During a busy time of year for student-athletes, a dedicated group of Earthquakes academy players continue to manage their time well and compete at a high level.
The results on the field speak to that.
This past weekend, the Quakes under-18, under-16 and under-14 teams had a combined 4-1 record, including three victories over MLS academy teams.
The surging U16s made it five wins in a row by sweeping the visiting Seattle Sounders FC, 2-1, and Portland Timbers, 1-0. The U18s rebounded from a 2-1 loss to Seattle Sounders FC to beat the Portland Timbers 3-1.
The Quakes U14s beat visiting Marin FC Alliance 3-2. Adonis Dias got the U14s off to a great start with a goal in the first minute, and JJ Foe Nuphaus and Jason Yanez rounded out the Quakes’ scoring in the 33rd and 76th minutes.
So it’s an exciting time for the Quakes players. Many of whom have been balancing junior proms, SAT tests and other school requirements along with their rigorous soccer demands. Some competed on the U-17 squad in the Generation adidas Cup, which added a bunch of games to the schedule.
In a fight for a playoff spot, the Quakes U16s (14-9-5, 47 points) rode the Kaya Fabbretti Express to victory over the Sounders at Independence High. Fabbretti, a forward, created all sorts of pressure by stretching the defense and getting off shots. He effectively clinched the victory with a goal on a great individual effort 64th minute to make it 2-0. Armon Ojuola broke the scoreless tie with a goal in the 56th minute on a set piece.
In the U16s 1-0 win over Portland, Quakes newcomer Justin Bedig made the most of his first start with the game-winning goal. The Quakes played solid defense overall. Newcomer Cameron Douglas, in goal, worked his first shutout.
“Overall, it was a really good performance by the 16s,” academy coach Stephen Wondolowski said. “We had a lot of really good chances, a lot of possession, and we didn’t give up a lot of quality chances as well.”
Currently in a playoff position, the U16s are in third place in the Northwest Division with five games remaining -- just three points behind Portland.
“They’ve really put it together,” Wondolowski said. “They’ve banded together the last four or five games. More importantly than the winning streak, they’re playing really well. Different guys are stepping up. It’s been fun to watch.”
The U18s (18-7-3, 57 points), who are tied for first place with Seattle, got goals from Miguel Ruiz, Stephen Dougherty and Jonathan Partida against Portland. Ruiz had a strong all-around performance.
Yousef Diyab scored in the tough loss to Seattle, when the Quakes competed without national team player Amir Bashti.
