The MLS NEXT regular season may have come to a close this weekend, but Academy action isn’t done quite yet for Minnesota United. Following their 4-1 victory over Sockers FC Chicago, Head Coach Amin Qasim and the U15 team have officially qualified for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs, becoming the first U15 team to accomplish the feat in MNUFC history.
Going into the weekend, the boys knew that a spot in the postseason was on the line. They needed three points to take second place in the Mid-America (West) Division in order to keep their season alive, making the opening minutes a bit nervy. As the game went on, though, the Black and Blue settled in, scoring the opening goal before the halftime whistle. After establishing the lead in the first half, the Loons came out strong in the second half, piling three more goals onto the hosts to leave little doubt as to the final result. Sockers managed to pull one back, but their resistance was too little, too late.
Goals from Hector Cruz, Alex Densley, Collin Barnes, and Nosa Osagie fired the Loons to the win, with Barnes earning special recognition from Coach Qasim for his attacking efforts. Everad Gordon was a defensive rock for the squad, leading the team from the back and laying the foundation for the decisive victory.
The U15s finished the regular season with seven wins, a draw, and one loss, good enough for 22 points from nine games. With an average of 4.44 goals scored and just 1.33 conceded per match, they’re statistically among the nation’s top-performing sides in their age group, proving that their postseason appearance is no fluke.
The playoffs are now just around the corner, with the Round of 32 matchup against Barca Residency Academy set for next weekend. After an impressive season that saw the youngest Loons side showcase real quality and consistency, this next game will be their biggest test yet. Barca finished the regular season atop the Southwest (South) Division with 26 points from 10 matches, winning eight and drawing two. It won’t be an easy matchup, but if this young side has shown anything this year, it’s that they’re up to any challenge.
