Since the start of the 2022-23 Academy Season, this week’s matches have been circled on the calendar. Two of Northern California’s top youth clubs will clash in the Bay Area this week, as Republic FC travels to face San Jose Earthquakes for contests in every age group. It’s set to be a spirited Sunday afternoon as all sides play for regional bragging rights.
The Matchup: #SACvSJ
- Sunday, October 23
- Kickoff at 10:00 AM (U17), 12:00PM (U15), 2:00 PM (U14), 4:00 PM (U13)
- Ohlone College, Fremont, CA
Sacramento’s U13 and U14 squads will be looking to stay undefeated after clean sheet wins last week over Lamorinda SC. The victories kept their stellar starts to the season going with shutout victories. So far this year, the U13 side has only allowed three scores while the U14s have allowed just one over the line. This will be their first battle with an MLS affiliated opponent, but the form they’ve showed leaves them confident they can make the day hard for anyone.
Against MLS affiliated opposition this season, the U15 and U17 squads have combined for a 3-0-1 mark in four matches against Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps. Some stellar individual performances up top have led the way for each side, but their collective quality has shined in recent weeks.
“This is a big weekend for the club,” said Academy Director Eder Quintanilla. “While our first team starts its playoff run, our teams will be playing some of the biggest games of the season. San Jose is tough – but we believe we are tougher.”
All four matches also have major implications on the table. For the U13s and U14s, a win would keep them in sole possession of first place in the Northwest Division. San Jose currently sits three points back in each age group, so they can climb back ahead if they steal the day from Sacramento. For the U15s and 17s, victories would keep them unbeaten in MLS NEXT Flex matches – which give them an edge come springtime when the time comes to qualify for the playoffs.
