Saturday's final crowned North Texas SC the new MLS NEXT Pro Cup champions. Traditionally, and especially in recent years, Philadelphia Union and FC Dallas have been the models for youth development in MLS and have faced each other in a final that has left a positive image for both teams.

North Texas SC is the champion after defeating Philadelphia Union II 3-2 thanks to a dramatic game-winning goal in stoppage time.

Philadelphia struck first in the ninth minute, putting pressure on the North Texas defense. Gavin Wetzel picked up the ball at the end of the box after a poor clearance by North Texas. He then found Markus Anderson, who was completely unmarked, in the middle of the box. Anderson touched him once before firing low and past Michael Collodi.

Eight minutes later, Philadelphia doubled its lead when Edward Davis picked up the ball near the edge of the penalty area after a poor touch by Nico Gordon. Davis quickly entered the penalty area and fired a powerful shot past Collodi.

North Texas pulled one back seven minutes into the second half on a Farrington free kick. In the 67th minute, North Texas tied the game on a curling pass from Herbert Endeley to the far post. Sali was completely unmarked and easily scored NTSC's second goal.

With the score deadlocked at the end of full time, North Texas SC took the lead in the first minute of second-half stoppage time. North Texas sent the ball down the wing to Tomas Pondeca, who sent it into the box, where Pedrinho was there to put a daring touch on the ball and put it in the back of the net.

North Texas SC has once again garnered a very positive image regarding the development and inclusion of academy players into the second team. Noteworthy is the participation of players such as Nolan Norris, Alejandro Urzua, Malachi Molina, Diego Garcia, Leo Orejarena, and Anthony Ramirez throughout the season.

The champions success came from their mixing of young players with a group of players who regularly come down from the first team, making the transition easier for the younger players. It is also worth noting that they brought in players like Kaka Scabin, Daniel Baran, Jaidyn Contreras, and Isaiah Kaakoush who saw minutes towards the end of the season.

On the part of the Philadelphia Union, Several of these players were runners-up in the U-15 category in the GA Cup in 2023 and then won the U-17 category this year. Others also participated in the conquest of the 2023 U-17 GA Cup. Players such as Cavan Sullivan, CJ Olney, Neil Pierre, David Vazquez, and Ed Davis stand out among others.

Statement Wins for MLS NEXT Giants!

MLS NEXT is in its second month of action in the 2024/2025 season and several teams are showing very high performances that is setting the benchmark for the remainder of the season.

The Red Bulls U18 defeated D.C. United 3-2 this Saturday. Pipeloore Olanrewaju opened the scoring in the 20th minute, but Gavin Turner equalized late in the first half. Anthony Jin put D.C. United was ahead, but the Red Bulls reacted in time and with goals from Panamanian Rafael Mosquera and Finn Moran managed to seal the final result of 3-2.

Moving down to Florida, Orlando City remains the only undefeated team at the U18 level. The Purples earned a 6-2 victory over Charlotte FC. Gustavo Caraballo scored a brace, Justin Ellis also scored twice while Parker Amoo and Jacob Basinet completed the scoring. Rocket Ritarita and Josh Stewart scored for Charlotte FC.

Staying in Florida, Inter Miami fell in their visit to Montreal, 2-1. Eloi Breton scored in the 32nd minute while Guillaume Prince put the Canadians up 2-0 in the 39th minute. Already in the second half, Nicaraguan youth team international Leandro Padilla scored the discount and sealed the match by 2-1.

Switching over to the west coast, San Jose Earthquakes achieved an important victory in the U16 age group by beating Real Salt Lake 2-0. Former U15 US National Team player Jorge Perez scored a brace to open the scoring in the 69th minute and sealed the result in the 80th minute.

Going across the country to the NorthEast, New England Revolution scored 4 goals to beat NYCFC U16 4-0. Paolo Tornberg scored a brace in the 20th and 65th minutes while 2010-born forward Brandon Velez also scored twice in the 84th and 90th minutes.

World Cup Glory on the Horizon

The U.S. U-19 Men's National Team will hold a training camp in West Palm Beach, Florida, from Nov. 11-17.

Coach Michael Nsien called up 11 players born in 2006, 12 born in 2007, and one born in 2008: Charlotte FC forward Nimfasha Berchimas. All 24 players are age-eligible for next fall's FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Twelve players return from the U-19 team's October trip to Valencia, Spain, where the U.S. defeated Sweden 4-1 and Japan 3-2. Midfielder Cruz Medina scored in the win against Sweden, while forward Mykhi Joyner and defender Harbor Miller added goals against Japan. The team will have the first appearance of Owen Presthus as well as the return of some players such as Jackson Platts, Diego Garcia, Matthew Corcoran, Aiden Dausch, and CJ Olney.