This weekend, MNUFC’s U15 and U16 Academy teams both made their way to Boyds, Maryland, to take part in the 2025 MLS NEXT Flex tournament, with an automatic berth in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs on the line. Participating clubs qualified based on their points-per-game ranking within their MLS NEXT regular-season standings and could earn playoff qualification by finishing atop their group of four at this year’s Flex tournament.
U15 Results:
- MNUFC 4 - 3 Oakwood Soccer Club
- Ironbound Soccer Club 0 - 1 MNUFC
- MNUFC 1 - 2 LAFC
Head Coach Amin Qasim and the U15s were in Group D, alongside Oakwood SC from Connecticut, Ironbound SC from New Jersey, and LAFC (I reckon you know where they’re from). The tournament started with a bang, as two quick goals against Oakwood saw an excited Loons side take a 2-1 lead into halftime. Following some adjustments at the break, they added two more goals and enabled some of the starters to rest for the next day. A pair of set-piece goals from the opposition saw this one finish 4-3 in the end, and while the scoreline doesn’t flatter the Loons, getting the win was the main objective.
The second game saw the boys come out a bit deflated after the slow finish the day before. Despite the difference in energy, MNUFC focused enough to put in a disciplined performance from start to finish, earning a 1-0 result in a tight, physical match to put the squad into a good position ahead of the final day.
In their final match, the Loons played out a scrappy affair with LAFC on a rainy day. Both sides scored penalties in the first half. A mistake in the final minutes gave LAFC the chance to walk away with all three points in what proved to be a heartbreaker for the Black and Blue, who fought hard and took a valuable lesson home instead of a spot in the playoffs. They finished the tournament in second place, just behind LAFC, who won all three of their matches.
U16 Results:
- MNUFC 1 - 0 Metropolitan Oval
- Springfield SYC 2 - 3 MNUFC
- MNUFC 1 - 2 LAFC
Head Coach Jamie Carroll-Rolfe and the U16s likewise finished second in their group, which included Metropolitan Oval out of Queens, NY; Springfield SYC from Virginia; and LAFC. Much like their younger peers, the U16s opened the tournament with a pair of wins, setting up a chance to qualify on the final day.
Game one against Met Oval saw the boys adapt to a new opponent, demonstrating game management that made their coach proud. The Loons created good chances by closing space and winning the ball high up the pitch, then put in a disciplined second-half performance by defending together well.
Day two saw the Black and Blue control large portions of their match against Springfield, with a very open second half leading to a higher scoreline. The lads once again adapted to the conditions of the game, leaving their playoff qualification in their own hands heading into the last day of the tournament. A 2-1 loss to LAFC saw the California club steal top-spot through the head-to-head tiebreaker, eliminating the Loons from the postseason by the narrowest of margins.
Despite the final results, standout players from both squads earned recognition from their coaches. Max Harwood had a great showing in the middle of the park, winning balls and helping his team progress up the field effectively. Donatien Nzambimana scored a pair of goals for the U15s, including one against LAFC that kept them close in their final match.
While both teams finished second in their respective groups, the U15 will be hoping to finish their season strong, as a pair of wins in their final two games of the season could see them qualify for the playoffs after all. They’ll be taking on Lou Fusz Athletic at the National Sports Center tomorrow, May 17, as the only MNUFC Academy side in action this weekend. They’ll join the other two squads to wrap up the regular season next weekend with a road trip to Chicago.
