The 2023-24 MLS NEXT Cup champions emerged victorious this Sunday, marking the end of a 10-month season and a week-long MLS NEXT Cup showcase and playoff event at Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This edition of the MLS NEXT Cup featured two champions belonging to MLS academies (Chicago Fire and LA Galaxy) and two champions belonging to non-MLS academies (FC Delco and Strikers FC).

LA Galaxy U-17 became champions for the second consecutive time after having won the last edition of the MLS NEXT Cup 2023 when they managed to beat Real Colorado in the finals.

MLS NEXT CUP U-15 Champions: Chicago Fire

Chicago Fire achieved a well-deserved victory over LA Galaxy after overcoming the result. LA Galaxy took the lead quickly in the first half when center forward Aaron Medina headed the ball into the net. Chicago Fire managed to tie the score minutes later with an excellent penalty kick by James Field, and at the beginning of the second half, Christopher Morales scored to make it 2-1 for Chicago Fire. Both teams continued to create opportunities, demonstrating a high level of football, and in the 81st minute, United States U-15 national team player Darris Hyte scored the final 3-1 to give the MLS NEXT Cup to Chicago Fire.

Chicago Fire showed itself as the best team not only in the MLS NEXT Cup but also throughout the entire season, being one of the best teams in each event with great prospects such as Robert Turdean, Darris Hyte, James Field, and Roko Pehar, among others. The collective and individual work was exceptional, showcasing why they were considered one of the favorites in this edition of the MLS NEXT Cup.

MLS NEXT CUP U-16 Champions: FC Delco

FC Delco was dominant during the 90 minutes of play and knew how to control the timing of the game by being clinical when finishing the plays. It was not until the 37th minute when Remy Tshibangu scored with a strong left-footed shot inside the area. FC Delco continued to attack in the second half, and in the 64th minute, Seamus Lannon scored to make it 2-0 over Real Colorado. Six minutes later, the top scorer of the MLS NEXT Cup and MVP, Michael Capretto, scored the 3-0, which would be the final result, crowning the team from Pennsylvania as the champion of the MLS NEXT Cup U-16.

FC Delco's performance was rising throughout the season, being one of the best teams before the start of the MLS NEXT Cup. The team not only did a great job collectively but also knew how to recover from adverse moments and turn around the results. A young star seems to emerge from this team, and his name is Michael Capretto, a forward with great instinct in the area who scored a total of 8 goals in this MLS NEXT Cup, being a crucial player for the team to win the championship.

Chelsea FC x The St. James - 2024 Summer Youth Soccer Camps & Clinics

Discover the blues player pathway this summer at The St James! All Camps and Clinics are led by official Chelsea FC Youth Academy Coaches from the UK, these camps offer:

• Elite technical training and game knowledge development

• Tailored CFC curriculum to match players’ age and ability

• Chelsea-branded kit complete with a Nike jersey, shorts, and socks

• Convenient locations in Alexandria, Leesburg, and Springfield

Camp and Clinic options offered this summer:

• Chelsea FC Summer Skills Clinics - Saturdays

• Chelsea FC Evening Clinics - 4-7 PM starting Mid-July

• Chelsea FC 3v3 Youth Cup Championship - Saturday, August 17th

• Chelsea FC Competitive Player Summer Camps - Starting this week

• Chelsea FC Advanced Player Performance Summer Camps - Starting this week

• Chelsea FC Flair Experience Summer Camp - August 12th-16th

MLS NEXT CUP U-17 Champions: LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy managed to be dominant in the final over Charlotte FC. Young prospect Ruben Ramos was crucial not only in this game with a hat trick but also throughout the entire event. Ramos opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a great header, and central defender Jose Magaña scored in the 22nd minute to make it 2-0. At the end of the first half, Ruben Ramos again made it 3-0 in what was a completely controlled game by LA Galaxy.

In the second half Ruben Ramos would score 4-0 and the third in his personal, making history becoming the first player to score a hat trick in a final. At minute 65, Rocket Ritarita scored but it would not be enough and LA Galaxy won the MLS NEXT CUP U-17 Cup by beating Charlotte FC 4-1.

The LA Galaxy season deserved to end with the consecration of a new consecutive title. LA Galaxy managed to be the runner-up of the Generation Adidas Cup and won the MLS NEXT Cup, being, without a doubt, one of the best teams in terms of playing style, individual development of each player, and a great playing philosophy. This team showed that not only does it have great talents but also that there is excellent group work, which has been fundamental for this second title of the MLS NEXT Cup U-17.

MLS NEXT CUP U-19 Champions: Strikers FC

One of the most evenly matched games among the finals this past Sunday. Before the event, both Strikers FC and Cedar Stars Academy Bergen were great candidates to win the Cup. Taj Eagleston opened the scoring in the 5th minute with a header to make it 1-0 for Strikers FC, and in the 23rd minute, F. De Francesco equalized the score 1-1. The game was very close, and it was not until the end when Taj Eagleston scored again to make it 2-1. Colin O'Brien scored the 2-2 in the 98th minute, sending the game to a penalty shootout where Strikers FC won and became the champion of the MLS NEXT Cup U-19.

The Strikers FC academy once again demonstrates why it is considered one of the best academies in the country. A very solid team in all lines and with great players who knew how to win each game. Taj Eagleston had been a crucial player last season for LA Galaxy U-17 to win the title, and this time he was the hero for Strikers FC, which is an academy that develops great players and proves it year after year.