Philadelphia Union Academy's U15s are just one more win away from the inaugural MLS NEXT Cup as they take to the pitch in the championship match against Real Salt Lake. Kick off from Frisco, Texas is set for 7:05 p.m. ET and will be streamed on MLSSoccer.com.
Strong defense and clutch performances had fueled the U15s run to the final with a clean sheets in three of their four matches. In the lone match that they conceded a goal, the Boys in Blue fought with every once in their bodies to get the tying goal which game in the final play before the whistle against the LA Galaxy in the Round of 32. Luke Zielinski delivered the tying goal in the 80+6' and in penalties the Union remained calm and collected to advance via a 5-4 margin.
That night Matt Routzahn provided the first of two match-winning penalty kicks as the Quarterfinals saw the Union and Austin FC end in a scoreless draw. Goalkeeper Andrew Rick stepped up his game with three straight saves before Routzahn once again sent the squad through.
In the semifinals 14-year-old forward Bajung Darboe had a breakout performance with a first-half brace that was highlighted by a free kick golazo against the New England Revolution.
