This weekend’s road trip to Wisconsin proved to be a fruitful one for the Loons, with the eldest two squads pulling out some high-scoring wins against Bavarian United SC. All three matches were held at the Shattuck-St. Mary’s School Dome and saw the young Loons once again take on older opposition in this non-MLS matchup.
U18
Bavarian United SC 1 - 6 MNUFC
Despite going down a goal early in the first half after a quick turnover in an unfortunate position, Head Coach Alex Morawiecki’s U18 side came roaring back to grab a statement win. They shifted the pressure immediately into their opponents’ box, generating corner kicks and setting themselves up for a breakthrough equalizer. That goal came courtesy of a quality finish from midfielder Griffin Giel, just before his side drew and converted a PK to take a 2-1 lead.
The second half saw the Loons exert even more pressure, progressing the ball with ease and getting behind Bavarian’s backline. Substitutes came in without missing a beat, continuing to find goals and keep the execution at a high level. They notched several goals from balls played across the box, utilizing cohesive movement across the front to leave their opponents no chance of retaking the lead.
Standout performances from midfielder Max Harwood and defender Jakub Ekonomiuk earned special recognition from their coach after the match. Harwood’s work on both sides of the ball saw him make timely tackles, progressive passes, and a finish from distance for the cherry on top. Ekonomiuk’s brace from center back and ability to contribute to the buildup saw him stand out in multiple phases of the game as well.
U16
Bavarian United SC 3 - 4 MNUFC
A much closer affair for the U16s saw the Loons squeak out a win after struggling to finish their chances. Though they had no problem getting themselves in a position to score, the Black and Blue struggled against some of Bavarian’s long balls over the top, leading to a few goals in the other direction. The efforts of forward Donatien Nzambimana kept his side dangerous to the final whistle, grabbing two goals of his own and using his body, pace, and athleticism to get into several more dangerous positions.
Wingers Nosazena Osagie and Julian Vasquez did well to get a goal each, as well as consistently get behind the backline to create chances. By playing into the space between Bavarian’s midfield and backline, the Loons were able to make the most of their attacking threats and come out on top in this shootout.
U15
Bavarian United SC 2 - 0 MNUFC
Though they ended up losing, the U15s started their match quite well, creating chances here and there before and after they conceded the opening goal from a corner kick. The opponents received a red card before the half, sending the Loons into the break down a goal but up a man. This prompted a tactical shift to take advantage of the extra space and get the squad’s most dangerous players on the ball in the attacking third.
Forward Jose Orta Ruiz helped his side to consistently threaten in the second half, but no one was able to find the finishing touch they needed to grab a foothold. Bavarian grabbed a second goal after a few periods of sustained attack from the Loons, putting the result further out of reach.
Head Coach Amin Qasim reflected on the game with optimism, citing the success his team found in the defensive and middle thirds as evidence that the concepts they’re working on are coming through. Unfortunately, a lack of clinical ruthlessness in the attacking third left the boys without a point to show for their efforts.
All three Academy sides will be traveling down to Chicago for their next match, taking on the Chicago Fire academy teams in another league play tripleheader.
