Preparation for the USYNT in Anticipation for Domestic and International Tournaments

The U16 youth national team convenes for its inaugural camp of the year in preparation for a series of upcoming international friendlies slated for the end of May. Under the guidance of Gonzalo Segares, the team assembled on April 14 and will continue their training until April 21. Notably, this team encompasses players born in 2008 or earlier. However, this age group is poised to compete in the upcoming CONCACAF U17 Championship, with aspirations to secure a berth in the 2025 U17 World Cup.

This iteration of the team showcases a blend of fresh talent alongside seasoned individuals who have previously featured in U15 and U16 squad selections. Regrettably, prominent figures in the squad such as Cavan Sullivan, Jude Terry, Julian Hall, Maximo Carrizo, Anisse Saidi, and Chase Adams are unavailable for various reasons and did not make the trip.

Among the newcomers are standout prospects including left back Emiliano Chavez from St. Louis City SC Academy, central defender Maximo Armando, and midfielder Matteo Zambrano (brother of Marcos Zambrano) from Inter Miami. Additionally, Evan Lim, a holding midfielder from New York City FC, Vitaliy Hlyut, a standout winger from Chicago Fire, and Sergio Perello, a winger from Inter Miami, have joined the roster. Noteworthy debutants also include highly-rated Mathis Albert and Borussia Dortmund's emerging talent, Jack Mize.

Furthermore, the return of Oliver Tan, a versatile player excelling as a right back or winger at San Jose, is included in the squad. Another standout returnee is Chance Cowell, also from San Jose, who previously has featured in the Mexican youth national team setup.

Addressing speculation, dual nat forward Austyn Jones was unable to participate in the camp due to academic commitments. However, the United States Soccer Federation extended an invitation to Jones, showcasing his keen interest in representing the nation in future camps.

Introducing the CURREX CleatPro

Elite soccer players spend 2-3 hours per day, 18 hours per week, and 648+ hours a year in their cleats. That is a very substantial amount of time in a tight, pressure-inducing piece of footwear directly under your most valuable assets as a soccer player. CURREX CleatPRO, the global number one after-market insole for soccer players, is scientifically proven to reduce pressure, decrease fatigue and aid performance.

It’s no secret that soccer cleats often lack adequate arch support or cushioning, which makes them uncomfortable and unsupportive. The CURREX CleatPro insoles improve both the fit and feel for all soccer boots, keeping you comfortable at all times. The CleatPRO is highly customizable with three dynamic arch profiles (High, Medium and Low) to provide the best support to your foot through, a decoupled heel for supreme fit, and Super-Grip slip strips to help deliver ultimate ball control.

One of the most important things as an athlete that you can invest in is injury prevention. With three different arch profiles, the insoles allow for anatomic support, dynamic stability and less fatigue. The CURREX CleatPRO insoles are game changers for footballers!

MLS Next Flex: Groups Revealed and What You Should Know About This Event

MLS NEXT Fest is the largest event this season, with more than 250 teams from the United States and Canada competing between the four different age groups. The event is one of the most attended by college scouts/coaches, national teams and professionals during the entire MLS NEXT season. The event will take place at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Maryland, from May 10-14, 2024.

The top 64 teams in the U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-19 age groups that qualified based on their points-per-game ranking in the 2023-24 MLS NEXT regular season divisional standings are given the opportunity to earn a postseason berth in the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.

The qualified teams were divided into sixteen groups of four, and the winners of each of these groups will qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.

All matches will feature MLS academies against non-MLS academies in the all age groups. It should be noted that the 80-minute matches will be for the Under-15s and the 90-minute matches will be for the Under-16s, Under-17s and Under-19s. If regulation time ends in a tie, they will go to penalty kicks. The winner of the penalty kicks will earn two points, while the loser will take home one point.

US Open Cup Recap: Maximo Carrizo Shines and The Debuts of Young Prospects

During the third round clash between Hartford Athletic and New York City FC II, Maximo Carrizo stole the spotlight with a game winner to help NYCFC II advance to the Round of 32. At the age of just 16, Carrizo showcased his immense talent as a young midfielder, through the full 90 minutes as well as extra time. His defining moment came in the 109th minute when he capitalized on a rebound inside the box, unleashing a left-footed strike that left the opposing goalkeeper helpless.

The match also saw notable contributions from Drew Baiera, Christian McFarlane, and Jonathan Shore, who started for the team and come from their academy system. Additionally, Adam Basse, a center forward born in 2007, came on as an extra time subsititute.

Other games across the evening witnessed the much-anticipated debuts of two highly-touted prospects. Ramiz Hamouda, a central defender, donned the Birmingham Legion jersey for the first time in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Joining the team in late February, Hamouda made his presence felt when he took to the field in the 111th minute.

Similarly, Kyrome Lumsden marked his inaugural appearance for North Carolina FC during their clash against Carolina Core. Lumsden entered the fray in the 70th minute, while Jeremiah White IV, a full-back, made his presence felt after coming on in the 73rd minute to bolster the defense.

Meanwhile, Nate Worth showcased his endurance by completing the full 90 minutes for FC Tulsa in their 2-1 triumph over Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. Gavin Turner, fresh from trials with West Ham United, made a notable cameo appearance for Richmond Kickers, entering the pitch in the 77th minute of their encounter against Loudoun United.