All season long, Republic FC’s Youth Academy teams have battled hard on the pitch against top regional competition. This week, the U-15 and U-17 squads continue their quest for the postseason, heading to the East Coast for an important slate of matches. Three contests apiece in the MLS NEXT Flex tournament will pit Sacramento’s youth against elite competition from across the country. A berth in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs is in reach should they emerge on top of their group.
While the whole weekend will be filled with big games, Sunday’s match for Sacramento’s U-17 squad is especially notable. Against one of the top youth academies in the nation – Philadelphia Union – the contest is one of eighteen from the tournament that will be broadcast live on Apple TV through MLS Season Pass. Sacramento’s squad enters the tournament on a high note, claiming a win in each of its last two contests, including a clean sheet win against regional rival Sacramento United.
Match Schedule
U-15’s
Saturday, May 13 vs. FC Cincinnati – 5:00PM
Sunday, May 14 vs. Cedar Stars Academy – 3:00PM
Tuesday, May 16 vs. Philadelphia Union – 1:00PM
U-17’s
Saturday, May 13 vs. FC Golden State – 3:00PM
Sunday, May 14 vs. Philadelphia Union – 2:00 PM (Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV)
Tuesday, May 16 vs. Solar SC – 8:30AM
Just 64 teams from each age group qualified for MLS NEXT Flex from their performance so far this season. The tournament grants clubs an additional player identification platform, and should they win their group, a berth in the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs before the end of their league schedules. Only 16 teams will claim a spot in the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs through competition.
Republic FC’s U-15’s and U-17’s each qualified for the postseason in 2022, marking the second consecutive season the club’s youth squads challenged for national silverware. So far this season, the U-15 side has recorded 14 wins, three draws, and five losses, while the U-17s have tallied 11 victories, 9 losses and two draws.
