Academy Weekend Preview
The Republic FC Academy U-15/16 and U-17/18 teams are back in action at Consumnes River College Stadium this Saturday, Apr. 9, as they face off against their Northern California rivals the San Jose Earthquakes Academy. Both teams are looking to continue their push for playoffs in the U.S. Development Academy.
This past Saturday, the Republic FC U-15/16 team snatched a point at Starfire Sports Complex versus Seattle Sounders FC in one of two away matches played over the weekend. Republic FC got on the score sheet first in the 25th minute after an own goal from Sounders FC, but the home team would rectify their mistake and make it 2-1 in their favor by the 54th minute. However, in the 60th minute Matteo Sorrentino slotted home a penalty kick for Republic FC, rescuing a crucial road point.
After the 2-2 draw with Seattle on Saturday, the Republic FC U-15/16 team went on to soundly defeat the Portland Timbers 4-1 on Sunday with goals from Shaft Brewer Jr., Leopoldo Hernandez and Alejandro Perez. Brewer is currently ranked 10th in the Western Conference goals scored leaders board.
In their path to a better playoff position is their Northwest rival the San Jose Earthquakes. The Earthquakes’ U-15/16 team comes into the match off a 1-1 draw versus De Anza Force back in early March. The team is third on the Northwest Division U-15/16 standings, just three points ahead of Republic FC. The Earthquakes hold a record of 12-8-3.
Spearheading their attack will be Arda Bulut, one of the most lethal strikers in the entire U-15/16 U.S. Development Academy. Bulut is currently ranked #1 in the Western Conference and #2 overall in the goals scored leaders board, with 21 goals in 22 games played.
For their part, the Republic FC Academy U-17/18 team will be pushing to continue their seven-match win streak and stay atop of the Western Conference Northwest Division. The team surpassed Vancouver for the division top spot after two wins in a row last weekend away at Seattle and Portland.
Against Seattle Sounders FC, the Republic FC Academy U-17/18’s took a 1-0 win with a goal from Alexis Dionicio. In their second match of the weekend, an own goal from the Portland Timbers and a goal a piece for Joseph Restani and Francis Avoce secured the top spot in the Northwest Division for Republic FC.
The San Jose Earthquakes U-17/18 team has not played a match since March 5, when they defeated De Anza Force 2-0. Despite winning two of their last three matches and drawing the other, the Earthquakes U-17/18 team is not in a playoff position and need a win this Saturday to keep their playoff hopes strong. The Earthquakes are in fifth place in the Northwest Division with a record of 8-10-5, five points from a wildcard position and 10 points from a secured playoff spot.
Overall, the Republic FC Academy has had a great inaugural season in the U.S. Development Academy. After a rocky start, the U-17/18 team has dominated their division since November, losing just once since then. With last weekend’s results, the U-17/18’s finally surpassed Vancouver Whitecaps FC to claim the top spot in the Northwest Division standings. They hold a record of 15-4-5.
The U-15/16 team bounced back from five straight losses in January and February to seize one of two wildcard slots in the Northwest Division and are on a five-match unbeaten streak. With another win this Saturday, they would tie with the Earthquakes and be in a great position to snatch a direct playoff spot.
Both matches will be played at Consumnes River College Stadium this Saturday, Apr. 9. Kick off for the U-15/16 match is 4:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. for the U-17/18 match. All Academy matches at Consumnes River College Stadium are free and open to the public.
