Sacramento U15’s Advance to MLS NEXT Cup Semifinals

On Tuesday morning, Republic FC’s youth ranks continued their climb towards hardware in the MLS NEXT Cup. After advancing to the quarterfinals over the weekend, Sacramento’s U15 squad matched up with their counterparts from New York Red Bulls, claiming a 3-0 victory and pushing ahead to the final four in their age group.

Watch Highlights from SACvRBNY U15’s

Republic FC’s effort was led by forward Omar Marquez, who netted a hat trick to send his squad along to the next round. Marquez put his club ahead in just the 11^th minute, finishing a cross sent in from the right by Jackson Martin. Marquez followed with another score just before the half-hour mark, sending an attempt from nearly 40 yards out over the line after New York’s goalkeeper left the net open clearing out a threat from the top of the box. He netted a third from the top of the penalty area in the final moments of the match.

Sacramento’s remaining teams joined the forward in celebration of the squad’s advance to the final four. Marquez was named the Man of the Match for his efforts, which in addition to his three scores included a pair of dangerous chances that had New York on their heels in the first half.

The U15 squad is leading the Academy’s MLS Next Cup run, building on last year’s success that saw the 17s and 19s reaching the semifinals. They’ll take on Real Salt Lake – who they bested 5-1 this past February – on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. PT. Sacramento’s U15s are the only club remaining in their age group not representing an MLS side. The full tournament bracket and schedule can be viewed at MLSSoccer.com/MLSNEXT.