Philadelphia Union Academy's U-15 squad completed its perfect run at MLS NEXT Flex in Maryland to secure their spot into the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs that will take place in Nashville, Tennessee later this summer.
Under the direction of Head Coach Henry Apaloo, the U15s sealed their spot in the postseason in difficult conditions on Tuesday afternoon. The rain didn't stop the Baby Snakes as the grabbed a 2-1 win over Intercontinental FA to sweep their group. The U15s began their journey to the postseason on Saturday, picking up a resounding 5-0 win over FC United and followed it up with a 2-0 win over Tampa Bay United one day later.
Thirty-two of the top teams from the regular season will compete to win an MLS NEXT Cup championship in four different age groups (U-15, U-16, U-17, U-19) at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex. Teams that do not qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs can participate in the MLS NEXT Cup Showcase, which will be held at the same venue. U-13 and U-14 age groups will also participate in the MLS NEXT Cup Showcase in 2024.
Sixteen of the 32 teams will qualify for MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs based on their standings in the league table. League matches will be played on a regional basis from September 2023 to June 2024, featuring eight divisions – Florida, Frontier, Mid-America, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest. The other 16 teams will qualify for MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs based on their performance at MLS NEXT Flex in May 2024.
