Sacramento’s youth squads have enjoyed a strong start to the 2022-23 season. Three of four teams enter the first weekend of October in first place in their respective divisions, and the older sides have each have claimed crucial points in Flex competition for a chance at more tournament glory come springtime.
Following a weekend of regional matches, Sacramento is bracing for their biggest test of the young season thus far. The U15 and U17 squads welcome their counterparts from Seattle Sounders FC to the River City on October 1 – with kickoff from Mather Sports Complex set for 10:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. The two clubs faced off to start the season a year ago, with the matchups favoring the Washington sides, but a lot has changed since. Sacramento found form throughout the season and ended strong in the MLS NEXT Cup.
Just in time for the matchup, Republic FC’s U15 squad welcomes back Head Coach and Academy Director Eder Quintanilla. Quintanilla returns after a 10-day assignment with the U.S. U17’s National Team for friendly matches in Czech Republic.His leadership and knowledge of his players strengths has been key to preparing Sacramento’s player for the challenge they face.
“Hard work, togetherness, and belief is what will get us the points we want this weekend,” said Republic FC Academy Director Eder Quintanilla. “Seattle puts out strong teams every year, but we know we can hang with the best because of how talented and focused our players are every day.”
Against MLS-affiliated opponents in 2021-22, Sacramento’s academy posted a 10-8-1 record across all age groups. The Academy showed its best stuff against high-level opponents when it mattered most, with the U15’s taking down New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC on their postseason run to the NEXT Cup Semifinals.
While the older age groups welcome a high-profile opponent, the U13 and U14 squads will be looking to stay undefeated in league play against Diablo Valley Wolves. Last week, Sacramento’s younger sides each recorded road victories over Breakers FC. This weekend’s fixtures – set for kickoff from Mather Sports Complex – will be their first at home this season.
Early on, it’s been a tight race in the Northwest Division for the U13’s and U14’s with their San Jose Earthquakes counterparts – both clubs are tied for first place in each age group with a perfect 2-0 record.The two sides will meet up in the Bay Area in three weeks time, but until then, keeping pace and momentum is a big focus as they look to keep pace with the best in the entire country.
