The MLS NEXT season is in full swing and so are the Young Garys of the FC Cincinnati Academy. As the first full month of play concludes this weekend here is a look at how the Orange and Blue have fared so far.
U13
The U13s have enjoyed a strong start to the MLS NEXT season, picking up two wins in their first three matches.Â
Andrew Cornejo and Elili Zuelleta scored goals in a comeback win against Javanon FC on the opening weekend with strong second-half performances from Anderson Byland and Liam Albright.
Sun., Sept. 11 vs. Javanon FC: W 2-1
Sat., Sept. 17 vs. Sockers FC: W 3-1
Sat., Sept. 24 vs. Lou Fusz Athletic: D 0-0
U14
The U14s are perfect through their first three matches of the season and sit second in the Mid-American Division.
Goalkeepers Booker Gifford and Will Finn helped lead the Orange and Blue to two straight shutouts and have allowed just one goal to date while Zac Linenkugel scored in a 1-0 win against Sockers FC on Sept. 17.
Sun., Sept. 11 vs. Javanon FC: W 2-0
Sat., Sept. 17 vs. Sockers FC: W 1-0
Sat., Sept. 24 vs. Lou Fusz Athletic: W 2-1
U15
The U15s earned their first point of the season against the Indiana Fire Academy on Sept. 24.
Bryan Robles and Ezequiel Bautista have scored two goals each on the young season. Bautista has now scored in two straight matches for the Orange and Blue and will look to keep things rolling in the U15's next match.
Sat., Sept. 10 vs. Columbus Crew: L 1-2
Sat., Sept. 17 vs. Sockers FC: L 0-3
Sun., Sept. 18 vs. FC United Soccer Club: L 1-3
Sat., Sept. 24 vs. Indiana Fire Academy: D 1-1
U17
The U17s picked up two wins through their first four MLS NEXT Flex matches and sit mid-table in a 14-team Mid-America Division.
The Orange and Blue earned three points in a 6-2 win against FC United Soccer Club on Sept. 18 and three more with a 4-0 shutout against Indiana Fire Academy on Sept. 24. The Orange and Blue have scored in every match this season, posting an average of three goals per match.
Sat., Sept. 10 vs. Columbus Crew: L 1-2
Sat., Sept. 17 vs. Sockers FC: L 3-1
Sun., Sept. 18 vs. FC United Soccer Club: W 6-2
Sat., Sept. 24 vs. Indiana Fire Academy: W 4-0
U19
The U19s have been busy since kicking off on Sept. 10. The Orange and Blue have played five matches, tied for the most in the Mid-America Division, earning eight points in the process.
Isaac Calderon has showcased his playmaking abilities this season scoring one goal against FC United Soccer Club and tallying three assists in a 4-0 win against SC Wave. Calderon made three MLS NEXT Pro appearances for FC Cincinnati 2 this past season.Â
Sat., Sept. 10 vs. Columbus Crew: D 1-1
Sat., Sept. 17 vs. Sockers FC: L 0-2
Sun., Sept. 18 vs. SC Wave: W 4-0
Sat., Sept. 24 vs. Indiana Fire Academy: D 1-1
Sun., Oct. 2 vs. FC United Soccer Club: W 2-1
MLS NEXT, introduced in 2020, provides the best player development experience in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT players have access to the highest levels of competition and to training and personal development opportunities that will prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life.
For the latest information on FC Cincinnati Academy, follow the program on Twitter @FCCincyAcademy and visit the academy’s website at fccincinnati.com/academy.
For up-to-the-minute information about FC Cincinnati, visit the team’s official website at fccincinnati.com, or follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @FCCincinnati. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.
