Philadelphia Union Academy's youngest squad are into the Semifinals of the at the 2025 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs!
U-15s
For the first time in Academy history the U-15s are part of the last four squads in the age group at the tournament, securing their spot via a 2-0 win over Tuesday against the Colorado Rapids. Liam Holtzman earned MLS NEXT Cup Player of the Day honors for his Quarterfinal performance, scoring both goals to send the Baby Snakes through.
The team looks for its second trip to the final with a showdown against St. Louis CITY SC on Thursday morning.
The path to the Semifinals has seen Head Coach Ben Moane's side kick off the tournament with a resounding 5-1 win over Strikers FC in the Round of 32. Less than 24 hours later, the U-15s dug deep for a 1-0 victory over a feisty Weston FC side.
U-18s
The U-18s secured their spot into the final eight after a late night contest against the Colorado Rapids on Monday night. After severe weather delayed kick off for over two hours, the storm didn't hold back the Union offense as the grabbed a resounding 3-0 victory.
Ronan Sullivan opened the scoring early in the first half with a diving headed finish to get the Baby Snakes rolling. Jamir Johnson notched his second goal of the tournament later in the half with another headed finish this time off a cross from Jordan Griffin.
The Boys in Blue wrapped up the scoring behind Union II midfielder Kellan LeBlanc's second goal in Tennessee to send the squad into the next round. Even more importantly for the Union it marked back-to-back shutouts to begin their quest for another trophy.
The win came on the heels of a 2-0 victory over Chicago Fire FC on Sunday evening. Jamir Johnson opened the scoring with a fanastic run into the box to find space and then Union II midfielder Kellan LeBlanc added an insurance goal later in the half to send the team into the Round of 16.
U-16s
Philadelphia Union Academy completed a Saturday sweep as the U-16s got past Sockers FC by a 4-0 margin. Landon Mulvenna gave the Baby Snakes the first half lead with a strong finish from the edge of the box and then Pedro Cavalcanti's side took over in the second half with three goals to secure their spot into the Round of 16.
In the Round of 16, Philly found itself in a back and forth affair with the two teams combining for five goals but unfortunately for the Boys in Blue it was Atlanta United FC that nabbed the 3-2 result to advance.
