Flamengo's U-15 side runs riot in Copa Rio opener; U-17 draws

Flamengo's U-15 and U-17 squads launched their Copa Rio campaigns on Saturday with contrasting results. Playing at CFZ in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, the younger team delivered a dominant 8-0 victory over América, while the older outfit settled for a 1-1 draw.

The competition follows identical format across both age groups: 12 clubs compete over 11 single-round matches, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. The elimination rounds feature two-legged ties, with decisive matches scheduled for November 28 and December 5. The title winner is determined by goal difference across both legs; if level, the contest goes to penalties.

U-15

Kicking off at 9am, the U-15 team under coach João Marcos fielded several U-14 prospects in their debut outing. The side put on a commanding display, crushing América 8-0. Jean, José Guilherme, Vinícius, Pedrinho, Matheus Eduardo (twice), Dadá and João Link scored the Rubro-Negro goals.

Flamengo's next Copa Rio assignment comes on Saturday, October 3, at 3pm against Resende at Estádio da Gávea.

U-17

Following at 11am, the U-17 side managed by coach Daniel Franklin also integrated U-16 talents into the starting XI. The team held América to a 1-1 stalemate. Lucca Tatsch netted Flamengo's goal, assisted by William Félix.

Before returning to Copa Rio action, the U-17s face América-MG on Wednesday, September 30, at 3pm at Estádio da Gávea in their 18th Brazilian Championship U-17 fixture. The next Copa Rio outing is Saturday, October 3, at 1pm against Resende, also at Gávea.

Rafael Silva