On a busy weekend of double-headers at Sporting Kansas City for the Rapids’ Development Academy senior teams, undoubtedly the game to stand out was a 5-5 tie involving the U-18/19s on Sunday. In the final game of the regular season, Matthew Hundley salvaged a point, with the last of his four goals coming two minutes from time.
That result, which also included a goal from Enoch Mushagalusa, followed a 2-1 win for the Rapids the previous day, with the aforementioned Mushagalusa, and Greg Tracey, on the scoresheet.
The U-16/17s shared the spoils with SKC, winning 3-0 on Saturday - with goals from Jayson Baca, Jason Robles, and Logan Dorsey - before losing 2-0 on Sunday.
A 1-1 tie followed by a 1-0 win gave the U-15sthe edge in their encounters. Ethan Ballek netted in the first game, with Vladimir Walent converting the winner on Sunday.
All three senior sides finished second in their respective divisions, behind FC Dallas. The U-18/19s and U-16/17s earn automatic playoff places. There is not a playoff system in the U-15 category, but there is a showcase event. All will take place next month in Oceanside, California.
The draw for the playoffs takes place on June 6. Group stage games for the U-18/19s are from June 18-22. The U-16/17s play from June 19-23. The showcase event for the U-15s is June 21-24.
Should the top two teams progress from the group stage, then the quarterfinals will be on June 25 and 26 respectively. The semifinals and final switch to Swope Park in Kansas City in early July.
The U-13s and U-14s finished strong, with comfortable wins over Arsenal Colorado on Saturday. The highlight was a hat-trick from Samuel Ovesen for the U-14s. Meanwhile, the U-12s completed their season, also. Theo Scott and Andre Romo both scored twice in a solid win for the A team. Ren Garfield was on target in the B team's 1-1 draw with Arsenal Colorado.
