The young Loons are back in action after the GA Cup break, with all three squads taking to the pitch at the National Sports Center this past weekend. While the results were mixed, solid performances all around left the coaches and players pleased with the efforts put forth.
U18
MNUFC 1 - 3 Austin FC
MNUFC 1 - 0 FC Cincinnati
The first match of the weekend for Alex Morawiecki and the U18s turned out to be a tough 1-3 loss. Despite the scoreline, Morawiecki felt that his team demonstrated the key principles they’d been working on in training. After conceding early, the Loons responded with a goal of their own to wipe the deficit before the half. A pair of counter attacks stretched the hosts in the second half, allowing Austin to capitalize on missed marks on the back post to put the game away.
Sunday’s match saw this resilient group build on the positives they showed the day before, exerting a higher level of control through longer spells of possession and more dangerous attacks. An overall excellent performance was capped by Issa Saidi’s game-winner, and the result was preserved by the spotless efforts of Ramon Lujano-Salto Jr. in goal.
U16
MNUFC 1 - 2 Austin FC
MNUFC 1 - 1 FC Cincinnati
Much like their older counterparts, the U16s fell to Austin on Saturday. Their 1-2 loss saw them continue their trend of playing particularly tight games, losing by just a single goal. While they weren’t able to find the win against Cincinnati, their efforts were enough to earn a point at home, giving them a bit of momentum to take into MLS NEXT Flex.
U15
MNUFC 4 - 0 Shattuck-St. Mary’s
The U15s only had one match to worry about this weekend, an in-state matchup with Shattuck-St. Mary’s. Head Coach Amin Qasim’s squad made the most of their lone opportunity to play, putting up four goals and keeping a clean sheet to pick up all three points.
The U18s will be taking a week off while the younger squads take on the competition at this year’s MLS NEXT Flex Tournament. Both teams will have a chance to qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs via this tournament, so stay tuned to see how the boys fare in this weekend’s action.
