Philadelphia Union Academy's U-16 squad secured their spot in this summer's MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs with a victory over rivals Red Bull New York on Saturday afternoon.
Under the direction of Head Coach Peter McDonnell, the U-16s were dominant on their home turf at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex. The Boys in Blue knew the stakes coming into their final home match of the MLS NEXT season, three points and their ticket to the postseason was secured.
The squad showed let the pressure get to them, amassing a resounding 6-2 victory in the rivalry showdown. Javier Linares netted a brace in the big win with Jayden Kouadio, Keegan Quenneville, Max Karl and Liam Holzman finding the back of the net as well.
Up next for the squad is a three-game set at MLS NEXT Flex that will run April 23rd through April 28th, in Frisco, Texas. The U-16s will face off against the SoCal Reds FC, Queen City Mutiny FC and Cedar Stars Academy of Bergen with the winner of the group also securing a spot into the postseason tournament that will take place May 23-31 in Salt Lake City.
