The United States kicked-off their participation in the prestigious Jezec Cup in the Czech Republic this past Wednesday. The team, led by Gonzalo Segares as head coach, began with a 1-0 loss against Germany in the opening of the tournament.

It is important to know that although this tournament is for U-18 teams, that is, for players born in 2007 or younger, the United States Youth National Team decided to send its U-17 team to get some experience for the Concacaf U-17 Championship that will take place next year.

The United States began their game against Germany with intense pressure and good play in the midfield where they managed to impose their tactical ideas, however Germany had the best chances in the first half of the game. New York Red Bulls goalkeeper, Aidan Stokes, was one of the best players in the game due to his great saves throughout the match. As the game was heading for a close, defender Adrian Sanders committed a foul inside the box and German midfielder Francis Onyeka scored from the penalty spot to make it 1-0 over the United States.

In the second half, the United States made several changes that gave the game a new impetus and although they had control of the ball, it was the German team that created more danger in the box. Striker Chance Cowell had an opportunity to equalize in the 80th minute but a shot hit the post prevented the United States from equalizing the result.

The rest of the games were completed on Wednesday with the Czech national team, which played a balanced match against Wales. Both teams had several interesting chances, but in the end the game ended without a goal in a tough battle as the match ends in a 0-0 draw.

The Turkish national team defeated Slovakia 1-0 after a goal by Solakoğullari at halftime, and in the final Nathan Udvaros equalized 1-1.

U.S. Dominance Against Host Nation

The United States entered today's match determined to bounce back after their previous game against Germany, and they wasted no time showing it. From the opening whistle, it was an intense, end-to-end battle. The U.S. struck first, building a fluid attack from the back, which ended with Mathis Albert calmly slotting the ball into the net.

The pressure didn't let up. Just before halftime, Albert struck again, doubling the lead and giving the U.S. a commanding advantage. In the second half, they continued to dominate. Albert turned provider, setting up Lorenzo Cornelius for what seemed to be the decisive goal.

As the match neared its conclusion, Jude Terry entered the field and made an immediate impact. With an impressive individual performance, he created a chance for himself and sealed the victory with a fourth goal, completing a 4-0 triumph over the Czech Republic.

United States Across the World 🇺🇸

The U-18 United States National Team has officially been announced for their upcoming matches in Japan.

This team is expected to be led by two-time LA Galaxy U-17 champion coach Shaun Tsakiris. The U.S. will open the tournament against the home team from Niigata on Sept. 12, face Japan two days later, and close out its campaign on Sept. 16 against Peru.

This team will have new faces, as FC Cincinnati U-18 goalkeeper Kayne Rizvanovich has been called up to a U.S. youth national camp for the first time. Rizvanovich has been a key player for FC Cincinnati and has risen in the federation's regard as one of the most promising goalkeepers in the 2007 class.

His teammate, Stefan Chirila also joins a U.S. youth national camp for the first time. The center forward has had an impressive season being a prolific striker and scoring an inordinate amount of goals. Chirila has signed a professional contract with FC Cincinnati and his call-up to the United States was expected.

Both Justin Ellis and Colin Guske join the team after being key players for Orlando City. Guske is a versatile midfielder who joins a national camp for the first time while Justin Ellis is considered by many scouts and coaches to be one of the most talented forwards in the entire U.S. youth system.

Of note is the presence of Santiago Pita who recently joined the Atlanta United academy after impressing last season with Weston FC as one of the team's top players. Pita was recently part of the Venezuelan U-20 national team and this will be his first experience with the United States.

Darius Lane and Axel Perez will be the only foreign-based players to be part of this squad. Both players also took part in training with the Olympic national team prior to the Olympic games.

Both Jose Magaña and Harbor Miller have recently been champions with LA Galaxy U-17 and will be key pieces in the defensive end of this team. Their great performances at club level have earned them this call-up. Magaña was with Mexico U-18 recently.

The Battle Between the Blues and Reds

16-year old Rio Ngumoha, is now a Liverpool player for all intents and purposes after the Reds obtained the acceptance of the Premier League. Ngumoha's transfer had to complete a series of previous bureaucratic steps before becoming official since he is a minor and his movement is between two youth teams within the Premier League.

Last July, Liverpool's interest in Rio Ngumoha was revealed. The footballer wanted to join the Reds and that decision was key to him ending up wearing the red. Ngumoha, with English and Nigerian nationality but a current youth international with England, was born in 2008 and plays as a left winger, can also play on the opposite flank as a right winger, and can also run the channels through the middle which makes a very versatile and interesting attacking threat.

However, Ngumoha will not play with the first team, at least not at first. At 16 years old, he will start with Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's Liverpool under-18s and could make his debut on 14 September against Blackburn Rovers. Since it is a move for a player still in training, the compensation that Liverpool will pay Chelsea has not yet been agreed, but it will be a six-figure sum.

The signing of Ngumoha is considered by Liverpool to be a great coup on the table. A talent with enormous potential and who was already named best player of the tournament when Chelsea under-16 were proclaimed national champions last October. Ngumoha progression was seen across the whole academy as he was brought up to play with the blues' under-21s in January. Former Chelsea captain John Terry had some bright words for the young international as his talents are as clear as day for everyone to see.

MLS NEXT Kicks Off: All You Need to Know for the New Season!

This weekend will see the start of the 2024/2025 MLS NEXT season in the United States and Canada.

As reported last week, MLS NEXT has made changes to the age group structure giving more young players the opportunity to access the professional route.

• MLS academies move from U15 and U17 age group designations to U16 and U18 age group designations.

• All MLS academies will compete in the U19 age group and rosters will be made up of U18 players and a limited number of overage players.

This Saturday, September 7th, we will have as our highlight games the match between New York Red Bulls vs Player Development Academy in the U-15, U-16 and U-18 age groups. Also of note is the match between two of the best non-MLS teams in California, Strikers FC vs Total Futbol Academy.

On Sunday, September 8th, we will have as our most attractive duel the match between Colorado Rapids vs FC Dallas and the game between BW Gottschee vs New York City FC.