This past weekend saw the final matches of the 2023-2024 MLS NEXT regular season. A final day showdown between Texas based MLS sides Austin FC and Houston Dynamo U-17’s took place on Saturday, determining the final team to qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs.

Austin FC came out with a resounding 3-0 victory over Houston Dynamo, securing their place in the playoffs where they will face the reigning MLS NEXT Cup champions and recent runners-up of the Generation Adidas Cup, LA Galaxy.

This weekend also featured the prestigious Patterson Cup event, hosting U-12, U-13, and U-14 teams in Kansas City. FC Cincinnati U-14 managed to defeat Sporting Kansas City in the final after a 2-2 draw in regulation time, followed by a 5-4 victory in penalty kicks in favor of FC Cincinnati.

In the U-13 age group, FC Dallas emerged as champions after tying 1-1 in regular time against Charlotte FC and later defeating them 4-3 in penalty kicks. Benjamin Flowers was one of the standout players in this age group, scoring 6 goals and providing 2 assists in the tournament.

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U-15 US National Team Midfielder Landry Walker Makes Professional Debut

Holding midfielder Landry Walker made his professional debut last Saturday in the USL Championship game between San Antonio FC and FC Tulsa. Walker, born in 2009, entered the field at the 62nd minute and made positive contributions both with and without the ball.

"I think it was a great experience for me to finally step on the field and get my first minutes. I'm just grateful to Coach Marcina and all the coaches here, as well as my teammates who have been so supportive. Today was obviously a difficult result, but I think it will be a turning point in our season and we can improve from now on," Walker said after the game.

Walker recently gained international experience when he was called up to the United States U-15 national team for the Vlatko Markovic tournament. He played in all four matches and helped secure the trophy by defeating the Japanese national team in the final.

Coach Alen Marcina also highlighted the young player's debut, saying, "It has been a great learning opportunity for him. Landry (Walker) just turned 15 three weeks ago, so to make his professional debut is incredibly special for him and for the club, showing our faith in youth."

With this debut, Landry Walker becomes the fourth player born in 2009 to make his professional debut, following Houston Dynamo academy forward Myles Gardner, Adri Mehmeti, and Cavan Sullivan.

Adri Mehmeti Impresses in His First Start as a Professional in MLS NEXT Pro

Matchday 13 provided some outstanding moments for young American prospects with their respective MLS NEXT Pro teams.

Adri Mehmeti impressed in his first start as a professional in the game between New York Red Bulls II and Toronto FC II. The young midfielder completed 57 minutes on the field and was actively involved in defensive play. Mehmeti had already made his debut this season, becoming the second American player born in 2009 to start in a professional game.

Offensive midfielder Johann Ortiz shone in the match between Sporting Kansas City II and Houston Dynamo 2. Born in 2007, Ortiz was key in the game, scoring his first professional goal. In three games, he has recorded one goal and one assist. Ortiz has been a fundamental player for Sporting Kansas City U-17, which is among the favorites to win the MLS NEXT Cup championship.

In the game between New York City FC II against Inter Miami II, Drew Baiera, Maximo Carrizo and Jacob Arroyave managed to be part of the starting XI. Baiera was the only one of the young players to complete the 90 minutes on the field and in the second half the forward born in 2007, Julien Lacher, entered. Lacher made his debut on the last day against the New York Red Bulls.

Chase Adams scored a goal against New England Revolution II this weekend. The young striker has been in impressive form, scoring four goals in eight games in MLS NEXT Pro. He also provided an assist in the United States U-16 vs Argentina match and was part of the starting XI against Uruguay. In the match between Columbus Crew 2 and New England Revolution II, forward Grant Emerhi, born in 2008 and recently part of the Lithuanian U-16 national team, made his professional debut.