The spring season is here, and the Young Gary’s of the FC Cincinnati Academy are in full swing with each age group seeing action this past weekend. Things are heating up as the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs draw near, and there has been no shortage of impressive results for the Orange and Blue through the first two months of 2023.
Here’s a look at how the academy has fared so far.
U13
The U13’s returned from winter break with back-to-back wins against Indiana Fire Academy and Bavarian United SC. The Orange and Blue scored six goals in the two wins while conceding just two.
Sammy Ziska found the back of the net for the Orange and Blue’s last outing against St. Louis Scott Gallagher with PJ Kontopos picking up an assist.
**Previous Matches
**Mar. 4: W 3-1, Indiana Fire Academy
Mar. 5: W 3-1, Bavarian United SC
Mar. 11: L 5-1, St. Louis Scott Gallagher
Next Up:Â Midwest United, Mar. 25
U14
The U14’s went 1-1-1 in their first matches of 2023. Like the U13’s, the U14’s picked up a win and three goals against Indiana Fire Academy before falling to Bavarian United SC.
Goalkeeper Will Finn recorded a shutout in his first match back from injury against St. Louis Scott Gallagher this past weekend.
**Previous Matches
**Mar. 4: W 3-2, Indiana Fire Academy
Mar. 5: L 0-2, Bavarian United SC
Mar. 11: D 0-0, St. Louis Scott Gallagher
Next Up:Â Midwest United, Mar. 25
U15
The U15’s played four of their first five matches of the spring season on the road, going 2-3-0 and picking up wins against the Michigan Wolves and Midwest United.
The Young Gary’s couldn’t quite get things going this past weekend, taking losses against St. Louis Scott Gallagher and St. Louis CITY SC. Ezequiel Bautista scored against CITY SC with Nico Burns on the assist.
**Previous Matches
**Feb 12: W 2-1, Michigan Wolves
Feb. 18: L 0-2, Columbus Crew
Feb. 26: W 5-1, Midwest United
Mar. 11: L 1-3, St. Louis Scott Gallagher
Mar. 12: L 1-5, St. Louis CITY SC
Next Up:Â Minnesota United,Mar. 18
U17
The U17’s have their boots dialed in early as the Young Gary’s have scored 13 goals through four matches to start the year. A pair of five goal wins against Midwest United and St. Louis Scott Gallagher highlight the team’s successes.
Sam Weeter scored a hat trick against St. Louis Scott Gallagher while Matias Paez bagged a brace. Jio Gabriel Mora and Reece Cousino tallied assists in the contest.
Previous Matches
Feb. 18: L 2-3, Columbus Crew
Feb. 26: W 5-0, Midwest United
Mar. 11: L 1-5, St. Louis Scott Gallagher
Mar. 12: L 1-8, St. Louis CITY SC
Next Up:Â Minnesota United, Mar. 18
U19
The U19’s remain unbeaten since returning from the break, going 6-0-0, earning two shutout wins and scoring 27 goals in the process. The U19’s have scored multiple goals in each match and have scored at least four goals in five matches.
Ryder Mills and Nicky Samways notched goals against Vardar this past weekend. With the 2-1 result, the Orange and Blue move to second in the U19 Mid-America Division.
**Previous Matches
**Feb. 12: W 6-0, SC Wave
Feb. 18: W 4-2, Columbus Crew
Feb. 26: W 5-0, Midwest United
Mar. 4: W 4-1, RISE Soccer Club
Mar. 5: W 6-1, RGV Toros FC
Mar. 11: W 2-1, Vardar
Next Up:Â Bavarian United SC, Mar. 18
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 the 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.
