Day 1 Drama at MLS NEXT Fest: The Journey Begins

The curtain has lifted on MLS NEXT Fest, and the stage is set with thrilling action as U-17 and U-19 teams launch into the 2024/2025 season. The intensity and the drama is already unfolding in spectacular fashion.

Orlando City U19 stole the spotlight with a jaw-dropping 7-4 victory over LAFC. The dynamic trio of Gustavo Caraballo and Jake Basinet, each with a brace, alongside goals from Omar Robbana, Jackson Platts, and Justin Ellis, kept Orlando City's undefeated streak across all U19 competitions alive.

FC Dallas delivered a statement win, outpacing Atlanta United U19 with a commanding 4-1 scoreline. Landon Hickman’s first-half opener set the tone, but it was Jaidyn Contreras who electrified the second half with two decisive goals, capped off by Ren Sylvester’s clincher.

Meanwhile, Toronto FC and LA Galaxy U19 served up a gripping 2-2 draw, with Pablo Patrick’s header sealing the comeback after early LA dominance. In a highly anticipated clash, Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati U19 battled to a hard-fought 0-0 stalemate, showcasing resilience and tactical grit.

The Generation Adidas Cup qualifiers added their own brand of excitement. Bayside upset reigning champions Strikers FC to secure a quarterfinal spot, while Weston FC triumphed over Southern Soccer Academy with goals from Felipe Diniz and Brock Lucena. Weston’s next challenge? Ventura County Fusion, who edged Real Colorado 2-1 behind a brace from Nathan Lopez.

Day one delivered on its promise of high-stakes action and unrelenting drama. Buckle up—the journey is just getting started 👀

TOCA Football Brings the Challenge to MLS NEXT Fest

TOCA Football, the official soccer training partner of MLS, is raising the bar at MLS NEXT Fest with its innovative two-touch challenge. Players of all ages and skill levels, from pros to academy stars, are stepping up to test their precision and control.

The energy is electric as participants vie for top spots on TOCA’s daily leaderboard, showcasing the sharpest skills on display. With its unique training approach, TOCA is helping players unlock their full potential while adding an extra layer of excitement to the Fest!

USL Academy League Defines Semifinals

The 2024 USL Academy Finals kicked off in thrilling fashion at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, as the nation’s top 16 USL Academy clubs began their quest for the league title in a high-stakes, single-elimination showdown.

One of the most electrifying clashes of the day saw Indy Eleven and Southern Soccer Academy Swarm FC lock horns in a dramatic 3-3 draw, with Indy clinching victory 4-2 in a tense penalty shootout. In their first-ever Finals appearance, Southern Soccer Academy Swarm nearly pulled off a stunning upset, fueled by Adrian Gallegos’ brilliant brace and composed penalty conversion. But Indy Eleven’s Ryan Hunsucker rose to the occasion, making a pivotal penalty save that secured the win for the seasoned Academy giant.

The reigning champions, Charlotte Independence, showcased nerves of steel as they edged Fort Lauderdale United FC in a nail-biting penalty shootout. After a hard-fought 0-0 draw, Charlotte’s precision from the spot, combined with two clutch saves from goalkeeper Nicholas Gritz, sealed a 4-2 shootout victory and their spot in the quarterfinals.

AC Connecticut delivered late-game heroics to overcome El Paso Locomotive FC 2-1. Nicola Acocella wasted no time putting AC Connecticut ahead in the 4th minute, but El Paso’s Axel Valdivia equalized before halftime to keep the game in the balance. With just moments left, Jack Ryan—last year’s Young Player of the Tournament—struck a breathtaking volley to clinch the win and keep AC Connecticut’s Finals legacy alive in their fourth straight appearance.

Richmond Kickers punched their ticket to the quarterfinals with a confident 2-0 victory over St. Petersburg FC, thanks to goals from Nicholas Simmonds and Andrew Richman. Their next challenge? A clash with the Utah Red Wolves, who dispatched San Antonio FC with an impressive 3-0 performance.

Elsewhere, Lancaster FC showed resilience in a gritty 1-0 win over West Coast FC, while Miami FC made a statement with a commanding 3-0 triumph over Lonestar FC.

As the competition narrows, the battle for the title intensifies, setting the stage for more electrifying matchups in the quarterfinals!

Quarterfinal Thrills Set the Stage for Semifinals

Day two of the USL Academy Finals brought high drama in the quarterfinals, with Miami FC and AC Connecticut delivering a match for the ages. Miami stormed ahead with three goals, powered by Sebastien Joseph and Lucas Costa, but AC Connecticut mounted an unforgettable comeback, capped off by Nico Santana’s late equalizer, completing their rally from a three-goal deficit.

Indy Eleven showcased their dominance, dismantling reigning champions Charlotte Independence in a commanding 4-0 victory. Victor Aguilar, Lahrsen, and a brilliant brace from Gian Colassaco secured their semifinal spot.

In other action, Richmond Kickers edged out Utah Red Wolves 1-0 in a tightly contested match, while Real Colorado defeated Lancaster FC 2-1 to secure their place in the final four.

The semifinal bracket is set for Saturday: AC Connecticut will take on Richmond Kickers, while Real Colorado faces off against the red-hot Indy Eleven. The stakes are higher than ever as the road to the title narrows!