SALT LAKE CITY— The MLS Next Cup playoffs continue for the Union Academy squads, and in Monday action, they competed in the Round of 16 in the U-17 and U-19 competitions, and the U-16 quarterfinals on Tuesday.
U-17 Round of 16
The U-16 squad, competing as U-17s as MLS academies play up a year, had a strong match against Albion SC San Diego. Liam Holtzman scored the opening goal after receiving a perfect pass in front of the goal, where he then did a pivot and slotted it past the keeper to make it 1-0.
The Union then doubled their lead when they were awarded a penalty kick, which Javi Linares converted to make it 2-0. That score would hold, and goalkeeper Abram Judy got a clean sheet on the day.
They move to the quarterfinals to face Atlanta United on Wednesday, May 27 at 10:15 AM MT (12:15 PM ET).
U-19 Round of 16
The U-19 match, featuring the Union U-18s vs Real Salt Lake, saw a few changes to the lineup from the previous day, most notably Matthew White in goal in place of Alex Smith. Mateo Gallegos, Nick Greer, Andrew Craig, and Max Owusu-Antwi made up the back line. Defensive midfielders were Lennon Harrington and Matheus De Paula and attacking mids were Tyler Gladstone and Nehan Hasan. John Ruf and Theo Reed rounded out the lineup at striker.
During the first half, the Union found themselves struggling to get much going, and they went down in the first half 1-0 after giving up a PK in the 39th minute.
In the second half, they conceded a second goal in the 55th minute, but late in the match, managed to get one back. Jett Harrison’s strong throw-in deep in RSL territory found the head of Andrew Craig, who directed it perfectly in front of goal to Ruf, who finished with a header for the goal in the 84th minute.
Despite some chances in the waning moments of the game, the Union were unable to come back like they did against Botafogo in the Dallas Cup and equalize, and fell 2-1 to get knocked out of the tournament.
It was a tough result for a squad who saw so much success this season, and were very determined to go win it all with the group they had. It was clear from the interviews I conducted with some of them that they have been a brotherhood and had a special bond. For some, they will be returning to action with Union II as that season progresses, and some will be heading off to college soon to continue their playing careers there. Some will be back next season with the 18s. It will be interesting to see how these players progress moving forward, because there is a lot of talent there and a lot of potential.
U-16 Quarterfinals
The Union’s U-15s took on FC Bay Area Surf in the only match played by the Union on Tuesday. Head coach Ben Moane’s starting lineup featured forwards Troy Raneses, Jude Larbi, and Filipe Cruz, midfielders Almamy Barry, Ryan Tamm, and Salvatore Palazzari, defenders Jayden Staines, Jaxson Fulmer, Kai Simmonds, and Jacob Mays, and goalkeeper Thomas White.
The Union took control of the match early, and in the 5th minute Larbi had a chance on a corner, but his header just missed wide left. He would go on to have a few other chances, but was ultimately kept off the score sheet.
As the second half progressed, Bay Area found some possession and chances. In the 12th minute, Bay Area executed a corner that led to a chance, but White was able to scoop it up. Then a few minutes later, White was almost caught out, but defense the came up big and the threat was subdued. The Union’s defense put on a strong showing throughout the match, anchored by a great center back tandem of Simmonds and Fulmer.
The Union finally found their breakthrough when Raneses finished a pass in front of the net in the 36th minute. Coming out of halftime, the Union did not take their foot off the gas, and after a wonderful cross by Mays, Filipe Cruz finished to make it 2-0 in the 52nd minute.
The Union nearly had a few more goals, including what would have been a phenomenal goal by Raneses, and a shot by Gino Cecere in a 1v1 with the keeper that unfortunately went straight to the keeper. However, the Union were able to finish it out and do to Bay Area Surf something that did not happen much at all this season: keep them off the scoreboard.
They move on to the semifinals on Thursday against Total Futbol Academy at 9:00 AM MT (11:00 AM ET).
Main article photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union Academy
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