Coming off their successful slate of matches against San Jose Earthquakes’ youth squads’ to close November, Republic FC’s U15, U17, and U19 squads got to work prepping for the MLS Next Fest Showcase in Norco, CA – a tournament that would pit Republic FC against the best youth soccer competition in the nation from December 3-7.
Pressure was on from the outset, as Republic FC was scheduled to go up against clubs from New York, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, Maryland and Missouri in front of crowds of over 150 college coaches, and representatives from multiple Youth National Teams and MLS clubs. However, not one player from the Academy let it impact their play on the field, as Sacramento’s three participating teams combined for an undefeated 9-0-1 record – the best mark for any one club across all three age groups.
The U15 side conceded just one score on the weekend, closing out their trip with three clean sheets against the youth sides of Atlanta United, Weston FC, and St. Louis Scott Gallagher. Behind excellent efforts from Chance Cowell, Zach Looney, and Omar Marquez, Sacramento netted nine scores on the weekend, the highest mark of any side they faced off with. The U17 side had their weekend determined by a few top performers who helped ensure Republic FC’s success – Xavious Ranford displayed tremendous form, while forward Aiden Vangelatos went on a tear offensively, netting 10 scores in three matches.
Republic FC’s U19’s opened the weekend in stunning fashion, upsetting top-ranked Barca Academy of Arizona in a 1-0 result. Their road didn’t wasn’t any easier on day two, but the one imperfect line on the weekend – their Sunday draw against Real Colorado – still proved their competitiveness of Sacramento’s youth. The 3-3 result came after a late push to pull even, a performance that netted them recognition as the “Squad of the Day” by the tournament’s organizers. The result gave them all the confidence they’d need moving into the final day, where they put together a strong clean sheet victory against Bethesda SC.
“It was great to see every team have success on the field,” said Republic FC Academy Director Dennis Sanchez. “Every squad showing the strength and consistency they did demonstrates we’re creating an effective professional pathway for the future.”
Adding to the on field success, Republic FC had four players invited to participate in the two “best of” matches held at the tournament, which featured East and West coast teams constructed with some of the weekend’s best performers.
Coming off their successful weekend, Republic FC’s Academy will take a three week break for the holiday season. Each team will return to training the first week of January to get prepared for the second half of their campaign that will feature additional contests against some of their league opponents, and as an added bonus, a trip to face off with the Academy Squads of Vancouver Whitecaps.
“We’ve set a good base,” said Sanchez. Now it is about refining the details, resting, reflecting and coming back in January ready to go.”
