Republic FC’s youth academy squads are gearing up for a busy stretch as the end of the regular season inches closer. After a slate of dominant performances against local foe Sac United boosted each team’s position in the standings, Republic FC is on the pitch in tournament action at MLS NEXT Flex.
Republic FC’s U15, U16, and U17 squads all head to Boyds, Maryland this weekend for the annual tournament to take on top competition from around the country. It’s a big week ahead with three contests in store for each squad. Should any team secure first place in its group, it’ll earn an automatic berth in June’s MLS NEXT Cup playoffs – the national championship of American Youth Soccer’s top level.
All three teams enter the tournament in sole possession of first place in their respective divisions – giving them a leg up on their competition. When the club’s teams return from the tournament, they’ll have just two weeks left in the regular season to lock up the top spot ahead of the annual MLS NEXT Cup playoffs in June – the national championship of American youth soccer’s top level.
Each Squad’s Schedule:
U15:
Saturday vs. Southern Soccer Academy
Sunday vs. Colorado Rapids
Tuesday vs. Players Development Academy
U16:
Friday vs. Indy Eleven
Saturday vs. Springfield SYC
Monday vs. LA Surf
U17:
Saturday vs. Minnesota United
Sunday vs. Real Colorado
Tuesday vs. CF Montreal
The U17’s will take on two MLS-affiliated squads – CF Montreal and Minnesota United – but aren’t unfamiliar with taking on top competition. So far in 2023/24, the squad has gone unbeaten in five games against Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, San Jose Earthquakes, Real Salt Lake and the Vancouver Whitecaps. Against the same slate of opponents, the U15s, who face Colorado Rapids on Sunday – have just one defeat. Sacramento’s U16s have been among the best in their age group all season long with just two losses.
Last season, Sacramento’s U15 and U17 sides impressed at the annual tournament – with the U17s winning their group behind an undefeated showing. Each of the club’s teams showed strong against the best of the best, with the U17s earning a postseason spot from their performance.
