MNUFC’s Academy teams returned to the home pitch to host Sporting Kansas City this past weekend, taking the previous weekend’s lessons into some hard-fought matchups. The U18s found a win despite playing a man down in the second half, and though the U16s couldn’t put away a victory, the U15s managed to hold their visitors to an even 1-1. It was a mixed bag of results this weekend for these young Loons, who are still growing into their new season.
U18
MNUFC 3 - 2 Sporting Kansas City
Alex Morawiecki’s U18s hit the ground running on Saturday, going up 1-0 early when Jabari Kibisu played a solid ball to Tim Dennis for a nice upper-left finish. Kansas City responded fast, making it 1-1 off a cross that beat Minnesota’s keeper at the back post. The Loons were quick to take control of the match again, with a strong buildup from Brady Schumacher to Issa Saidi to retake the lead. Kansas City scored off a corner shortly after, continuing the push-and-pull.
Before the half, Saidi found the net again off a great individual effort that resulted in an own goal for Kansas City, putting the Loons up 3-2. Saidi presented a dominating threat up and down the flank for the full 60’ he was on the pitch. Lennox Moua took a second yellow card early on in the second half, forcing the home team to defend in large spells for the remainder of the half, but some solid defensive work by Saidi and Schumacher plus some fantastic late saves by keeper Keane Perkins solidified the victory for the Loons.
U16
MNUFC 0 - 3 Sporting Kansas City
Jamie Caroll-Rolfe’s U16s didn’t find quite so much success this weekend, with a frustratingly slow tempo making it easy for Kansas City to close space. Minnesota fell short on the ball, failing to consistently play forward and present an attacking threat against the visitors.
“It’s a game we would all want to redo,” Caroll-Rolfe said. “Glad we get a chance to play them again in February.”
U15
MNUFC 1 - 1 Sporting Kansas City
After taking on Kansas City twice in preseason friendlies, Amin Qasim’s U15s were familiar with the threat the visitors presented and knew how to give them a real game. The home side started off strong, attacking with the wind in the first half and finding the first opportunity of the match through Jose Orta Ruiz. His early through ball to Calvin Clarke led to a one-on-one duel with Kansas City’s keeper, who subsequently picked up a red card in just the eighth minute of the match.
Lorenzo Uribe was dangerous going forward, making consistent runs behind the opponent’s backline and seizing an early chance that forced the keeper to make a great save. The attack splintered as the half went on, becoming impatient and wanting to score with a man up on the visiting team. The half ended scoreless, and Qasim answered the team’s frustrations by swapping out the defending structure to a 4-4-2. On the ball, Minnesota fought to create overloads in wide areas, playing around Kansas City’s midblock. In a lapse of concentration, Minnesota conceded the first goal to Kansas City. The Loons responded fast by adding some urgency to the attack, and Jeorge Gutting managed to score off a set piece to secure the draw. Despite a strong push for the win, the 15s wound up settling for a draw against a side with a consistently strong defense.
“Looking back at this, we talked about and understood that it was the first experience we had in a game having a man up,” Qasim said. “This is another great learning weekend game for the boys, and we will continue to work more.”
