The first team is back, and not to be outdone, the Academy is back, too. All three youth squads played their first games of the new year this weekend, hosting a pair of St. Louis clubs and securing a perfect 15 out of 15 points in their return. After resting up and recovering over their winter break, the young Loons came out firing in this emphatic start to the second half of the season.
U18
MNUFC 7 - 1 St. Louis Scott Gallagher
MNUFC 1 - 0 St. Louis CITY SC
The U18s led the way this weekend, taking on St. Louis Scott Gallagher in the very first MNUFC Academy match since late November. Their dominant 7-1 win was well-earned, with excellent performances on both sides of the ball and in transition.
Not only did the Loons score, but they managed to do so in a variety of ways. Whether it was a long-range shot from open play, a well-placed penalty kick, or a set play, Head Coach Alex Morawiecki’s side undoubtedly packed their shooting boots ahead of this one. Goalscorers Will Smith (3), Gavin Stevenson (2), Brady Schumacher, and Bryan Espadero provided the finishing touches that the squad was sometimes lacking in the fall season, showing that their winter preparations have paid off. Jackson Lusky’s aerial ability and effectiveness against counterattacks likewise earned praise from his coach, rounding out what was a fantastic start to the spring portion of the season.
Following the big win, the U18s hosted St. Louis CITY on Sunday. A stronger opponent caused greater problems for the hosts, but the six-point weekend was secured via a 1-0 win, courtesy of Gavin Stevenson’s game-winner. Morawiecki was impressed with his team’s ability to hold onto their lead and see out the game to get all three points, calling this performance “a huge step in the right direction.”
Bright performances from Jackson Lusky and Brady Schumacher helped the squad to preserve the clean sheet and progress the ball forward to kill off the game, earning special recognition from their coach. Likewise, Stevenson’s pressing performance across both games made him the weekend’s MVP, putting on display admirable work rate and the capacity to play at a high level throughout a busy weekend.
U16
MNUFC 6 - 1 St. Louis Scott Gallagher
MNUFC 4 - 1 St. Louis CITY SC
Much like their older counterparts, the U16s earned a pair of wins against the same St. Louis clubs this weekend, racking up 10 goals in the process. Despite falling behind in both matches, Head Coach Jamie Carroll-Rolfe’s side managed to react positively, as the Loons were able to create scoring opportunities and limit chances for the visitors, scoring six unanswered goals on Saturday and four on Sunday.
Several standout performances led the team to these victories, with Alex Holst’s hattrick on Saturday demonstrating great ability to find space in the box and finish chances. Tim Dennis and Justin Sosnouski scored in both games, providing constant attacking threats for their sides. Lazar Angelovski and Max Harwood showcased their ability to find teammates in space with clever, precise passes, giving the team needed balance and work rate in spades. Both Jadan Bernard and Will Maynes put in fantastic defensive efforts, dominating their 1v1 battles and providing a solid foundation for the team to build from.
U15
MNUFC 5 - 0 St. Louis Scott Gallagher
Lastly, but certainly not least, Head Coach Amin Qasim and the U15s put on a 5-0 show against St. Louis Scott Gallagher. Three quick goals in the first half set the tone early, putting the hosts firmly in control. An increasingly composed second half saw the Loons add two more before the final whistle, wrapping up what was an ultimately comprehensive performance.
Donatien Nzambimana was the third hattrick hero of the weekend, with Julian Vasquez and Nosazena Osagie adding the remaining two goals. Midfielder Mario Vera-Martinez locked things down in the middle of the park, while Everad Gordon was a solid presence in the back, building possession and bringing the ball forward.
It doesn’t get much more successful than that, as far as a weekend of soccer is concerned. With a total of 23 goals scored and just three conceded across five games, it was a bumper return to MLS NEXT action for MNUFC. The U15s will now take a week off, while the U16s and U18s head down to Texas this weekend for a pair of matches against Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas.
