Republic FC’s youth ranks continued MLS NEXT play this past weekend – earning three unbeaten results as the U-15 and U-17 squads hosted Seattle Sounders FC Academy and the U-16s traveled to Orinda to take on Lamorinda Soccer Club. Each side continued a stellar start to the 2023/24 campaign for Sacramento’s academy, which has recorded 14 wins, 2 losses and 2 draws to open the season.
The Results
U-15s
1-1 Draw vs Sounders FC
U-16s
8-0 Win vs Lamorinda SC
U-17s
2-1 Win vs. Sounders FC
The big game of the day came from the U-17s, who earned three big points against the Sounders FC Academy in a 2-1 come-from-behind win. Sounders FC got on the board first, scoring in the final minutes of the first half. But Sacramento came out of the break strong – midfielder Blake Willey leveled the score in the opening minutes of the second half after the ball landed at his feet just outside the six-yard box. Luis Garcia scored the go-ahead goal just minutes later, after receiving the ball inside the penalty box and redirecting it past the goalkeeper.
The U-15 side continued its unbeaten start with a point against the Washington side in the day’s earlier contest. Forward Rylan Hashimoto scored the U-15s lone goal after combining with Sean Hanafee. In the Bay Area, the U-16 squad earned a thrilling 8-0 shutout win against Lamorinda Soccer Club, extending their win streak to four games.
Next Week’s Games
A full slate of games awaits the club’s youth sides this coming weekend on October 7 and 8. On Saturday, the U-13s and U-14s travel to Orinda to face Lamorinda SC, looking to each secure a third straight win to open the season. The club’s USL Academy U-20 side heads to Fresno to take on Central Valley Fuego FC. The squad is fighting for position in the table – while currently in second place in the NorCal Division, they have games in hand and another matchup with the Fresno side on the schedule later in the year.
On Sunday, all five MLS NEXT squads face off against San Francisco Glens. Here in Sacramento, the U-13s and U-14s host the peninsula club at Cosumnes River College. The three older teams all head to the Bay Area for their fixtures, each’s last match before a bye week from league play.
