With Republic FC’s tickets to postseason competitions in all age groups punched, Sacramento’s U13 and U14 sides took to Southern California from May 26-30 for a final tune-up in the Nexen Manchester City Cup in San Diego. The weekend saw Sacramento squads take just one loss, and although neither finished atop their respective groups, more excellent performances primed them for an appearance in the MLS NEXT Showcase later this month.
The Results
U13 Results:
0-0 Draw vs. Arsenal FC
1-2 Loss vs. RSL Arizona
5-0 Win vs. LAFC SoCal
2-0 Win vs. Rangers FC
3-1 Win vs. Legends FC
4-0 Win vs. DMCV Sharks
U14 Results:
2-1 Win vs. Saprissa
2-2 Draw vs. Pateadores
1-1 Draw vs. Xolos
5-1 Win vs. Manchester City
0-0 Draw vs. Strikers FC
3-1 Win vs. LA Galaxy
Highlighting the weekend were two victories for the U14’s over two prestigious opponents – their counterparts from Premier League champion Manchester City, and Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy. The wins allowed the squad to finish the week unbeaten going 2-0-1 in out-of-group play, and 1-0-2 in Supergroup play.
While the U13’s finished third in their group, they showed strong, posting an impressive +12 goal differential and recording three clean sheets. They took down this year’s Dallas Cup Champion Legends FC in their third of four straight victories to close the tournament, issuing the club its only defeat.
Looking ahead, each team will have a few weeks of rest after finishing their MLS NEXT League Schedule, before taking to Texas to close out their season the last week of June. Both squads will participate in the MLS NEXT Cup showcase for younger age group teams, which don’t have a playoff competition, pitting them against the best of the best in MLS NEXT throughout the 2021-22 season from June 28 to July 1.
