Another weekend, another doubleheader. All three Minnesota United Academy squads took a trip over to the Mitten State this past weekend to take on the Michigan Wolves and Jaguars, and they were met by talented opposition across the board.
U18
Michigan Wolves 5 - 1 MNUFC
Michigan Jaguars 1 - 0 MNUFC
It was another disappointing weekend for the U18 squad from a results perspective, but lessons were learned all the same. A 5-1 loss on Saturday was followed by a much closer match on Sunday, with the boys falling by just a single goal in their second loss of the weekend. The eldest academy players are still looking for their second win of the season, and they’ll be hoping to earn it in next weekend’s tough doubleheader in Ohio.
U16
Michigan Wolves 1 - 3 MNUFC
Michigan Jaguars 2 - 1 MNUFC
The U16s were the only side to come out of the weekend with two different results, winning their first match and falling in a tight one in their second. Though it took Head Coach Jamie Carroll-Rolfe’s side a bit to get going against the Wolves, they eventually warmed up and found the pace that they were looking for. A goal just before the half gave the squad the momentum they needed to push them to a dominant second half, resulting in two more goals and a relatively comfortable win.
Despite controlling much of the match against the Jaguars on Sunday, the outcome was ultimately decided by a few mistakes in both boxes. Carroll-Rolfe noted that this was an important learning moment for his squad, reminding them that you need to be clinical when chances arise, otherwise, you might be paying for your error at the final whistle. This group is resilient, though, and have already turned their attention to the next challenge.
U15
Michigan Wolves 2 - 3 MNUFC
Michigan Jaguars 1 - 2 MNUFC
Amin Qasim’s U15 squad earned another undefeated weekend, picking up two more wins in their impressive start to the 2024-25 season. Donatien Nzambimana led the way against the Wolves, notching a hat trick and powering his team to a one-goal victory in their opening game. A similar performance on Sunday saw the youngest Loons escape with another narrow road win, bringing them up to six wins and just one loss on the season.
Yet another doubleheader awaits next weekend, with a trip to Columbus and Cincinnati scheduled for the weekend of the 19th and 20th. All three teams will have this weekend to rest and recover before taking on the talent in the Buckeye State, and it’s safe to say they’ve more than earned a break after a very busy start to the season.
