Domestic Talent Competing Against the World's Best

A week that saw one of this country's greatest rivalries take place we look at the clash between Mexico and the U.S. Alongside that we take a look at some of the clashes from MLS NEXT as teams prepare for MLS NEXT Fest this upcoming month. With youngsters ready for to take the next step in their development, 10 Inter Miami academy prospects answer the call to represent their respective national teams

A Stalemate Between United States and Mexico

The United States and Mexico partcipated in two friendly matches in the U-16 age grIn the The game started favorably for the Mexican team. They had control of the ball from the start and were well-positioned on the field of play. Their fluid transitions led to Mexican-American Da'vian Kimbrough scoring the first goal of the game in the 19th minute, giving Mexico the lead.

As the minutes went by, Mexico gave away the ball, and the United States had two clear chances to score at the end of the first half, thanks to good interventions in the attack by Paul Sokoloff.

In the second half, the United States began more dominant. Through some substitutions such as the entry of Mattheo Dimareli, Caleb Trombino, and Liam Vejrostek, the team was able to have more influence on the game. Immanuel Ewing, Aaron Medina, Roko Pehar, and Nash Dearmin also entered in the second half.

In the 80th minute, central defender Tyson Espy stepped up the field. After receiving the ball from Caleb Trombino, he took a long shot that was impossible for goalkeeper Bruno Elias to stop, tying the score at 1-1 for the United States.

In the second game, both teams made several changes to the starting XI. Mexican-American goalkeeper Marcelo Avalos started for Mexico U16 while Da'vian Kimbrough was on the bench.

The United States started the game dominating control and creating dangerous plays, but Mexico had the clearest chances as the game progressed. Both Marcelo Avalos for Mexico and Tobias Szewczyk for the United States were extraordinary and made numerous saves in the match.

After the first half ended goalless, in the second half both teams made substitutions that gave a renewed air to the game and in the 78th minute forward Paul Sokoloff took advantage of a defensive error and defined low against the post and put the United States ahead on the scoreboard.

The match seemed to be coming to an end and after a corner in the 90+1 minute, the header of Mexico's central defender, Andre Godinez, tied the game 1-1.

Both games were a big test for both teams and both draws were a fair result considering what was done on the field by both the United States and Mexico. This was the last camp of the year for both teams and they are expected to take a bigger role next year in preparation for the 2026 U-17 World Cup.

Rising Stars Shine: U.S. U-20s Secure Two Wins in Spain

The road to the 2025 U-20 World Cup just got a little brighter for the U.S. U-20 national team. On a week-long tour of Spain, the young squad delivered two impressive victories, showcasing depth, talent, and resilience against formidable opponents.

Dominance Against South Korea

The opening match against South Korea was a tale of two halves. Coach Marko Mitrovic fielded an alternate XI to test his squad’s versatility. The first half ended in a stalemate, with both teams locked in a tactical battle.

But the second half was a different story. The U.S. team came alive, and Luke Brennan broke the deadlock with a clinical finish. Left-back Peyton Miller, demonstrating his attacking prowess, doubled the lead with a stunning goal, while Niko Tsakiris delivered the finishing blow late in the match. A commanding 3-0 win set the tone for the week and highlighted the team’s depth and adaptability.

A Test of Grit Against France

If the first match showcased the team’s dominance, the clash with France was a test of grit and determination. Facing a technically gifted French side, the U.S. took an early lead when Cole Campbell slotted home in the 15th minute.

France responded swiftly, equalizing ten minutes later in a match that became an intense, back-and-forth battle. As the game wore on, it seemed destined for a draw—until Noahkai Banks produced a moment of magic. Breaking through the French defense in the 74th minute, Banks set up Taha Habroune, who calmly placed the ball past the keeper to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory.

Building Momentum

These victories aren’t just numbers on a score sheet—they’re a statement. The U.S. U-20s demonstrated tactical flexibility, offensive creativity, and defensive resolve. From breakout performances by players like Brennan, Miller, and Campbell to the cohesive team play led by Mitrovic, the squad looks primed for bigger challenges ahead.

