U.S. Stars Dominate Home Turf, Capturing Global Headlines

The MLS NEXT season is in full effect and the talents that lit it up last season are back and better than ever. The highest level of youth football takes center stage this week with city rival games and long-lasting derbies that are sure to shake up the MLS NEXT standings.

September 27, 2024

Standing Out Amongst the Pro’s

Cavan Sullivan continues to impress the world of soccer at just 14 years old. Earlier this week, Sullivan played a key role in Philadelphia Union II turning things around in a last-gasp 4-3 win over NYCFC II.

Sullivan earned his 11th MLS NEXT Pro start late in the game after a precise left-footed free kick and a subsequent goal from winger Frankie Westfield as he earned his fourth professional assist this season.

Since his debut, Sullivan has been on a steady rise in his game and has become the first player born in 2009 in the world to play more than one game in the top division. He seems to be breaking a new record every game week, and with the development he is receiving at the pro level, he is certainly one for the future.

On the international level, Cavan is also making his mark after participating in the Vaclac Jezec Cup in the Czech Republic in early September where he played in all three corresponding games against Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia and was a key player for the team in those respective games.

Next American Sensation Set to Take the Premier League by Storm?

Matai Akinmboni has played eight times as a center-back in MLS this year at just 17 years old. Bursting onto the MLS scene at such a young age has caught the attention of a Premier League club.

Bournemouth submitted a second offer last week for DC United's Matai Akinmboni, according to two sources. Specific details are not available yet but it seems they are closing in on a deal. A third offer seems likely in the coming weeks. He turns 18 next month. Four MLS starts amid injuries and a loan this year have marked a solid development for the center-back.

Akinmboni has also played for DC United's reserve team, Loudoun United, in the USL Championship this year where he has earned significant minutes to get ready for the first team.

While he hasn’t earned any minutes in MLS over the past few weeks, the player is hoping for a move soon to continue to ascend in terms of his development.

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North Texas SC Invest in New Firepower

North Texas SC has announced the signing of FC Dallas Academy forward Daniel Baran to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the end of the season.

Baran, 18, signed with North Texas SC after making his professional debut on April 6 against The Town FC. Since his debut, Baran has appeared 14 times for North Texas, playing 508 minutes and recording one assist.

“Daniel is a very talented player with great potential and a fantastic attitude,”

“We are excited to have him in our environment and look forward to playing a major role in his development and future success.”

- North Texas SC General Manager, Matt Denny

Originally from Chicago, Baran joined the FC Dallas Academy system in September 2023. He participated in the 2023 Liga MX Internacional and was a member of the team that finished second in the Gordon Jago Super Group Final of the 2024 Dallas Cup. Baran has been called up twice to the Polish U-18 Youth National Team.

MLS NEXT Week 4: Epic City Rivalries and Thrilling Derbies

MLS NEXT will begin its week 4 of the 2024-2025 season and as the weeks progress, the teams will settle into the competition.

On Saturday we will have an incredible game between two of the best teams in MLS NEXT, Philadelphia Union against Toronto FC. Toronto FC comes into this game undefeated in all its age groups, being one of the strongest teams so far. The center forward of the Toronto U-16 team, Kervon Kerr has a total of 12 goals in five games being the leading scorer in the league so far.

Philadelphia Union will have their second game this season after their debut against Achilles FC in the first week. Last weekend the team played a series of friendlies against Austin FC to get ready.

New England Revolution will host CF Montreal in the fourth round while Chicago Fire will face Columbus Crew at their new training center in downtown Chicago.

The Texas derby will take place this Saturday in Houston for the matchup between Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas.

The Florida derby will also take place this Saturday for the matchup between Orlando City and Inter Miami. Meanwhile, on Saturday, September 28, we will also have the matchup between Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders.