Last week was a big one for Republic FC’s Academy teams. In a pair of contests at home, the U15 and U17 squads faced possibly their toughest test of the spring, taking on their counterparts from Real Salt Lake in inter-league play. Two contests between top clubs in the west made for a spirited weekend, with the U15 side emerging victorious behind a stellar individual performance and the U17 team falling despite a strong showing.
This week, it’s back to regional action for all five teams. Each will go up against another NorCal club looking to upset Sacramento in MLS NEXT Northwest Division play as the calendar turns to March. Entering the weekend, all but one of Republic FC’s youth teams sit in first place in their division.
Recap: SACvRSL
The U15 and U17 squads both performed well against Real Salt Lake last Saturday – arguably their toughest opponent of the season – with the U15s taking a victory and the U17’s playing well in a tough defeat. Both clubs we
re well prepared entering the contest, with both sides entering with an excellent string of victories to open the spring half of the season behind them.
Things went Sacramento’s way early in the U15 match. Forward Chance Cowell Bagged his first of three scores just six minutes in, setting the tone for what was a dominating day, and right back Jackson Montero doubled Sacramento’s advantage in the 24th minute. While Real Salt Lake would cut their deficit to one just before half time, the score was all they would muster for the entire match. Two more scores from Cowell in the second half and a 64th minute goal by right forward Jackson Martin sealed a 5-1 win and three points for Republic FC, issuing the RSL U15’s their first loss since September.
The U17 squad suffered a tough result, taking just their third loss of the season and their first since October. Two scores from RSL in the 15th and 69th minutes would be all they needed to secure a victory over the hosts. However, the Boys in Old Glory Red had no issues manufacturing scoring chances against a tough defensive team, something they’ll be looking to continue next week against De Anza Force.
Regional Foes Await this Weekend
All five of Republic FC’s squads are back in action this weekend against other Northern California clubs.
Coming off two dominating wins with Cal Odyssey down in Fresno, the U13 and U14 squads will look to make it 15 in a row without a loss when they meet with SF Elite. The contests come with a wrinkle that Sacramento has yet to face the club this season, but as confident as each team is, it may not be a factor.
Following their matches with Real Salt Lake, the U15s and U17s will meet with a familiar foe in De Anza Force. The two clubs met just three weeks ago here in Sacramento, with Republic FC coming out on top in both contests. In Cupertino on Saturday, it’s sure to be spirited– especially as De Anza looks to avenge their previous loss and begins prepping for a big road trip to Portland in a couple of weeks.
Here at home, the U19 squad will take on San Francisco Glens at Cosumnes River College, a squad they bested 3-1 back in November. The squad has put together a tremendous run of form lately, shutting out four of their past six opponents, including Lamorinda SC last weekend in a 2-0 victory.
