The United States U-17 youth national team wrapped up its Vaclav Jezek Cup run with a loss to Germany, a win against the Czech Republic, and a draw against Slovakia. It should be noted that the American team fielded a team comprised of players born in 2008 and 2009 while the remaining teams were comprised of players born in 2007, which makes the final result of the U.S. youth team even more impressive.

On Sunday morning, the U.S. team faced Slovakia and managed a 1-1 draw. The United States looked good in the first half having control of the ball and being dangerous in attack. Still, the match's first goal came in the 54th minute after a cross by Oliver Tan and the finish by Lorenzo Cornelius who finished the tournament with 2 goals. Five minutes later, Slovakia would get the draw and despite the win open for grabs, the game would finish a tie.

The United States has looked very good throughout the tournament considering they were the youngest team and have shown very good signs regarding the composition of the team heading into the 2025 Concacaf U-17 Championship.

Rivals at the Domestic level, Teammates at International Level

This team brought together for the first time three of the nation's top prospects in Cavan Sullivan, Mathis Albert, and Maximo Carrizo and they have shown great moments throughout the three games. The midfield has looked very impressive with the addition of Chelsea FC defensive midfielder Landon Emenalo who was one of the standout players of the tournament. Emenalo has shown great chemistry with Jude Terry who filled the role of a holding midfielder or box-to-box midfielder during the event, they seem to have formed a great partnership in the middle of the park.

The defense has looked very solid and lived up to expectations. Both fullbacks had great moments in both phases of the game and the center-backs have looked very strong and reliable in 1v1 situations.

What's next for this team?

This has been the last camp for them this year so far, but they are expected to be able to meet in January ahead of the U-17 Concacaf Championship in early February. They have made a great impression so far both collectively and individually and have proven to live up to the heights set by their youthful talents.

Late Drama in the MLS for Julian Hall

Sixteen-year-old Julian Hall scored a late equalizer in a draw with Sporting Kansas City on Saturday at Red Bull Arena.

Hall picked up the ball in the box as it bounced off defenders and slid his shot into the bottom left corner of the net, freezing the Sporting goalkeeper for a goal in the 89th minute and rescuing his side a point.

Hall scored his second goal of the season and his first since June 19 against CF Montreal, when he became the franchise's youngest scorer at 16 years and 87 days.

With his 89th-minute equalizer, Hall became the first player 16 or younger in MLS history to record an equalizer in the 80th minute or later in multiple games, according to MLS Communications. Hall seems to have a knack for coming up big late in games, he is becoming someone the Red Bulls look to when needing a spark of change in their attack as he has done tremendously with the faith the organization has given to him.

The Journey to the MLS NEXT Cup Begins…

MLS NEXT has begun this weekend and with it brings teams that are hungrier than last season to make their mark in the leagues’ fifth iteration. Despite it being the first weekend of games, it has already gifted us notable moments for the start of the season.

One of the most impressive results was the Philadelphia Union's 13-0 victory over Achilles FC U-16. Philadelphia Union took advantage of every opportunity they had and was decisive in the final third. The team was filled with great performers across the pitch, especially Willyam Ferreira who scored a hat trick, and recent addition Chuka Ebo who also scored a hat trick, and Malik Jakupovic who added a brace to his name to add the killing blow in this demolition of Achilles FC.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia Union U-18 beat their counterparts from Achilles FC 3-0 with a brace from Anisse Saidi and a goal from Jack Illig. Saidi carries over his scoring streak from the previous season and has hit the ground running this campaign in a great way. Saidi is already one of the most clinical center forwards in the youth system, and this season seems to be one that will catapult him into superstardom.

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The first-time scorer in MLS NEXT is Thiago Messi. The son of Lionel Messi made his league debut in an Inter Miami U-13 victory over Orlando City Youth SC and scored in the 24th minute of the match after finishing with a low shot with his right foot.

Last season’s MLS NEXT U-17 runner-up, Charlotte FC, started their season with a 3-0 victory over NEFC U-18. Sebastian Bourget in the 11th minute put his team ahead, followed by Isaias Elizalde in the 20th minute doubled the lead for Charlotte, finalized by Rocket Ritarita in the 25th minute as he sealed the score in a commanding victory for Charlotte on opening day.

It is also worth noting that Rocket Ritarita has been called up to the Philippines U-20 for the U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers in 2025.