Republic FC’s youth academy squads were back on the pitch this past weekend, welcoming another top opponent to the Indomitable City for MLS NEXT play. Wet weather didn’t impact the day, as the U15 and U17 Academy squads dominated their way to all three points Sunday morning against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and the U-16s defeated Lamorinda SC 7-1 to close the weekend.
Recap: SRFC v Whitecaps FC
Sacramento’s U17s kicked the match day off with a strong 3-2 win over their Canadian foes. Forward Jackson Martin continued his excellent form since returning from injury, scoring a brace within the first 30 minutes of the match. Hugo Canedo gave his squad a 3-0 advantage early in the second half, claiming the eventual match-winner. Sacramento maintained its advantage despite going down to ten men late in the contest – the result marks their fourth victory against an MLS-affiliated side this season, keeping them unbeaten with a 4-0-1 record against such opponents.
The U15s claimed a 2-0 victory in shutout fashion. Sean Hanafee broke the stalemate in the 14th minute via an assist from Salem Chandler, whose 70-yard breakaway set up his teammate in transition. Da’vian Kimbrough found the net in the second half via a header assisted by Adrian Tapia. The club’s U16 squad put on a scoring showcase in the day’s final match, scoring seven times by five different players. Ranfateh Singh put in a brace for the Indomitable Club as they recorded their 16th straight win in league play.
For the season, Republic FC’s five youth squads have combined for seven victories against MLS-affiliated opposition. “These results prove to us that we can compete against anyone, and that we can develop individual players and as a team,” said Academy Director Eder Quintanilla.
Preview: SRFC vs Silicon Valley, SF Glens
It’s a full slate this weekend for Sacramento’s youth squads as they continue a busy stretch. The U15, U16 and U17 squads each have a two-game weekend on the schedule, taking on Silicon Valley SC on Saturday at Cosumnes River College before all five squads face SF Glens Sunday on the road in the Bay Area. Each take a winning streak into the weekend – the U15s have recorded four straight victories in league play, the U16s are unbeaten in MLS Next Contests since early September, and the U17s have claimed three straight wins.
