After a week off, MNUFC’s academy teams were back in action this weekend with another doubleheader, this time in the Buckeye State. A first stop in the state capital saw the Black and Blue take on the Columbus Crew, before the U18s and U16s faced FC Cincinnati on Sunday. The U15s played against Cincinnati United Premier Soccer Club on the same day, rounding out another six-game weekend.
U18
Columbus Crew 1 - 1 MNUFC
FC Cincinnati 2 - 0 MNUFC
Saturday’s match against the Crew started well for Coach Alex Morawiecki and the U18 squad. Some early pressing led to turnovers in dangerous areas, pinning the hosts in and allowing the Loons to go up a goal in the opening stage. An incisive pass from the back found Ari van Mol behind the back line, where the left wing back was able to finish neatly for the lead. With just two minutes remaining until the halftime whistle, the Crew grabbed an equalizer by capitalizing on a miscue in the back, making it all square at the break.
Despite an open game in the second half, neither team was able to get the better of the other, though goalkeeper Kai Zeruhn was forced to make a pair of crucial saves to ensure his side earned a point. The match ended in a stalemate, a fair result after the game that unfolded. It was a step in the right direction for this group, with bright individual performances from van Mol, Zeruhn, and Gavin Stevenson, who worked hard on both sides of the ball and managed to create several close chances for his team.
Sunday’s matchup with FC Cincinnati had similar themes, and though it was a positive performance from the boys that featured a hard push in the final 15 minutes, they were unable to find the net at the end of the day. The Loons found success in moving the ball around their opponent, demonstrating a clear ability to compete with Cincinnati despite falling in the end.
Stevenson continued his good form, covering ground, giving his side valuable contributions on both sides of the ball, and playing two full 90 minute shifts on the weekend. Gio Cruz impressed with a relentless performance, passing extremely well and showing his skill in 1v1 moments. Carlos Casillas-Lopez covered plenty of ground as well, mirroring Stevenson in his effectiveness and longevity.
U16
Columbus Crew 4 - 0 MNUFC
FC Cincinnati 5 - 0 MNUFC
It was a disappointing pair of results for the U16s this weekend against two quality opponents. While the Loons were able to create some opportunities on Saturday, a lack of finishing touch bit them in the end. A better all-around performance on Sunday was masked by a big scoreline, as the visitors were punished for small mistakes on several occasions. The growth between the games was encouraging, and hard-fought lessons were learned on both days.
A big weekend from Arvin Tabukum earned recognition from Head Coach Jamie Carroll-Rolfe, as the young man’s attacking threat was built on a tireless workrate that set the standard for his teammates. Likewise, the attitude and desire shown by both George Porter and Alex Holst were admired by Carroll-Rolfe, who sees the weekend as a great step towards an even better team.
U15
Columbus Crew 4 - 1 MNUFC
Cincinnati United Premier Soccer Club 0 - 1 MNUFC
For Head Coach Amin Qasim and the U15s, Saturday’s match started off tight. The 0-0 halftime scoreline was finally broken by a Crew free kick goal early in the second half, and the second Crew goal followed shortly after. The Loons pulled one back in the 70th minute—courtesy of Hector Cruz—but it was too little, too late. Coach Qasim was happy with the performance against their best opponent thus far, and was encouraged that his team was able to compete.
Sunday saw the boys bounce back with a solid game, earning the Academy’s lone win of the weekend. A rotated squad saw fresh legs start the match well, putting pressure on goal straight from the opening whistle. As numbers went up to cash in on the chance creation, the Loons were caught out, giving up a penalty midway through the first half. Keeper Philip Engle came up big with a save to keep the score level, and there was all to play for.
Donatien Nzambimana found the eventual game-winner just before the first half came to a close. Despite several more chances to add to the lead, the 1-0 scoreline proved to be enough for three points. Standout performances from Sam Roseblade and Mario Vera-Martinez helped the U15s create space and retain possession, ending the weekend on a high.
The U18s and U16s will be off next weekend, while the U15s will travel to Wisconsin to take on both SC Wave and Bavarian United in yet another doubleheader weekend.
