The U18 and U16 Academy teams stayed put at the National Sports Center this weekend, welcoming the Columbus Crew for a pair of Saturday games while the U15s took a break. Minnesota emerged victorious on both fronts in disciplined performances that bode well approaching the Generation adidas Cup.
U18
MNUFC 2 - 1 Columbus Crew
Alex Morawiecki’s U18s kicked off the scoring with an impressive set piece. Though Columbus responded immediately, leveling the score before the half, Minnesota cemented the lead in the second half and put their opponents away 2-1. The latter half of the match saw a dominant Minnesota side engineering chances and playing a disciplined defense.
Emory Ortwein scored the first goal of the game off a great corner by Bryan Espadero, who continually created chances down the left flank and found his own goal with 15 minutes left in the match with the help of Irvin Hernandez. Ty Perkins once again set the tempo in the center and put out a lot of fires defensively. Goalkeeper Kayne Rizvanovich was excellent in distribution and commanded the box throughout the 90, making a particularly stellar save off a counter.
U16
MNUFC 4 - 1 Columbus Crew
Jamie Carroll-Rolfe’s side took on the Crew with energy and persistence, keeping up the fight throughout the full 90. They played strong on the front foot with and without the ball and nailed down a 4-1 victory against the visitors, despite Columbus’ skilled timing behind the last line. With four different goal scorers and a well-rounded performance, the 16s look to tackle the GA Cup with the same tenacity they showed this weekend.
The match was all about a strong sense of timing for the home side. Alex Holst dominated his 1v1 duels, winning the ball for Minnesota a number of times and demonstrating impeccable timing to get unmarked in front of the net for his goal. Griffin Giel’s final passes were always spot-on, and his attentive positioning kept him open for the game’s second goal. Brett Isaacson and Tim Dennis scored one apiece, pushing Minnesota’s tally to four. Arvin Tabukum paired phenomenal progressions out of tight spaces with consistent pressure, combining well with teammates to maintain Minnesota’s dominance on the pitch.
Regular Academy play takes a break this month while the U18s and U16s compete in the GA Cup. The 16s begin tournament play April 12 against San Jose, with the 18s taking on Vancouver that afternoon. Both teams will be back to MLS NEXT play in May against Austin and Cincinnati, with the 15s returning to play Shattuck-St. Mary’s.
