Four different MLS academies – U15 Philadelphia Union, U16 Real Salt Lake, U17 Inter Miami CF, and U19 LA Galaxy – took home an illustrious championship
NEW YORK (Monday, June 23, 2025) – After nine days of thrilling action, the 2024-25 MLS NEXT season came to an end at MLS NEXT Cup as four clubs lifted MLS NEXT Cup titles. The finals produced four different winning clubs across each age group – U15 Philadelphia Union, U16 Real Salt Lake, U17 Inter Miami CF, and U19 LA Galaxy. For the first time ever, MLS NEXT Cup Champions were crowned in the U13 and U14 age groups. Taking home the inaugural honors were Springfield SYC (U13) and Orlando City SC (U14).
After a 3-1 victory in the U19 final, the LA Galaxy, led by head coach Shaun Tsakiris, became the first team in MLS NEXT history to win three different MLS NEXT Cup titles. The Galaxy previously won championships in 2024 (U17) and 2023 (U17), with many of the U19 players having helped secure the title last season. Another MLS academy, Real Salt Lake, made further history by becoming the first team to win the illustrious Generation adidas Cup and MLS NEXT Cup in the same season, doing so in the U16 age group.
In the U15 age group, the Philadelphia Union defeated Atlanta United, 3-0, to take home their second MLS NEXT Cup title and first since 2022. Inter Miami CF also won their second MLS NEXT Cup championship as they emerged victorious in the U17 age group over Weston FC in penalty kicks. Two different MLS NEXT Elite Academies made runs to the final – Cedar Stars Academy Bergen (U19) and Weston FC (U17) – each reaching an MLS NEXT Cup final for the second time.
MLS NEXT also announced the Top Scorer, Best Goalkeeper presented by Allstate, and MVP presented by adidas for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in all four age groups.
U15 MLS NEXT Cup Champions: Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union got off to a quick start and never looked back in the U15 final to earn their second-ever MLS NEXT Cup title, defeating Atlanta United, 3-0. After a bouncing ball in the 18-yard-box fell to forward Olatimoni Gbalajobi, the U.S. Youth National team product slotted home his finish for a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute. The Union doubled their advantage in the second half through Samuel Gallego, who dribbled past multiple defenders before curling his effort into the corner. Gallego earned MVP honors presented by adidas for his standout performances en route to the title, while Union goalkeeper Kenan Livadic was named Best Goalkeeper presented by Allstate. Gbalajobi finished off the victory for Philadelphia as he intercepted a ball and chipped the goalkeeper to seal the 3-0 win.
View match highlights HERE.
U15 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs Individual Awards
- MLS NEXT Cup MVP presented by adidas: Samuel Gallego (Philadelphia Union)
- MLS NEXT Cup Best Goalkeeper presented by Allstate: Kenan Livadic (Philadelphia Union)
- MLS NEXT Cup Top Scorer: Liam Chinchilla Oporto (Sacramento Republic FC)
U16 MLS NEXT Cup Champions: Real Salt Lake
2024-25 was a remarkable season for Real Salt Lake’s U16 squad as they became the first club in MLS NEXT history to win Generation adidas Cup and MLS NEXT Cup in the same year. Real Salt Lake took down Atlanta United in the championship match, 2-1, after Royce Mihov scored on a header from a corner kick in the 89th minute of the match to snatch the title. Salt Lake was led by Van Parker, whose six goals were the most among all age groups and became the second player in MLS NEXT Cup history to be named MVP and Top Scorer. Real Salt Lake’s run to the final was led by a dynamic attack that averaged 3.6 goals per game in Nashville.
View match highlights HERE.
U16 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs Individual Awards
- MLS NEXT Cup MVP presented by adidas: Van Parker (Real Salt Lake)
- MLS NEXT Cup Best Goalkeeper presented by Allstate: James Donaldson (Atlanta United)
- MLS NEXT Cup Top Scorer: Van Parker (Real Salt Lake)
U17 MLS NEXT Cup Champions: Inter Miami CF
In the final match of the tournament, Inter Miami CF earned their second-ever MLS NEXT Cup title as they took down South Florida rivals Weston FC in penalty kicks. A heroic effort from goalkeeper Marco Simion helped Miami lift the title and also earned him MLS NEXT Cup Best Goalkeeper presented by Allstate. Miami’s path to a championship featured narrow victories in each round of the tournament, either winning in penalty kicks or by a one-goal margin. The constant in the midfield for the U17 winners was Lukas Robbins, who scored the crucial goal in the Round of 16 and played every minute of the tournament, as he was named MLS NEXT Cup MVP presented by adidas.
U17 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs Individual Awards
- MLS NEXT Cup MVP presented by adidas: Lukas Robbins (Inter Miami CF)
- MLS NEXT Cup Best Goalkeeper presented by Allstate: Marco Simion (Inter Miami CF)
- MLS NEXT Cup Top Scorer: Ethan Orchard (Real Colorado)
U19 MLS NEXT Cup Champions: LA Galaxy
With a majority of the 2024 U17 MLS NEXT Cup champions returning as part of the U19 age group, the LA Galaxy became the first club in MLS NEXT history to win three different MLS NEXT Cup championships, taking down Cedar Stars Academy Bergen, 3-1. After CSA Bergen went down a man, the Galaxy capitalized right before halftime as Christian Coreas headed home a cross from Eric Preston to take a 1-0 lead. The U19 MVP Dylan Vanney stepped up once again in the second half with his third goal of the competition, curling home a right-footed finish to give LA a 2-0 advantage in the 59th minute.
CSA Bergen responded well and forced Best Goalkeeper presented by Allstate, Owen Pratt into multiple saves before the U19 Top Score Amadou Aly Hann netted his fourth goal to bring the side within one with five minutes to go. However, the Galaxy would seal the victory in second-half stoppage time through Kai Aina, who gathered the ball after a defender slipped and rounded the ‘keeper for an easy finish.
U19 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs Individual Awards
- MLS NEXT Cup MVP presented by adidas: Dylan Vanney (LA Galaxy)
- MLS NEXT Cup Best Goalkeeper presented by Allstate: Owen Pratt (LA Galaxy)
- MLS NEXT Cup Top Scorer: Amadou Aly Hann (Cedar Stars Academy Bergen)
About MLS NEXT
Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. With a commitment to innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Throughout a season, MLS NEXT hosts four marquee events across the country, including the Generation adidas Cup, which features MLS academies playing against the top international clubs. Membership for the 2024-25 season included 29 MLS academies, 122 Elite Academies (151 total clubs), 753 teams and over 16,000 players across the U.S. and Canada. Official partners of MLS NEXT include adidas, Allstate, and Más+ by Messi. For more information about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.
