The FC Cincinnati Academy faced off with regional rival Columbus Crew SC Academy, and the two programs played four competitive matches. Each side won one match each, and two matches ended in a draw, to give the Orange and Blue a 1-1-2 record on the road.
Here’s a look at how each academy age group fared:
U14 | Columbus Crew SC Academy 0, FC Cincinnati Academy 2
Zeek Bautista continued with his good goal scoring form when he put the Young Garys up 1-0 middle of the first half. With 15 minutes left in the game, an excellent combination play down the FCC right side saw Kingston Marshall fouled in the box to earn a PK. He then dusted himself off to fire home from the spot to win the game, 2-0.
U15 | Columbus Crew SC Academy 3, FC Cincinnati Academy 2
Finding themselves 2-0 down early in the game it was always going to be an uphill battle to get anything out of the game for FCC, especially when Columbus added a third just after the break. But not willing to lay down, Taylor Kogan pulled one back to put the Crew on the defensive. Shaun Dickerson then added a second in the 72nd minute to keep alive the hopes of a comeback, but unfortunately despite the momentum, an equalizer was not in the cards.
U17 | Columbus Crew SC Academy 1, FC Cincinnati Academy 1
The Crew took a very early lead by intercepting a square ball as the team was looking to build and settle into the game. FCC had better opportunities for majority of the game but had to wait till the last 10 minutes of the match for Ryder Mills to equalize and make the local derby 1-1.
U19 | Columbus Crew SC Academy 3, FC Cincinnati Academy 3
In the final MLS Next game of the fall season, the 19’s welcomed back head coach Tyrone Marshall to lead the boys for the Hell is Real match. Having tied 0-0 in the match earlier in the season, the teams decided to bring their goal scoring boots for this match. Down 3-0 after 60 minutes, Marshall turned to the bench to help salvage the comeback. Alen Kapic pulled the first one back after being on the pitch for three minutes. Gerardo Valenzuela headed home two goals to salvage a point in an impressive comeback.
UP NEXT:
The Young Garys U15, U17 and U19 squads will head to California for the 2021 Winter Showcase after the Thanksgiving holiday.
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.
