TO THE RESCUE!

In the highly anticipated quarter-final clash of the MLS NEXT Pro between Philadelphia Union II and NYCFC II, fans were treated to a dynamic display of young talent, as both teams featured several standout prospects in their starting lineups. The match, showcasing the next generation of soccer stars, offered a glimpse into the future of United States talent, with players demonstrating skill, maturity, and potential well beyond their years.

CJ Olney became a hero after scoring the winner in Philadelphia Union II's win over NYCFC II. With this goal, Olney has totaled 7 goals and 9 assists in 23 games this season. Olney was not the only one who had an outstanding night, as 2007-born center-back Neil Pierre placed a precise long pass to earn his first professional assist.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old forward Mattheo Dimareli managed to score his second goal of the season in Houston Dynamo 2's 2-1 loss to The Town FC. Dimareli has been an important figure in Dynamo’s season as his overall tally is at 2 goals and 4 assists in 18 games.

Continuing his hot streak in the season, Chase Adams hit double digits as he scored his 10th goal this season in Columbus Crew 2's 4-2 win over Inter Miami II. The 2008-born center forward and U17 U.S. youth international has been a key part of the Ohio team's MLS NEXT Pro campaign as he is having a remarkable scoring season.

Speaking of top scorers, Stefan Chirila netted his 7th goal of the season in FC Cincinnati 2's game against Crown Legacy. Chirila opened up the scoring in the 79th minute but despite his brilliance, his efforts were in vain as in the final minutes, Crown Legacy turned the score around and advanced in the playoffs.

United States U19 national team forward, Mykhi Joyner, continues to score at a tremendous rate. After his participation with U.S. U-19s where he scored 2 goals in 2 games, the forward scored the winning goal this weekend for St. Louis City SC II to beat the west coast giants LAFC II 2-1 scoring in the 90+3 minute of the match. The assist was made by another talented youngster, Caden Glover who whipped in a very precise cross to connect with Joyner for the winner.

Conmebol’s Top Goalscoring Superstar

Chile U-15s wrap up their participation in the Under-15 Conmebol championships with a defeat against Argentina in a devastating 2-1 loss in the match for third place.

In the 13th minute, Thomas De Martis put the “Albiceleste” in the lead, making clear the intentions of the Argentines. And before the break, Lautaro Pereyra widened the gap, leaving Chile with an almost impossible uphill to overcome.

Zidane Yañez, the team's star player in the tournament, quickly scored, igniting the hope of a comeback. The young attacker was one of the highlights of La Roja U15, scoring five goals in the tournament and taking home the award for top scorer of the tournament.

Yañez started on fire this tournament as he began his quota against Bolivia with a double, and then repeated the same amount against Peru, as he helped lead his country throughout the group stage. His fifth strike came in a 2-1 loss against Argentina in the aforementioned last game which solidified his golden boot as he became the first-ever Chillian in history to win it in this competition.

Dortmund Has Another American Star on Their Hands

At just 15 years old, Mathis Albert is already causing a stir on the football field, easily recognizable by his curly hair that moves with every touch of the ball. In addition, his remarkable control of the ball at this young age is worthy of admiration. During the U19 derby between BVB and Schalke, Albert scored the opening goal, cutting inside and curling the ball precisely into the right corner.

The game against Schalke marked Albert's second game with the U19 team. Dortmund secured his signing from LA Galaxy’s youth academy last August, hoping to develop this forward into a player capable of competing with the first team and playing at the highest level. He is a versatile winger as he is right-footed and can run on both wings, displaying impressive speed with a knack for scoring goals with an incredible ball-striking ability.

In the derby against Schalke coach Tullberg assembled what he described as the "youngest team ever." Joining Mathis Albert and Mussa Kaba, both 15, were Luca Reggiani and Samuele Inacio, both 16.

Mathis Albert has put up impressive numbers so far with 7 appearances for Borussia Dortmund, two of them with the U19s, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists.

Record-Breaking Night for Austin FC

16-year-old midfielder Ervin Torres made his MLS debut as a substitute in the 84th minute, becoming the first player to represent Austin FC at the first-team, second-team and academy levels. An incredible achievement for any homegrown talent that displays the determination and commitment that Austin FC has towards their academy and the development of their youngsters.

With Torres' debut, he became only the fourth youngest player to make his MLS debut at the age of 16 years 11 months and 23 days, behind only the likes of Cavan Sullivan, Nimfa Berchimas, and Peyton Miller.

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Ervin Torres projects as a highly technically skilled central midfielder who has drastically increased in his development from last season which earned him the opportunity to debut with the first team.

With the second team, Torres made 24 appearances this season, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist from midfield. Recently, Torres joined the roster of the U.S. U-19 National Team on their tour of Spain.