Sporting Kansas City's U-16s and U-15s head to Boyds, Maryland, for the 2025 iteration of MLS NEXT Flex. Automatic playoff qualification is on the line as the two age groups will play three matches from May 10-13 at the Maryland SoccerPlex after earning qualification into the competition with their performances in their respective age groups in the 2024-25 MLS NEXT season.
U-16 teams were drawn into 13 groups of four, while the U-15s were drawn into 16 groups of four. The winners of each group punch their tickets to the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in Nashville in June. U-16s will play 90-minute matches, and the U-15s will play 80-minute matches. Ties will be decided via a shootout with the winning team earning two points and the losing team earning one.
Led by head coach Angel Rivillo, Sporting KC's U-16s come into Flex a little over two weeks removed from a solid showing at GA Cup in Bradenton, Florida. They have earned three straight wins in all competitions, defeating Nashville SC and taking down Club America in penalties at GA Cup before rallying from 1-0 down to defeat Columbus Crew in MLS NEXT league play.
Rivillo helped guide Sporting's U-17s to playoff qualification a year ago after a perfect showing at MLS NEXT Flex.
A close-knit collection of players, the U-16s open MLS NEXT Flex against California club Total Futbol Academy on Saturday. They will then take on two prestigious MLS NEXT Academies in the San Jose Earthquakes and Philadelphia Union on Sunday and Tuesday, respectively.
First Name | Last Name |
Luca | Antongirolami |
Santino | Barbarena |
Roman | Boxman |
Finn | Dean |
Kyan | Detmer |
Jesus | Enriquez |
Harrison | Fasel |
Jack | Francka |
Alex | Gemeinhardt |
Michael | Grezenko |
Kashan | Hines |
Justin | Jones |
Colin | Kyser |
Mays | Landers |
Zamir | Loyo Reynaga |
Colin | Lysinger |
Ben | Nylund |
Austin | Thompson |
Baron | Williams |
Sutton | Williams |
Opponent | Date | Time (CT) |
|---|---|---|
Total Futbol Academy | Saturday, May 10 | 10:30 a.m. |
San Jose Earthquakes | Sunday, May 11 | 12 p.m. |
Philadelphia Union | Tuesday, May 13 | 7:30 a.m. |
The U-15s, coached by Luis Pacheco, have enjoyed some time off from MLS NEXT, having last played in late March. Pacheco has the boys hungry to get back on the pitch, keeping his group ready with friendlies and training at Swope Soccer Village.
A group ready to show their skills on the national stage, this U-15 team went 2-1-0 at MLS NEXT Fest in December 2024. A core group of players well-versed in tournament play at multiple age levels, this group claimed the 2024 Easter International Cup and finished second at Patterson Cup before elevating their game across multiple age levels in the MLS NEXT regular season. Several players have also played for the U-16s at GA Cup and appeared in numerous MLS NEXT games.
Their group placement will see them open with De Anza Force before facing Metropolitan Oval a day later. Coming off the off day, the U-15s conclude Flex with a matchup against Strikers FC.
First Name | Last Name |
Tose | Adewumi |
Sam | Bukauskas |
Connor | Caley |
Finn | Dean |
Mason | Duffy |
Sebastien | Dure |
Zeze | Enriquez Castro |
Abraham | Gutierrez |
Mack | Herrman |
Emilio | Jacinto-Lopez |
Gabe | Johnson |
Elijah | Kelcher |
Brady | Krysiewicz |
Langston | Lewis |
Reid | Lindstrom |
Darvin | Mejia Contreras |
Frankie | Panimboza |
Jayden | Pulley |
Brixton | Welsh |
Sam | Worcester |
Opponent | Date | Time (CT) |
|---|---|---|
De Anza Force | Saturday, May 10 | 3:30 p.m. |
Met Oval | Sunday, May 11 | 4:30 p.m. |
Strikers FC | Tuesday, May 13 | 12 p.m. |
Fans can follow @SKCAcademy on X and Instagram to keep up with matchups, starting eleven and results from MLS NEXT Flex over the next few days. Following the U-16s and U-15s return from Maryland, the boys will compete at the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and Showcase.
About MLS NEXT
MLS NEXT is a new paradigm for player development, launched in 2020 to transform youth soccer in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT players have access to the highest level of competition, training and personal development opportunities that will prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Membership for the 2022-23 season includes 137 clubs, 628 teams and over 13,000 players across the U.S. and Canada. Official partners of MLS NEXT include adidas, Allstate, DoorDash, and the University of South Carolina. For more information about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.
