Last weekend, Republic FC’s U15 and U16 Academy squads impressed at the annual MLS NEXT Flex tournament in Boyds, Maryland, winning their respective groups. The stellar showing earned each squad a berth into the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs next month. But it was hardly a surprise as each squad has been one of the top teams in their respective age groups throughout the 2023/24 season.
Earlier this week, youth soccer blog FootyAccess released its latest national rankings, featuring the top 10 teams in each age group across the country. Republic FC’s 16s took the top spot, while the U15s ranked fourth.
Republic FC’s U16 squad has lost just two contests this season, boasting 26 wins league play, the most of any team in its age group nationwide. Its remarkable campaign includes a run of 24 matches unbeaten from November to April 21, including an undefeated showing at the MLS NEXT Fest Showcase in December. In Maryland, the squad rebounded from a tight 2-1 opening match defeat to Indy Eleven by scoring ten goals in its final two games.
In league play, the U15’s sit atop their division with a record of 23-1-2. All season, the squad has been excellent, outscoring its opposition 95-20 in league matches and recording 12 clean sheets. Against MLS academy opposition, the squad has been stellar, tallying four wins and one defeat against the Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, San Jose Earthquakes, Real Salt Lake and the Vancouver Whitecaps. Their action in Maryland impressed – opening the tournament with a clean sheet before taking the Colorado Rapids to penalties, falling 7-6. They came out firing in their last match, scoring six goals against Players Development Academy.
Both teams have their tickets punched for the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs – set for June 15 to 23 in Nashville, Tennessee. The tournament is the national championship of American youth soccer’s top level. Republic FC has qualified at least one team for the tournament every year and shown well – three squads have reached Semifinal round since 2021, and last season, Sacramento’s U17 side reached the Round of 32.
