The Sounders U-16 and U-18 teams travel to Indio, Calif. on Dec. 6 to compete in the MLS Next Fest Showcase.
More than 400 youth soccer teams will compete at the fourth-annual edition of the competition, featuring nearly 630 matches and over 7,000 players. MLS NEXT Fest provides an opportunity for top talent within the program to be evaluated by colleges and national team scouts.
The MLS NEXT Fest Showcase will have teams in four different age groups (U15, U16, U17, and U19) playing three games in four days. Matches are scheduled based on division, past event competition, and standings from the MLS NEXT regular season, allowing clubs to play a variety of teams from across the country.
“These events are always exciting because we see MLS opponents we don’t see the outside of special events,” said Wade Webber, Director of Development, of the upcoming tournament. “Fest, in particular, are the last collective matches of the year, which serves as a bookmark for us to reference how players are developing - Providing a snapshot where we are collectively and individually, and how top individuals are performing against opponents of other clubs.”
Our U-18 squad has been performing well this Fall, earning a record of 9W-3L-1D, and Team of the Month of October honors from MLS Next. New to this MLS Next season, all MLS academies will compete in the U-19 age group and rosters will be made up of U-18 players.
“They’ve had a nice beginning to a season for the oldest Academy team,” Wade remarked. “Six players in this team played for Defiance in their successful season, and five of these with debuts.” (Kelvin-Luis Brito, Mohammed Shour, Omar Hassan, Shaun Brun, and Gallatin Sandnes.)
“Most important thing is we have some new faces, and they’ve proved a good sense of quality but also the competition that comes with new faces. Can’t rest on laurels - we have a platform this group from which we can push players up the chain over the next few months.”
U-19 MLS Next Fest Schedule: Empire Polo Club, Indio, CA
Friday, Dec 6, 12:30pm PT vs Nashville SC | Field 1
Saturday, Dec 7, 12:30pm PT vs Charlotte FC | Field 7
Monday, Dec 9, 2:30pm PT vs Atlanta United | Field 1
U-16 MLS Next Fest Schedule: Empire Polo Club, Indio, CA
Sunday, Dec 8, 10:15am PT vs Houston Dynamo | Field 3
Tuesday, Dec 10, 2:30pm PT vs St. Louis CITY SC | Field 18
Wednesday, Dec 11, 10:15am PT vs Austin FC | Field 11
