MNUFC2 handled last year’s Cinderella from the Midwest on a cold night in Elmhurst, Ill.
435 fans showed up on the night at Elmhurst University, mostly in support of Chicago House AC, the amateur side from the Midwest Premier League. Although there were a few Minnesota United scarves scattered throughout.
Jordan Adebayo-Smith, Minnesota’s lone first team player, scored all three goals for his side, all in the second half to give United’s reserve side a 3-0 win.
“Super happy for Jordan to get a hat-trick on the night,” said MNUFC2 head coach Justin Ferguson after the match. “I think it’s a great opportunity for us to get some young players some minutes as well. Super happy for all of the academy kids that could make their professional debuts tonight.”
Adebayo-Smith’s first goal in the 52nd minute was assisted by 18-year-old academy graduate Keith “Kage” Romanshyn Jr., who rounded House’s centerback Cesar Murillo 45 yards from goal on left, before advancing and delivering a slight through pass to his striker who settled and finished the ball calmly into the bottom right corner.
Adebayo-Smith’s second goal three minutes later was less calm. Loïc Mesanvi, the 20 year-old right winger from Togo, collected a weighted ball from the midfield at the top corner of the 18. After a couple touches to the inside, Mesanvi fed the ball square to his striker at the top of the 18 who settled to his right and finished with a rocket over an outstretched Halterman.
Chicago House AC’s manager, Matt Poland knew it was time for a change and began bringing in fresh, offensive legs in the 61st, 77th, and 82nd minutes. In 2023, it only took the House 15 minutes to solidify a comeback against USL League One professional side Forward Madison, but no comeback of the sort was in the cards tonight.
In the fifth and final minute of added time, MNUFC2’s 17-year-old and second half substitute Dominic Mawing cleared a ball from the back that was collected by Adebayo Smith at the left side of midfield. Adebayo-Smith would turn on the jets to secure his hat trick, leaving both House’s right and center backs in the dust before rounding Halterman to put a cap on the night.
Adebayo-Smith joins a select group of players from Minnesota-based pro teams to score a hat trick in the tournament: Johnny Menyongar (Minnesota Thunder, 2000 & 2002), Melvin Tarley (2005) and Angelo Rodriguez (Minnesota United FC, 2019).
“This is the oldest soccer tournament in the country, it’s an honor to be a part of it. I think that (the academy kids) should be excited that they get to make their professional debut, but also to get a chance to play in a tournament like (this) is class. I am glad the organization believes in young players and gives them the opportunity to do that.”
