MLS NEXT Cup Recap: Sporting KC's U-17s advance to Quarterfinals, U-15s go unbeaten in showcase 

The 2023-24 MLS NEXT season has concluded for the Sporting Kansas City Academy after the U-17s and U-15s returned from the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and Showcase in Nashville, Tennessee. The boys posted a combined record of 4-1-1 with a shootout victory in their six matches at the prestigious youth soccer competition.

The U-17s fought hard in the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs, defeating the Portland Timbers in kicks from the spot and Weston FC in regulation to advance to the Quarterfinals. The U-15s finished the year on a high note, winning three straight showcase matches scoring eight goals and only conceding once.

Sporting's U-17s led by head coach Angel Rivillo earned their spot in the playoffs with a perfect performance at MLS NEXT Flex in Boyds, Maryland in May. The group defeated Ventura County Fusion, De Anza Force and Atlanta United to go atop the group and punch their playoff ticket.

In Nashville, the boys squared up with the Portland Timbers in the Round of 32. A pair of quick goals in the first half had Sporting KC out on the front foot, but a valiant effort from the Timbers evened the match with 15 minutes to go and forced the contest to kicks from the spot. The Timbers keeper saved the second SKC shot, however heroic goalkeeping on the fourth attempt, and a miss on the final attempt gave Sporting a 4-3 shootout victory and secured their spot in the Round of 16 the following evening.

In the Round of 16, Sporting took on Florida outfit Weston FC, dispatching the MLS NEXT club 4-2. A wonder strike from midfield, which caught the goalkeeper off his line, gave Sporting an early advantage which was erased moments after the second half kicked off. An immediate answer came from a penalty kick with a pair of insurance goals off counterattacks lighting up the scoreboard after that. Sporting then faced a familiar foe in the LA Galaxy in the quarterfinals, falling to Los Galacticos 2-0 and bringing their playoff run to an end.

The U-15s, coached by Luis Pacheco, wrapped up the campaign with three consecutive wins in the MLS NEXT Cup Showcase. They kicked off the weekend with a 1-0 win over the West Florida Flames, finding the match's only goal in the final moments of the second half. A more eventful match unfolded on day two when the team faced Ventura County Fusion. A concession in the first half was answered with a four-goal second frame. The equalizer was found early in the half and the second, third and fourth finishes all came in rapid succession after that.

The final match of the season pitted Sporting against Rochester NY FC Academy. Sporting rose to the task of their final 80 minutes of the season, defeating Rochester 3-0. The U-15s were one of seven teams to go undefeated in the showcase amongst the almost 80 participants in the age group.

The entire Sporting Kansas City Academy will be off for the summer with all age groups set to return to Swope Soccer Village in early August for the 2024-25 MLS NEXT Preseason. Fans can follow @SKCAcademy on X to stay up to date with everything happening in the Sporting KC Academy.

About MLS NEXT

Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. With a commitment to innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Throughout a season, MLS NEXT hosts four marquee events across the country, including the Generation adidas Cup, which

features MLS academies playing against the top international clubs. Membership for the 2023-24 season includes 29 MLS academies, 114 Elite Academies (143 total clubs), 677 teams and over 15,000 players across the U.S. and Canada. Official partners of MLS NEXT include adidas, Allstate, and DoorDash. For more information about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.