MLS Next: U15, U16 first round predictions

by Travis Clark

June 24, 2021

The MLS Next postseason here, with a new format: a knockout tournament for the qualified teams at the U15, U16, U17 and U19 age groups.

Games begin with the Under-15 and Under-16 sides in action starting on Friday in Frisco, Texas. Each age group starts with a field of 32, and will be whittled down to one winner in the beginning of July.

It’s unclear what teams may look like, with minimal information available ahead of the competition. Even in the face of that, check out a brief overview of the two youngest age groups and a prediction for each first round below.

All games listed in Central Time and take place on June 25.

U15

More than half the teams at this age group have ties to professional teams, whether it’s a Major League Soccer squad or an academy team from a USL Championship team. It’s safe to say that a pro academy is likely to emerge at this age group.

LA Galaxy are the top seeded team – although it’s hard to read too much into seeding considering how the pandemic impacted schedules – but a potential Round of 16 match against the Philadelphia Union looms. Atlanta United, Orlando City and Inter Miami are all dangerous at this age group as well, while Austin FC has a tricky test in the first round against Barca Academy-AZ.

Outside of the pro teams, Cedar Stars Academy have played well during their chances in MLS Next matches. They are the highest non-pro team at this age group in the Soccer Masters TeamRank Top 25. Other prominent clubs to keep an eye on include Total Futbol Academy, the winner of Real Colorado-Indiana Fire and De Anza Force.

FC Dallas vs. Chicago Fire FC, 10 a.m.

Predicted winner: FC Dallas

Cedar Stars Academy Bergen vs. Murrieta Surf, 10 a.m.

Predicted winner: Cedar Stars Academy Bergen

Inter Miami CF vs. Total Futbol Academy, 10 a.m.

Predicted winner: Total Futbol Academy

Orlando City SC vs. Real Salt Lake, 10 a.m.

Predicted winner: Orlando City

Real Colorado vs. Indiana Fire, 12 p.m.

Predicted winner: Real Colorado

New England Revolution vs. De Anza Force 12 p.m.

Predicted winner: De Anza Force

LA Galaxy vs. PA Classics, 6 p.m.

Predicted winner: LA Galaxy

Sacramento Republic vs. Oakwood SC, 6 p.m.

Predicted winner: Oakwood SC

Sporting KC vs. D.C. United, 6 p.m.

Predicted winner: Sporting KC

Atlanta United FC vs. Albion SC, 6 p.m.

Predicted winner: Atlanta United

Sockers FC vs. Tampa Bay United, 6 p.m.

Predicted winner: Sockers FC

LAFC vs. Michigan Wolves, 6 p.m.

Predicted winner: LAFC

LA Surf vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 6:05 p.m.

Predicted winner: LA Surf

Philadelphia Union vs. Portland Timbers, 8 p.m.

Predicted winner: Philadelphia Union

Austin FC vs. Barca Academy, 8 p.m.

Predicted winner: Barca Academy

Phoenix Rising vs. New York City FC, 8 p.m.

Predicted winner: New York City FC

U16

Most MLS squads compete in just the U15 or U17 age groups, leaving a long runway for a non-professional side to claim the U16 crown.

The winner of St. Louis FC and Baltimore Armour could yield the contender for the crown, as the former sits at No. 1 in the U16 Soccer Masters TeamRank Top 25. In one-off games, anything can happen, leaving overall rankings not as important.

Prominent club programs dot the bracket. From Tampa Bay United, BW Gottschee, FC Delco, Nomads SC, Real Colorado, Solar SC – the list goes on. Whichever team can see off the conditions and deliver in big moments will end up lifting the trophy.

Indiana Fire Academy vs. Tampa Bay United, 10 a.m.

Predicted winner: Indiana Fire Academy

Beachside SC vs. BW Gottschee, 10 a.m.

Predicted winner: BW Gottschee

Baltimore Armour vs. St. Louis FC, 10 a.m.

Predicted winner: Baltimore Armour

FC Delco vs. FL Rush, 10 a.m.

Predicted winner: FL Rush

Nomads SC vs. Albion SC, 12 p.m.

Predicted winner: Nomads SC

Real Colorado vs. FC United, 12 p.m.

Predicted winner: Real Colorado