Barca Residency Academy’s MLS NEXT Academy had the lone game day this past Sunday after the Academy and Homegrown matches were cancelled on Saturday due to poor air quality. Sunday showed some quality results for the Academy sides as they went 2-1-1 versus RSL Arizona Mesa at Grande Sports World.
SUNDAY 3/29:
Barca Residency Academy’s U-15 and U-17 Academy Division sides delivered the two wins on the day. The U-17s dominated the entire game, but didn’t find the back of the net until the second half. Isai Rodriguez broke the stalemate by bending it in from a corner. Tyler Parady struck next after his penalty was initially stopped; he slammed the rebound home and put RSL AZ away. Lucas Williams earned the clean sheet.
The U-15 Academy team had a similar story; while they were dominant for most of the game, they didn’t find the back of the net until late in the second half. Ben Golden sprinted around a defender and struck the ball into the net from inside the box. Preston Boyce made key saves and picked up the clean sheet.
After a back-and-forth first half, the U-19 Academy struck first after a strike from Lachlan Niell found the back of the net. RSL AZ equalized to make the final score 1-1.
Barca’s U-16 Academy team held a two-goal lead at the half after a brace by Tobe Ezeanolue, but that wasn’t able to secure the win. They will look to turn things around this weekend in Scottsdale.
MLS NEXT Academy vs. RSL AZ Mesa
- U-19s: D 1-1 (Niell)
- U-17s: W 2-0 (I. Rodriguez, Parady)
- U-16s: L 2-3 (Ezeanolue x2)
- U-15s: W 1-0 (Golden)
Looking Ahead
A busy weekend is ahead for Barca Residency Academy’s MLS Next Academy and Homegrown sides. The Academy teams will compete in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoff Qualifier in Scottsdale. Each team will play three group-stage games, with the top teams advancing to the knockout round for a chance to qualify for the playoffs in May. The Homegrown teams will face RSL-AZ on the road in Scottsdale on Saturday.
