Winter is (looks around nervously) almost over, and that means that MLS NEXT is ready to get back to business as usual. All three of MNUFC’s Academy teams have officially returned to action, playing three games in the last two weekends to restart their 2025/26 season. These first few games back came with mixed results for everyone, as the lads shook off the rust against some talented opposition.

U15

Minnesota United 3 - 2 Sporting Kansas City

Minnesota United 2 - 6 St. Louis Scott Gallagher

Columbus Crew 4 - 4 Minnesota United

The U15s haven’t had a problem scoring goals since returning, racking up nine goals in their last three games. This penchant for goal scoring dug them out of a hole in their first game back against SKC, when they overcame a two-goal halftime deficit to earn an impressive 3-2 comeback victory. Two quick goals from Enzi Herrera (his ninth and tenth of the season) set his side up for success, with striker Calvin Clarke punching in the winner after some sustained pressure. 

Their second home match back didn’t go quite as well for the boys, as they were overwhelmed by St. Louis Scott Gallagher’s extremely efficient goal scoring. Despite the heavy loss, Head Coach Amin Qasim and his team rallied for another impressive performance the following weekend, when a brace from forward Lorenzo Uribe — along with strikes from Calvin Clarke and Enzi Herrera — saw the U15s earn a tight 4-4 draw against a talented Crew side in their their first match outdoors since the restart. 

Another slow start saw them go down early, facing another 2-0 deficit at halftime. After clearing up some confusion in their team talk, the Loons went out and started creating chances right away, fighting back to equalize. The Crew responded with another goal, and the Loons equalized once again before taking a late lead. Despite the fight, the hosts scored in the final minute of regulation, splitting the points in thrilling fashion.

U16

Minnesota United 1 - 1 Sporting Kansas City

Minnesota United 1 - 4 St. Louis Scott Gallagher

Columbus Crew 3 - 1 Minnesota United

Like their younger counterparts, the U16s went down early in their first game back against SKC. The players showed tremendous growth after going down, though, with Head Coach Jamie Carroll-Rolfe noting the progress his side has made since facing the same opposition in the fall season. Standout performances from Hector Cruz and Collin Barnes helped the Loons connect the field and progress the ball, buoyed by the crucial saves made by goalkeeper Ayman Sami in the back. 

The boys dropped their next two games, falling to both St. Louis Scott Gallagher and the Columbus Crew. The emphasis in these matches was teaching players to adapt to the game in front of them, with Carroll-Rolfe citing a few lapses in perception as the main causes behind the losses. The importance of staying dialed in until the final whistle is a principle that extends even to the professional game, and there’s no better way to learn than by experiencing the consequences of failing to do so. 

U18

Minnesota United 4 - 0 Sporting Kansas City

Minnesota United 2 - 2 St. Louis Scott Gallagher

Columbus Crew 1 - 0 Minnesota United

The U18s were the only team to keep a clean sheet over the last two weekends, coming back with a strong 4-0 statement win against SKC. By combining some effective pressing and countering, Head Coach Alex Morawiecki’s side found the back of the net twice early in the first half, courtesy of winger Issa Saidi and midfielder Irvin Hernandez. Though SKC put together a stronger second half, the Loons continued to find success, with Tim Dennis bagging a brace to put a cherry on top of the clean sheet. 

Their second game back ended in a stalemate, and with extenuating circumstances limiting the rosters of both teams (scrimmages and illness), it was a real test for the whole squad. The Loons maintained the bulk of possession, but the visitors defended well, managing to turn takeaways into quick, effective counters. George Porter, Lennox Moua, and Tim Dennis combined to force a shot too hard for the opposing keeper to save, allowing Brody Schauf to tap in the rebound for the lead. An early second-half goal came via a penalty kick from George Porter, but two late mistakes allowed the visitors to draw level before the final whistle. 

This past weekend, the U18s fought hard against the Crew. Keane Perkins helped keep the score level during a threatening start from the hosts, making crucial saves to give his team time to get situated. The Loons began to find some success before the half, but went into the break even at 0-0. The breakthrough goal didn’t come until the 83rd minute, when the hosts went ahead via a ball played behind MNUFC’s backline. The Crew proceeded to weather the storm as the Black and Blue looked for the late equalizer, but they weren’t able to find it. 

The season continues this weekend, with all three squads heading down to Illinois to take on the Chicago Fire on Saturday.