The MLS NEXT Cup playoffs have begun, and in its first days, it has already provided some great highlights and upsets as the top teams fight for a chance at the trophy in Nashville.

On Saturday, on the first day of play, we witnessed some of the best matches in the tournament. Philadelphia Union defeated NEFC U-16 with a 7-1 score, showcasing phenomenal collective play with several standout players. NEFC began by taking the lead with a goal by Shayne Folkes in the 25th minute, but Philadelphia Union quickly equalized with a goal by Gabriel Wesseh in the 28th minute. Daniel Dixon scored a brace, Jax Benton scored in the 47th minute, Gabriel Wesseh scored again in the 57th minute, and Emmanuel Clark scored in the 67th minute, making it 6-1. At the end of the game, Jax Benton rounded out the scoring with his 2nd of the day and 7th of the day for the Union.

FC Delco U-16 surprised everyone by eliminating FC Dallas in a very close match, where the Pennsylvania team managed to beat the Texans 2-1. Seamus Lannon opened the scoring in the 31st minute, and minutes later, FC Delco was left a man down as Dominic Czachor received a red card. Emmanuel Coronado scored the second goal in the 61st minute, and seconds later, Zach Molomo scored the only goal for FC Dallas.

One of the most notable matches on Saturday was the duel between Atlanta United and New York Red Bulls U-15. Tristan Lee opened the scoring for Atlanta United in the 5th minute, and minutes later, Alfred Haba equalized. The match was high intensity, with both teams creating dangerous chances. Nico Gonzalez scored the 2-1 for New York Red Bulls in the 48th minute, and Timothy McFarland made it 3-1. The game seemed decided for the New York team, but Atlanta United recovered in time with a flurry of goals from Ethan Degny (twice), David Sibrian, and Santiago Suarez (born in 2011), securing a 5-3 victory and placing themselves among the top 16 teams.

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Game of the season? 🫢 @Soccer.com #mls #mlsnext #atlantaunited #redbulls #football #soccer #footy #footyaccess

Sacramento Republic managed to beat Inter Miami U-15 on penalties after tying 2-2 in regulation time. Sacramento Republic, one of the best teams this season, achieved an agonizing victory in the penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Osvaldo Cisneros became the team's hero. Rylan Hashimoto and Da'vian Kimbrough scored for Sacramento Republic, leading 2-0 at the end of the first half. In the second half, Inter Miami responded in time with goals from Zidane Cadet and Ashraf Bedard-Khalid, tying the game. Sacramento Republic won on penalties with a 5-4 score.

Nashville SC U-15 made a real impact by defeating one of the main favorites, Total Futbol Academy. In front of a crowd of spectators, the Tennessee team showed great collective effort, and with a goal from forward Cristian Rodriguez in the 58th minute, Nashville SC managed to beat TFA 1-0 and qualify for round of 16.

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Mattheo Dimareli Debuts & Julien Lacher Scores His First Professional Goal

The young forward born in 2009, Mattheo Dimareli, made his professional debut last Sunday in the game between St. Louis City SC and Houston Dynamo 2. Dimareli is a recurring player on the United States U-15 national team and became champion in the Vaclav Markovic tournament. After being on the bench several times with Houston Dynamo 2, he entered in the 90th minute of this game, adding his first minutes in MLS NEXT Pro.

Julien Lacher scored his first professional goal in a 3-1 NYCFC II victory over Toronto FC II. Born in 2007, Lacher has been one of the most outstanding players of NYCFC U-17, and in three games with the second team, he managed to score his first goal. This match also featured the participation of Maximo Carrizo and Jacob Arroyave, who started the game.

The forward from Columbus Crew 2, Chase Adams, scored again in the game against Inter Miami 2 and so far has 5 goals in 9 games, being the only player born in 2008 with more professional goals. Adams has been a very outstanding player, and his growth has been constant in recent seasons, making him one of the best prospects in the nation.