The Philadelphia Union Academy’s U‑15, U‑16, and U‑18 teams delivered a strong showing at the MLS NEXT Cup, competing against top youth academies from across the country in one of North America’s premier youth soccer events.
The U‑15s opened the tournament with three consecutive victories - defeating Global Football Innovation Academy (1–0), Sacramento Republic (4–2), and FC Bay Area Surf (2–0) - before falling to eventual champion Total Futbol Academy (2–0) in the semifinals.
The U‑16s advanced to the quarterfinals following wins over FC Dallas (5–1) and ALBION SC San Diego (2–0), before being eliminated by Atlanta United in a penalty shootout (7–6).
The U‑18s earned a 2–1 victory over Blau Weiss Gottschee before suffering a narrow 2–1 defeat to Real Salt Lake in the second round.
The tournament provided a valuable platform for players to test themselves against elite competition while continuing their progression within the Union’s player development pathway.
