Matchday 2 at MLS NEXT Fest brought excitement to the pitch, highlighted by a thrilling showdown between Philadelphia Union and Real Salt Lake U19. The Union’s "Baby Snakes" emerged victorious with a commanding 3-1 performance, sparked by Diego Rocio’s 45th-minute opener. Anisse Saidi and Kellan Le Blanc added to the tally before Nicholas Nobles found the net for Real Salt Lake to close the scoring.

In another tightly contested match, New England Revolution U19 secured a vital 2-0 win over San Jose Earthquakes. With the game locked in a stalemate, Lithuanian international Grant Emerhi struck in the 80th minute, followed by Cristiano Oliveira’s decisive goal in the 88th, sealing the Revolution’s triumph.

Colorado Rapids U19 showcased resilience in a 2-1 comeback win over Columbus Crew, marking their second straight victory. After Alex Gimple gave Columbus the lead in the 33rd minute, Colton Swan took charge, netting twice in quick succession (63’ and 69’) to secure the result.

Orlando City U19 remained unstoppable, dominating FC Cincinnati with a commanding 4-0 victory. Jake Basinet set the tone early with a 3rd-minute strike, followed by Gustavo Caraballo’s double and a finishing touch from Nikolai Pierre in the 75th minute.

Meanwhile, LAFC edged Atlanta United in a tightly contested battle, with Marius Aiyenero delivering the decisive goal in the 71st minute to claim a crucial 1-0 win.

The Generation Adidas Cup qualifiers delivered intense action as Sockers FC edged past Sacramento Republic 3-2, setting up a showdown with Weston FC, who triumphed over Ventura County Fusion. Meanwhile, Bayside FC held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Global Football Innovation. Jacksonville Armada FC rounded out the excitement with a hard-fought win over De Anza Force, keeping their cup dreams alive.

The Stage is Set for the USL Academy Final!

After intense semifinal battles, the stage is set for an epic finale in the USL Academy League. AC Connecticut and Indy Eleven have punched their tickets to Sunday’s title showdown, promising a thrilling clash to crown the season’s best.

AC Connecticut emerged victorious in a hard-fought 2-0 battle against Richmond Kickers, showcasing their sharp finishing and determination. After a tightly contested first half, the breakthrough came in the 50th minute when Sam McCann’s cross-shot deflected into the net.

Eight minutes later, Daniel Istambouli sealed the win with a clinical low-driven strike, securing AC Connecticut’s place in the grand final. Their journey continues with one last challenge ahead!

Indy Eleven battled Real Colorado in a semifinal showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Real Colorado struck first with a commanding header from Xander Sevian in the 27th minute, but Indy Eleven’s resilience shone through.

Fynn Lahrsen’s brilliant brace turned the tide, putting Indy ahead 2-1, and Ephram Amones sealed the victory with an 82nd-minute goal. With their 3-1 win, Indy Eleven now sets their sights on the grand final.

Today, all eyes turn to the USL Academy League Final as AC Connecticut takes on Indy Eleven in an electrifying showdown. AC Connecticut has captivated fans with their grit and surprising upsets, while Indy Eleven has showcased unwavering strength and consistency.

With high stakes and two determined teams, this final promises to deliver unforgettable moments. Let the best team rise to the occasion!

Sporting Kansas City Welcomes Young Talent with Historic Homegrown Signings

Sporting Kansas City has made a significant stride in its youth development by signing 16-year-olds Ian James and Jack Kortkamp as Homegrown Players. Both have inked MLS contracts through 2027, with options for 2028 and 2029, marking them as the 20th and 21st academy graduates to join the first team. James, a 6-foot-2 center-back, and Kortkamp, the club’s youngest-ever goalkeeper, now hold the distinction of being the league’s youngest defender and goalkeeper on MLS contracts, respectively.

James' impressive rise through the academy ranks has seen him captain the U-15s and lead the U-17s to the quarterfinals of the Generation Adidas Cup and MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. With 10 appearances for Sporting KC II in MLS NEXT Pro and a standout performance in preseason, James is primed to make an impact at the professional level. Kortkamp, a U.S. youth international, has also shown remarkable promise, earning spots with the U-15, U-16, and U-17 national teams while helping the U-19s claim their second consecutive UPSL title.

Both players are now set to continue their development with Sporting KC, representing the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. Their recent achievements, both with the national teams and in MLS NEXT Pro, set the stage for bright futures as they join the first team and contribute to Sporting Kansas City's ongoing success.