The Academy boys were back in action last weekend after returning from GA Cup, as FC Cincinnati came to town for a trio of league matches. Your Loons earned one of each possible result across the three age groups, making for a well-rounded weekend of Black and Blue soccer. 

U15

Minnesota United 1 - 1 FC Cincinnati

After an exciting growing experience at GA Cup, the U15s earned a draw against a league-leading Cincinnati side that has yet to lose a league match this season. While there’s a lot of ground for this group to make up in the league standings, this result serves as a very positive step in the right direction. 

U16

Minnesota United 3 - 2 FC Cincinnati

The U16s came back from the GA Cup break to showcase improved performance in front of goal, just as Head Coach Jamie Carroll-Rolfe was hoping for. A good showing from midfielder Hector Cruz helped the Loons control the tempo during key moments of what was an otherwise transition-heavy match. The chaotic nature of the game drew a spirited performance out of the group, and while some shaky game management in the second half allowed Cincy to gain some momentum, the whole squad came together to see the result out. Goals from Collin Barnes, Enzo Macau, and Everad Gordon sealed the win, bringing the U16s up to fourth in the Central Division table. 

U18

Minnesota United 1 - 4 FC Cincinnati

The U18s wrap up the weekend report with the club’s only loss to FC Cincinnati in 2026. After nearly a month without a competitive match, this return to action got the better of the oldest Academy group, and they’ll be hoping to turn things around as they and the other Academy teams head to MLS NEXT Flex this week (with each team competing up one age group). 

All three of the Academy teams have made their way to Frisco, Texas for this year’s qualifying tournament, an event that serves as an opportunity for clubs to earn a spot in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs this summer. Each squad gets three games, with the group winners securing a spot in the season-culminating competition.

U15s (Playing in U16 age group)

• MNUFC vs. FC Delco on 4/23/26

• MNUFC vs. Albion SC Merced on 4/24/26

• NYCFC vs. MNUFC on 4/26/26

U16s (Playing in U17 age group)

• MNUFC vs. De Anza Force on 4/25/26

• MNUFC vs. Baltimore Armour on 4/27/26

• CF Montreal vs. MNUFC on 4/28/26

U18s (Playing in U19 age group)

• MNUFC vs. Dallas Hornets on 4/23/26

• MNUFC vs. FC Delco on 4/24/26

• LA Galaxy vs. MNUFC on 4/26/26

Following their week of Flex action, another slate of three home games is on the horizon for the Academy boys, with the other MLS academy from Ohio set to visit on Saturday, May 2. The young Loons will take on all three Columbus Crew teams at the National Sports Center, just hours before the first team does the same down in Columbus.