With the U-20 World Cup just over a year away, these young stars are proving they’re not just preparing to compete—they’re preparing to contend. The journey continues, but for now, the future of U.S. soccer looks brighter than ever.

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A Festival on the Horizon

The MLS NEXT Fest is about to begin and the academies are playing their last games before one of the biggest events of the year.

Meanwhile, Atlanta United U16 managed to beat the New York Red Bulls 2-1. Jacob Priestley opened the scoring for the Red Bulls in the 45th minute but in the second half Atlanta United reacted in time and with goals from Christian Williams and Ivory Covington they would give Atlanta United the victory.

Bethesda SC achieved a good result after tying 1-1 against Philadelphia Union U16. The Baby Snakes played with a mix of players born in 2009 and 2010 due to recent call-ups to youth national teams, while Bethesda SC showed great solidity in both phases of the game. Thomas Helfrich scored in the 60th minute for Bethesda SC and at the end of the game, Samuel Diaz Gallego would equalize the score 1-1.

The Red Bulls achieved a last-minute victory over Atlanta United U19. Pipeloore Olanrewaju opened the scoring for New York Red Bulls in the 26th minute but 6 minutes later Atlanta United would equalize the score through forward Stephen Hurlock. In the second half, both teams managed to create opportunities and in the 79th minute, Mason Peacock would give Atlanta United a 2-1 lead. However, Dennis Nelich would score a brace in the 84th and 85th minutes to give the final result in favor of the New York Red Bulls.

Orlando City U19 continued their incredible run and managed to beat FC Montreal by a shocking score of 6-2. The offensive duo of Gustavo Caraballo and Justin Ellis were unstoppable. Caraballo opened the scoring in the 11th minute and Ellis quickly gave the lead to 2-0 in the 15th minute. Jacob Basinet would make it 3-0 in the 33rd minute and again Justin Ellis would make it 4-0 in the 35th minute. In the second half, Justin Ellis would score a hat-trick in the 63rd minute and Gustavo Caraballo would make it 6-0 in the 65th minute. Emrick Fotsing would quickly reduce the score for CF Montreal and in the 82nd minute, Nael Kane scored the second for CF Montreal, sealing the final score of 6-2.

Austin FC tied 2-2 against FC Dallas U19 in another Texas derby. Ren Sylvester opened the scoring for FC Dallas in the 7th minute while Cole Coughlin equalized in the 15th minute. The game was very close and in the second half Chris Avila managed to give Austin FC the lead in the 50th minute, however Ian Witis-Hughes would equalize the score in the 90th minute to make it a last-minute tie.

Path to International Glory

The Inter Miami CF Academy is well represented on the world stage in November, with 10 players representing their respective national teams in official tournaments, training camps, and friendly matches.

Zidane Cadet and Nash Dearmin were called up by the U.S. Under-16 Mexican National Soccer Team and are part of the 20 players called up for the training camp and friendly matches from November 10-19 at the headquarters of the Mexican Soccer Federation in Toluca, Mexico.

Adrian Rosario was called up again by the Puerto Rico senior national team for the team's November matches in League B of the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League. On November 15, Rosario started and played the full 90 minutes as Puerto Rico earned a 5-1 home win over Aruba.

Nash Dearmin was a late addition to the roster due to a teammate's injury and getting his first tryout at the international level.

Goalkeeper Connor Dale is on the 24-player roster of the U.S. U-15 Men's Youth National Team for the team's training camp Nov. 14-20 in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Defenders Victor Fung and Gabriel Leal were called up by the Venezuela U-20 national team for an international competition in Mexico City, Mexico, as the team continues its preparation for the 2025 South American U-20 Championship to be played in Peru.

Midfielder Santiago Morales was called up by the U.S. Under-19 National Team for a training camp being held in West Palm Beach, Florida, from November 11-17.

Leandro Padilla was called up by the Nicaragua U-20 national team for its upcoming training camp Nov. 18-23.

Academy duo Cadriano Marsh and Cai McLean have been called up to participate in a training camp with the Jamaica U-17 national team in Kingston, Jamaica, from November 29 to December 1, as the team continues to prepare for qualifying ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar in 2025.