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- The 2025/2026 Season Kicks Off with New Moves
The 2025/2026 Season Kicks Off with New Moves
With the MLS NEXT season coming to an end, the landscape is already shifting. A wave of young talent is on the move, reshaping top academies and marking the start of a new youth cycle across North America. From headline transfers to international tournament wins and a record-breaking senior debut, here’s everything you need to know heading into kickoff.
Transfers Set the Tone for a New Season 🔄
One of the most notable moves of the offseason is winger Makai Wells (2009), who joins New England Revolution after a strong campaign at Barca Residency Academy. Expected to feature with the U18s, Wells brings pace and creativity to the Revolution’s attack. He’s not the only departure from Barca: Hinata Koyama heads to New York Red Bulls, while striker Anthony Perez (2008) takes a bold step abroad, joining CF Monterrey in Mexico.
Barca Residency is reloading as well. Talented 2011-born striker Easton Odom, formerly of Rebels SC, is one to watch this season as he joins their U15 squad. Another top 2011 talent, Leonardo Woehl, leaves Sockers FC to sign with Columbus Crew, where he’s expected to make an immediate impact.

Perhaps the most high-profile European move comes from Lukas Bruegmann (2009). After a breakout season with Houston Dynamo 2 in MLS NEXT Pro and multiple U.S. U16 national team camps, the attacking talent is off to TSG Hoffenheim in Germany.
Rodrigo Alvarez, a creative midfielder and one of D.C. United’s top U15s, is now with Inter Miami, ready to contribute to their U16 squad. D.C. also welcomes 2010-born Kyle Nunes from Springfield SYC as they build their next generation.
Inter Miami’s youth setup is quickly becoming one of the deepest in the country. In addition to Alvarez, they’ve added Lukas Davila (2008) from Athletum FC and David Morin from Miami Rush, reinforcing their midfield and attacking depth.
Other notable moves include Cayden Pierre switching from GSA to Charlotte FC, and promising 2011-born center back Javier Tapia leaving LA Galaxy for LAFC in a high-profile intra-city switch.
Meanwhile, Orlando City is strengthening on multiple fronts. After a standout season with Orlando City Seminole, goalkeeper Aiden Konat (2008) has officially joined the academy, and he’s not alone. Defender Eduardo Ayalla, a U17 MLS NEXT Cup finalist with Weston FC, and forward Toryn Penders, who represented the U.S. Virgin Islands at the Concacaf U17 Championship, are also set to make waves.
U.S. Academies Dominate at MICFootball Punta Cana 🇩🇴
Two American academies lifted silverware at the 2025 MICFootball Punta Cana, underscoring the continued rise of U.S. youth talent on the international stage.
In the U15 division, Inter Miami claimed the title after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Club de Fútbol América. After a tense, scoreless draw in regular time, Inter Miami converted three of four penalties while América missed three of their own. The win capped off a flawless campaign for the Florida side, who went unbeaten and didn’t concede a single goal across six matches. With group-stage wins over Proyecto JDB, Albion Elite White, and Club Real Deportivo RD, followed by knockout victories against Nación FC and College Cup, Miami looked dominant from start to finish.
In the U14 category, LA Galaxy delivered a commanding 3–1 win over Aston Villa (England) in the final. Goals from Nicolas Ibrahim, Matthew Leone, and Devrim Batur sealed the trophy, while Kachinga Siame netted the lone goal for Villa. Galaxy crushed Barça Academy RD 6–0 in the quarterfinals, edged ACFFI on penalties in the semis, and dropped only two points in the group stage — finishing their run in style.
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Gilberto Mora Becomes Youngest-Ever Player to Debut for Mexico 🇲🇽
In a moment that could redefine what’s possible for young players in the region, Gilberto Mora Zambrano made his senior debut for Mexico in a Gold Cup quarterfinal win over Saudi Arabia — at just 16 years, 8 months, and 14 days old. The midfielder started the match, wore the number 7 shirt, and held his own with calm distribution, confident touches, and sharp positioning before being subbed off in the 73rd minute.
His appearance broke the previous record for the youngest player to feature for Mexico in an official match. Head coach Javier Aguirre praised Mora's maturity, noting, “He wanted the ball, he didn’t get scared… what stands out most is his mentality.”
Born in Chiapas and currently on the books with Club Tijuana, Mora made his Liga MX debut at 15 and is quickly becoming one of the most exciting prospects in North America.
⚽ What’s Next?
With the 2025/26 season around the corner, all eyes turn to how these young players will settle into new environments, compete for spots, and take the next steps in their development. If this summer has shown us anything, it’s that the future of North American soccer is bold, international, and already making history.