Austin FC Academy Recap - September 5-6, 2026

Austin FC Academy opened the season with a perfect weekend, earning four wins across all four matches against Sonny G Academy. The weekend featured attacking performances, clean sheets, and plenty of examples of players stepping up in key moments. 

U17s Lead the Way with Five-Goal Performance 

The U17s opened their MLS NEXT Flex campaign with a 5-1 win over SGA U16. Raymond Zhang scored twice in the opening 12 minutes, both assisted by Rayan Chibane, before Oliver Hamadi added a third in the 36th minute off a Liam Smith assist. After conceding just before halftime, Austin regained control in the second half, with Liam Smith (65') and Hamadi (75') adding insurance goals. The group consistently created opportunities by stretching the SGA defense with runs in behind, while also showing strong defensive organization and leadership throughout the match. 

U16s Earn Clean-Sheet Victory 

The U16s also came away with a convincing result, defeating SGA U17 3-0. Abdiel Alvarez opened the scoring in the sixth minute before adding his second in the 26th minute, assisted by Daniel Ramos. Alvarez completed his hat trick in the 55th minute with an assist from Devin Daubon. After navigating an aggressive SGA press early, Austin found ways to play through pressure and manage the game in the second half, securing a clean sheet. 

U18s Show Character in Dramatic Win
The U18s battled through adversity to claim a 3-2 victory over SGA U19. Nico Rojas opened the scoring in the eighth minute with an assist from Nathan Anaya, while Luke Garcia doubled the advantage shortly after halftime off a Rocco Viana assist. After Austin was reduced to 10 men and a goalkeeper injury forced a field player into goal, SGA fought back to level the match. The U18s responded with resilience, finding the winning goal through Sebastian Setirele in the 67th minute, assisted by Xavier Brown, to secure all three points. 

U15s Find a Winner in Competitive Opener 

The U15s closed out the weekend with a 1-0 win over SGA U15, with Noah Ribeiro scoring directly from a corner kick in the 65th minute for an Olimpico. The group integrated nine U14 players into the lineup, including U14 goalkeeper Jeremiah, who stepped in as a center forward due to an injury. Despite the younger players joining the group, the VERDE & Black showed confidence in possession, creating quality chances through movement, rotations, and purposeful ball circulation that ultimately led to the win. 

Austin FC Academy begins the season with four wins and plenty of positive signs across the pathway, setting the tone for the weeks ahead.