The Philadelphia Union Academy’s U‑15, U‑16, and U‑18 squads enter the MLS NEXT Cup with momentum, reinforcing the club’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier player‑development programs.
As the three teams head to Salt Lake City for the season finale, the Academy looks to extend a championship run that includes an MLS NEXT Cup or Generation adidas Cup title every year since 2022. The Union Academy has won two MLS NEXT Cups with the U-17s claiming the title in 2022 which featured four Union homegrowns including Andrew Rick and Frankie Westfield. Last year the U-15s secured their first-ever trophy in the age group with the majority of that squad now comprising the U-16 squad competing this season.
The U‑15s open play on Saturday, May 23 at 1:15 p.m. ET against Global Football Innovation Academy. The group earned qualification at MLS NEXT Flex, rebounding from an opening loss with back‑to‑back shutout wins over Orlando City Soccer South (1‑0) and the Michigan Wolves (2‑0).
The U‑16s begin their campaign on Sunday at 10:15 a.m. ET against FC Dallas PPP. The squad brings championship experience to the tournament after lifting the MLS NEXT Cup last year at the U-15 level. At Flex, the group recorded a win over SoCal Reds FC before narrowly falling in penalty kicks and a one‑goal match. The squad had already secured its MLS NEXT Cup berth earlier this spring, highlighted by a decisive 6‑2 victory over Red Bull New York on April 18 to clinch a top‑three league finish.
The U‑18s kick off tournament play on Sunday, May 24 at 5:00 p.m. ET against Blau Weiss Gottschee. The group qualified in emphatic fashion at Flex, sweeping all three matches, following a historic Dallas Cup championship that made the Union just the third American club to win the tournament.
The single-elimination knockout tournaments will be held from May 23-31 at Regional Athletics Soccer Complex. All championship matches will be played at Zions Bank Stadium.
MLS NEXT Cup presented by Allstate matches in the U15–U19 age groups will be 90 minutes in length. If a match is tied at the end of regulation, it will go directly to penalty kicks—except for the championship matches. Championship matches will include two five-minute periods of extra time. If the score stays level after extra time, penalty kicks determine the winner.
A total of 22 matches, including all eight championship matches, will stream live on MLS’ YouTube page. Jalil Anibaba, Calen Carr, AJ Ricketts, and Carter Augustine will be the broadcasters for the tournament from May 23-31 in Salt Lake City.
