNUFC 3 - 4 Sockers FC Chicago
MNUFC 6 - 4 Bavarian United
Saturday’s U18 match against Sockers FC had a little bit of everything. Despite a 3-0 lead at halftime, the Loons got pegged back for a 3-4 loss, giving up three goals from the run of play and a late penalty to seal their defeat. They struggled to maintain the control they exerted in the first half, and a disallowed goal in the second half took the remaining wind out of their sails in this tough start to the weekend.
Goals from Gavin Stevenson and Will Smith added to an own goal from the visitors for the final scoreline. Stevenson and Smith both earned shoutouts form Head Coach Alex Morawiecki for their efforts, noting their composure and pressure as keys to their individual success. Ari van Mol likewise earned plaudits, working hard on both sides of the ball to connect the field with some fantastic service.
Sunday’s match saw the U18s reverse their fortunes, though it didn’t look likely early on. A quick 2-0 deficit inside 15 minutes could have easily discouraged the lads and led to a long game, but it did quite the opposite instead. A 3-2 lead at halftime saw the resurgent Loons find impressive grit, and when the scores were knotted at 4-4 in the second half, they were able to pull themselves on top for the 6-4 win when it was all said and done.
This magnificent response to the prior day's game saw a number of positive performances across the pitch. Keane Perkins stepped up big time, playing up an age group and showing great distribution in a solid 90-minute performance. Willy Schmidt’s two goals and sharp chance creation were byproducts of his above average work rate and positioning, making him a menace for Bavarian United’s defense. Stevenson put in a second-consecutive highlight-worthy showing, scoring yet again after coming on late in the game. Goals from Irvin Hernandez, Griffin Price, and Emory Ortwein rounded out the day’s scoring.
U16
MNUFC 4 - 2 Sockers FC Chicago
MNUFC 2 - 0 Bavarian United
Head Coach Jamie Carroll-Rolfe and the U16s went undefeated this weekend, earning two wins by a pair of two-goal margins. A 4-2 triumph over Sockers FC preceded a 2-0 clean-sheet win over Bavarian United, as the Loons got back to their winning ways after a tough weekend in Ohio last time out. That makes it eight wins out of 11 this year, making for a great start to the 2024-25 MLS NEXT season.
Justin Sosnouski and Tim Dennis both contributed two goals across the weekend, while Alex Holst and U15 player Donatien Nzambimana one apiece. Carroll-Rolfe was largely happy with both performances, though he would've like to see his side dominate both boxes a bit more than they were able to in Saturday's win. The 2-0 win over Bavarian United on Sunday saw just that, as contributions from the entire team made for an all-around fantastic game from which the U16s can continue to build.
U15
MNUFC 2 - 1 Sockers FC Chicago
MNUFC 12 - 0 Bavarian United
Technically speaking, the U15s averaged seven goals a game this weekend. That number is slightly inflated by their resounding 12-0 win against Bavarian United, but a 2-1 in their opening game saw them get six points on the bounce from two positive performances.
On Saturday, a fast start to the match saw the Loons hit the post in the opening stages and put heavy pressure on the visiting Sockers FC. The intensity was high right from the beginning, with five chances coming in the first five minutes alone. Naturally, the opponents found the net on their first attack of the game, going up 1-0 despite the opening trend. An equalizer before the break reset the advantage, and some halftime adjustments helped the Loons come out and get the game-winner in the second half.
Goals from Sam Roseblade and Alex Densley fired the U15s to their first victory of the weekend. Along with Donatien Nzambimana, the two of them stood out to Head Coach Amin Qasim for their ability to find space, combine with teammates, and maintain a good attitude throughout the match.
No, that second score is not a typo. After beating Bavarian United 6-0 last weekend, the Loons doubled the scoreline at home, rotating players and getting the most out of the entire roster in this one. Believe it or not, it was just a 1-0 advantage at halftime, with 11 goals coming from some very clinical play from the Black and Blue in the second half. This impressive scoring spree will set the young Loons up well for a rematch with the Chicago Fire next weekend.
Alex Densley once again made his mark, scoring a hat trick off the bench and bringing a good attitude with him. The whole team demonstrated an ability to play direct and win the ball quickly, finding line breaking passes in the middle to help progress the ball effectively and dangerously.
All three squads will be visiting the Chicago Fire next weekend in what should be a trio of competitive matches. The U15s will also be taking on Chicago FC United during the roadtrip, hoping to make it another two-win doubleheader in the Windy City.
