All three Academy teams were in action at the National Sports Center last weekend, playing a total of four games between them. Saturday saw a full slate of games, with the Loons taking on the Michigan Jaguars at every level.
The U19s started the day off with a commanding 2-0 win behind goals from Julian Banks and Tarek Ibessaine. A solid defensive effort across the board denied the Jaguars any real chances, completing a professional performance for the Loons. Oliver Kelly and Max Uribe combined for the shutout in goal.
Immediately after, the U17s played a topsy-turvy game that was filled with goals and surprises. The home side jumped to a 3-0 lead, only to concede five consecutive goals and fall to the Jaguars 4-5. While both sides were dynamic in attack, individual mistakes and a lack of concentration ultimately cost the Loons the game.
The U15s rounded out the day of fixtures, and they came out of the gate a bit shaky. Mistakes in defense and a lack of clarity on the attacking end saw the youngsters down 0-2 at halftime, with plenty of room to improve. After the break, they did just that, storming back to win 4-2 behind goals from Carson McDevitt, Brody Schauff, Grady Muir, and Tim Dennis. New U15 Head Coach Tom Harris was impressed by his new side.
“Overall, a positive first impression from the group,” Harris said. “A lot was asked of the boys this weekend. We introduced a few new concepts in the training week and asked them to play in an unfamiliar formation. Despite the changes, they demonstrated their adaptability and willingness to embrace and apply the new concepts. It’s a solid block upon which to build.”
The U19s finished the weekend off on Sunday, taking down the Indy Eleven in a comfortable 3-1. Alisa Randall scored twice, while Nathan Moua added the third. An impressive showing from the back four of Dom Mawing, Tyler Leonard, Jonah Gasho and Pascal Leatherman effectively denied any real chances for the visitors.
Next weekend, the Academy will be on the road again, heading to St. Louis for a total of five matches. The U15s and U17s will be taking on both St. Louis CITY SC and St. Louis Scott Gallagher on October 21 and 22, respectively. The U19s get a bit of a reprieve this weekend, with just one match against St. Louis Scott Gallagher on the 22nd.
