Another weekend of Academy action saw the young Loons escape the blizzard, with all three teams heading down to Ohio to take on FC Cincinnati. While each team lost their respective matchup, there were promising signs of growth across the board, with some common themes emerging across the groups. 

U15

FC Cincinnati 3 - 1 Minnesota United

The U15s started fast, hitting the post with their first chance of the match. They continued to look more threatening than their hosts, which Head Coach Amin Qasim pointed out as a point of pride after his side had struggled to start well in previous games. 

The first goal of the match came after some missed marks on a set piece, allowing Cincinnati to grab the lead at the back post. Some fantastic saves from goalkeeper Teddy Eckert kept the visitors in the match, allowing his side to go into the half down just a single goal. The Loons came out strong again, putting pressure on Cincy in the final third and finding space left by the home side’s backline. This enabled them to find the equalizer, as a cross from Lorenzo Uribe struck the hand of a Cincinnati defender to give the Loons a penalty kick. Enzi Herrera converted from the spot, bringing his season tally up to 10 goals and two assists. 

Unfortunately, the hosts regained their lead via a corner kick shortly after, and doubled the lead before the final whistle. The Loons had their chances to draw this one, but with a few bounces and calls falling out of their favor, they had to go home without any points to show for what was a very spirited effort from the squad. 

U16

FC Cincinnati 1 - 0 Minnesota United

Head Coach Jamie Carroll-Rolfe and the U16s played out the closest match of the bunch, falling by a single goal in this weekend’s contest. While they were unable to find the back of the net, their defensive performance was the best among MNUFC’s Academy this weekend. 

As it stands, the U17s are led in scoring by forward Nosazena Osagie, who has notched six goals along with an assist. Other standout producers include Donatien Nzambimana (5 goals, 2 assists) and winger Julian Vasquez (4 goals, 4 assists). As the Loons prepare to take on SKC this coming weekend, they’ll look to these attackers to help spark some chance creation. 

U18

FC Cincinnati 4 - 1 Minnesota United

Much like the U15s, a bright start for the U18s saw the Loons compete in a very back-and-forth first half. An effort from Tim Dennis nearly gave his side the lead, clanging off the crossbar before the break and punctuating a theme of close calls for Head Coach Alex Morawiecki’s side. With the score still 0-0 at half, there was all to play for in the second. 

Cincinnati came out swinging after halftime, cashing in on an early counter attack to take the lead. They added their second during the second phase of a set piece shortly after, and added two more goals before it was said and done. The Loons pulled one back before the final whistle, with Jakub Eknomiuk finishing off a set piece delivery from Arvin Tabukum.

After a weekend of tough, physical battles, the Loons have been resting up and resetting for a second-consecutive roadtrip, this time down I-35 to take on Sporting Kansas City.