The FC Cincinnati Academy officially kicked off the spring season this past weekend with the U15 and U17 teams playing their first MLS NEXT Flex matches of the year. The Young Garys picked up wins against Midwest United at Mercy Health Training Center on February 17.
For the U15s, it was a 3-1 result as Jared Cardenas scored two goals, while Cam Sphire added a third. Isaiah Izaguirre tallied two assists, playing the final ball in on Sphire’s goal and one to Cardenas. Chance Malilo also picked up an assist on the afternoon.
The U17s also put three past Midwest United in a 3-0 win. Nico Burns and Stefan Chirila found themselves on the scoresheet with Burns notching a brace in the contest. Reece Cousino and Will Kuisel played provider on the two Burns goals. Goalkeeper Kayne Rizvanovich picked up his first shutout of 2024 in the process.
And in an exhibition match against their United Premier Soccer League counterparts, the U19s played to a 1-1 draw against Southern Indiana FC. Bryan Vasquez scored the Orange and Blue’s only goal of the match.
Next up for the U15s and U17s is a trip to Columbus to take on the Columbus Crew Academy on Saturday, February 24, while the U13 and U14 teams face the Nashville SC Academy in exhibition matches this weekend. The U19s are also back in exhibition play against the University of Indianapolis.
