The United States U16 national team concluded its tour of South America with two draws: the first against Uruguay on May 27 and the second yesterday against Argentina.

In their first match, the United States youth national team drew 1-1 against Uruguay. The United States dominated the game and took the lead with a goal from Real Salt Lake midfielder Luca Moisa. However, the Uruguayan team equalized with a play from forward Rodrigo Martinez.

Yesterday, the United States faced the Argentina youth national team. Once again, the United States controlled the ball, but Argentina scored first with a goal from Uriel Ojeda. The United States equalized at the end of the first half with a goal from forward Mathis Albert. In the second half, both teams made changes that shifted the game's dynamics. Mathis Albert scored the second goal for the United States, achieving his first brace with the national team. Argentina equalized minutes later with a goal from forward Thomas De Martis, setting the final result of the match.

These results have been positive for both the players and coach Gonzalo Segares, who continues to familiarize himself with the player pool for the upcoming Concacaf U17 Championship to be held in 2025, aiming for the World Cup in Qatar. The United States achieved good results against strong youth teams, leaving a very good impression both collectively and individually.

With this series of friendly matches, the 2008 age group concludes its cycle and will transition from U16 to U17 starting in July. This team is expected to reconvene in September at a domestic camp.

Prodigies Nimfasha Berchimas and Zavier Gozo Called Up to United States U19 for Friendlies in South America

Nimfasha Berchimas has been called up to the United States U19 national team, which will play a friendly against Argentina in Buenos Aires on June 7 and against Uruguay in Montevideo on June 11. Berchimas, born in 2008, returns to the national team camp for the first time since a standout performance at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The forward made his MLS debut as a late substitute in Charlotte FC's 1-0 victory over New York City FC in the first game of the season on February 24.

With this call-up, Nimfasha Berchimas becomes the first player born in 2008 to be called up to the U19 team, competing against players three years older. The forward has been one of the most outstanding players this 2023/2024 season at both club and national team levels.

Zavier Gozo also receives his first call-up to the United States U19 national team, being the only player born in 2007 on the squad. Originally from Eagle Mountain, Utah, he made his MLS debut at the end of the 2023 season, playing the final five minutes against LA Galaxy in a 2-2 draw. This season, the young attacker has led the Real Salt Lake U-17 team in several tournaments this spring, while appearing on the RSL bench in multiple matches and scoring two goals in six appearances for Real Monarchs in MLS NEXT Pro. Gozo also started and earned an assist in RSL's Open Cup loss on May 8 against New Mexico.

Players born on or after January 1, 2005, are age-eligible for the 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship. Nsien will lead the MYNT U-19, born in 2005, during their preparations for the World Cup qualifying tournament this summer.

Key Weekend for Qualification in MLS NEXT

This weekend will be crucial for many teams in MLS NEXT, as several will seek to qualify in what will be, for some divisions, the last weekend of matches for the MLS NEXT Cup.

Some teams have already secured their spot through MLS NEXT Flex or have advanced through the rankings, while others will look to earn their place this weekend. Among the most notable games will be the Florida derby, with Orlando City facing Inter Miami in a duel between the two most prominent teams in the South.

Philadelphia Union will host CF Montreal in another highlight match this weekend. The Canadian U17 team needs a victory and must hope for a loss from the New England Revolution. Both teams have already qualified, but the match between Real Salt Lake and San Jose Earthquakes will be another very interesting game this weekend.

Other games to watch include Atlanta United vs Toronto FC, Charlotte FC vs DC United, Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids, and Vancouver Whitecaps vs Seattle Sounders.