St. Louis CITY SC Academy’s U-15, U-16 and U-17 teams returned home following competitive showings at MLS NEXT Flex, which began May 10 and ended May 14. 64 teams in each age division were split into groups of four, and the top-performing team in each group received an automatic bid to the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. The U-15s, U-16s and U-17s all came up just short, as each team finished second in their respective group.
U-15s win twice in group play
Playing in Group D, the U-15s kicked off their three-match slate with a bout against LA Surf Soccer Club, shutting out their opponents in a decisive 3-0 victory. The following day, the boys secured a 2-1 win over FC Dallas U-15s. Looking to wrap up the competition unblemished, the boys took on D.C. United U-15s with the top spot in the group on the line. Although the U-15s pushed two past their opponents, D.C. United emerged with a 3-2 victory and the number one seed in the group.
Across all 64 teams in their age division, the U-15s were one of just 21 squads to post a positive goal difference (plus-three).
U-16s finish unbeaten
The U-16s competed in Group L and opened the competition with a bout against Chula Vista FC. Following their commanding 4-0 shutout victory in that opening match, the boys returned to the pitch the following day to battle Ballistic United. The teams played to a 2-2 stalemate, with Ballistic United earning an extra point through a 4-1 shootout victory. To round out their MLS NEXT Flex action, the U-16s played Athletum FC Academy, winning the match 5-2.
The boys finished tied for the seventh-highest goal difference (plus-seven) in their age division. Across all competitions, the U-16s are now unbeaten over their last five matches.
U-17s tally 11 goals in three matches
Beginning play in Group A with a showdown against Southern Soccer Academy, the U-17s secured an impressive 5-1 victory. The next day, the boys faced off against Seattle Sounders U-17s, and their opponents narrowly escaped with a 2-1 win. In their final match of the competition, the U-17s once again posted five goals, beating opposing side New England Revolution U-17s 5-3.
The U-17s were one of only two teams in their age division (Strikers FC) to score five goals in two different matches.
