The MLS NEXT season continues for each of Republic FC’s youth sides this week, with big contests on the docket for each team. Sacramento’s U-15, U-16, and U-17 sides face one of their toughest tests as they head to Utah to face off with their counterparts from Real Salt Lake. On Sunday, the younger squads see the pitch on home turf.
This Week’s Matchups
SRFC v Real Salt Lake
Saturday, Nov. 11
Squads: U-15, U-16, U-17
SRFC v Atletico Santa Rosa
Sunday, Nov. 12
Squads: U-13, U-14
This season, the U-17’s have earned two victories against tough opposition in Seattle Sounders (2-1) and San Jose Earthquakes (3-1) and will look to continue the trend against their Real Salt Lake counterparts. Heading into the matchup, the squad sit atop of the standings in a loaded Northwest Division with 17 points through eight games, better than four MLS-affiliated academies and a bevy of other strong regional foes. The U-15’s – currently undefeated through seven games to open the year – earned two draws against the same opposition and are currently tied with Sounders FC in first place with 23 points.
Sacramento’s U-13 and U-14 squads each sit in second place in their respective divisions – but with games in hand will have plenty of opportunities to jump ahead. Both face off with Atletico Santa Rosa on the weekend.
Recent Results
Last weekend, all five squads faced Silicon Valley Soccer Academy and left Palo Alto with 5-of-5 wins. The U-17s’ 6-1 win was propelled by braces from forward Roman Anast and winger Sawyer Turiace, while a gritty performance in a 2-1 win kept the U-15 side undefeated on the year. For the U-14’s, a set piece score by Grayson Utush in the 72nd minute sealed the victory. The U13’s tallied their eighth and ninth straight wins, also besting Sheriffs FC on the weekend behind a brace from Troy Reneses.
