This weekend, Republic FC’s academy will be back on the pitch in their first full slate of the spring half of the season. After a couple of friendlies, and training sessions day after day to get players back in the swing of things, every age group sees an opposing side in MLS NEXT League play this weekend for the first time since December. It looks to be a great weekend for Sacramento’s youth as they kick off their push for MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs qualification.
Recap: U13s and U14s take Wins at Woodside
Last week, Republic FC’s U13 and U14 squads resumed league competition, visiting WSC Crush. It was an exciting afternoon for each squad, as the U13’s came away with a dominating 4-0 victory to remain atop their divisional table, and keep them undefeated at 13-0-0. They also stayed four points ahead of divisional foes Breakers FC and San Jose Earthquakes, who are each tied in second place in the MLS NEXT Northwest Division.
The U14’s contest was an eventful one, with Sacramento busting out to a 2-0 advantage early. However, after conceding twice, Republic FC found their back against the wall in a tied contest. They regained control as time ticked away, and were able to convert on one last chance when Aurelio Gjoni, who was making his Academy debut, headed in the match-winner with eight minutes remaining.
Preview: SACvSV; Jan. 29 at Cosumnes River College
This week, Silicon Valley Soccer Academy pays a visit to Sacramento, with all age groups set to go on Saturday afternoon. Republic FC will take the pitch with confidence, coming off a strong weekend of friendly matches for the U15, U17, and U19 squads who combined for a 2-0-1 weekend, and the U13 and U14’s excellent showings last week. However, getting wins won’t be easy by any means, especially against a strong divisional rival sure to challenge Sacramento on all fronts.
Silicon Valley will send out a well-organized squad in every age group, one excellent in the counter-attack and sure to be physical from the opening whistle. “It will be tough to break them down, said U15 Head Coach Eder Quintanilla, “But I am confident our technical advantage can help us get ahead.”
Setting the tone early will be a major focus for Sacramento, who has prioritized getting better defensively since returning from a break for the holidays. With a strong opponent ahead, every player knows the stakes, especially on the U17 and U14 sides, which will battle with counterparts proven to be very formidable already in other competitions. The U19’s will look to continue a run of great form they’ve kept up in training, and in a 7-1 trouncing of UPSL side Battle Born FC last weekend.
