The Philadelphia Union Academy returned home after securing two additional postseason berths at MLS NEXT Flex, the final qualifying competition for the 2026 MLS NEXT Cup.
The U-18s went unbeaten to secure another trip to the postseason, opening the tournament with a 3-0 win over Michigan Futbol Academy, followed by a 2-1 victory over Miami Futbol Academy Rush, and closing play with a thrilling penalty kick shootout result against NEFC which saw goalkeeper Matthew White make four saves.
The strong showing continued the U-18s’ momentum in Texas, coming on the heels of a historic run at the Dallas Cup, where the group became just the third American club to win the tournament.
As for the U-15s, the group responded well to early adversity, rebounding from a 1-0 loss to Lamorinda SC with back-to-back victories, a 1-0 win over Orlando City Soccer South, and a 2-0 win against the Michigan Wolves.
The U-16s also competed at MLS NEXT Flex, beginning the tournament with a 1-0 victory over SoCal Reds FC before falling in a penalty shootout against Queen City Mutiny FC. In their group play finale, the U-16s dropped a hard-fought match 1-0 to Cedar Stars Academy Bergen.
The group had already clinched a spot in the May MLS NEXT Cup with a 6-2 win over rivals Red Bull New York on April 18, securing a top-three finish in the league standings.
Philadelphia Union Academy wraps up the 2025-26 regular season this weekend as they head north of the border for matches against Toronto FC.
