Another big slate of games are on the docket for Republic FC’s academy this weekend. After strong performances by all squads to start the second half of the season, Sacramento’s U15’s and U17’s face one of their toughest tests yet in 2024 when Vancouver Whitecaps’ youth sides come south of the border. The U16s face off with Lamorinda SC as they look to keep their strong form going in the new year.
Preview: SACvVAN
U17s vs. Whitecaps FC – 9:30 AM at Cosumnes River College
U15s vs Whitecaps FC – 11:30 AM at Cosumnes River College
U16s vs. Lamorinda SC – 2:00 PM at Cosumnes River College
On Sunday, the U-15 and U-17 squads will be put to the test as they take on Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Already this season, the U-17s have faced top-ranked opposition in Seattle Sounders FC, San Jose Earthquakes, Real Salt Lake and Portland Timbers FC, earning three wins and a draw in MLS NEXT play. Against the same opposition, the U-15s have earned one win, two draws and one loss. The U-16s will take on Lamorinda SC in League play following the two other matchups.
All three squads in action Sunday enter in good form, having claimed consecutive victories in their return to play in the second half. Sacramento’s U15’s are unbeaten in the new year, including their title-winning effort at the California Cup earlier in the month. The U17’s have recorded back-to-back shutouts and enter on a six-game unbeaten run in league play dating to the end of October. The U16’s haven’t been defeated in MLS NEXT play since the season-opener in September – and have scored three goals or more in every game but one in that span.
Last Week’s Results: Republic FC at Diablo Valley
Each squad faced tough opposition in Diablo Valley last weekend, but came away with four wins in five matches across all age groups. The U-17s earned a hard-fought 2-0 win with Jackson Martin breaking the deadlock midway through the second half, scoring in three consecutive weekends since his return from injury. The U-16’s showed a strong indomitable spirit – after going down 1-0 early in the match, three goals in as many minutes to start the second half propelled them to a 3-2 victory.
A stellar individual performance led the U15’s in a 5-0 win, as a hattrick for Salem Chandler and additional scores from Rylan Hashimoto and Julian Nunez-Corona secured all three points. The U-13s closed of the day in a game that saw Levi Chandler net two scores and provide two assists en route to a 6-0 win. The U14 side suffered a second straight defeat in a tough 3-0 result.
