With the MLS NEXT fall season complete, Philadelphia Union Academy now has its attention fully set on the league's first major event of the calendar with MLS NEXT Fest that will take place in Arizona from December 5th to the 10th.
The U17s, U16s and U15s will represent the Union Academy in Arizona where they will play three matches apiece in the event.
"MLS NEXT Fest will be a great experience for the players and that is what tournaments like this bring," Tommy Wilson, Director of Academy And Professional Development said. "It is an opportunity for teams to play their best players against other top players in the country. Anytime we can test our wits against other MLS academies is a good experience for both the players and staff."
Date | Matchup | Kick Off Time (ET) |
December 5 | U17s vs. Sporting KC | 10:15PM |
December 6 | U17s vs. Columbus Crew | 6:30PM |
December 7 | U16s vs. Tampa Bay United | 12PM |
December 7 | U15s vs. LA Galaxy | 6PM |
December 8 | U17s vs. Real Salt Lake | 4PM |
December 9 | U16s vs. SC Del Sol | 1:15PM |
December 9 | U15s vs. Chicago Fire | 4:15PM |
December 10 | U16s vs. Silicon Valley SA | 12PM |
December 10 | U15s vs. Minnesota United | 2PM |
Moving to a new location in 2023, MLS NEXT Fest is the largest event in the 2023-24 season, as over 300 teams from the United States and Canada will compete in the MLS NEXT Fest Showcase across four different age groups. The six-day event is one of the most attended by college, national team, and professional scouts/coaches during the entire MLS NEXT season as more than 800 matches will be played in a single location. Unlike last year's event, matches will not also serve as Generation adidas Cup qualifiers.
