16 teams across four different age groups compete to earn a spot in the MLS NEXT Cup Finals
FRISCO, TX (Thursday, June 30, 2022) – The stage is set for the second-ever MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs Semifinals with 11 MLS academy programs and five Elite academies advancing. Real Salt Lake’s U15s and Orlando City SC’s U17s were the only two clubs to advance to the semifinals in consecutive years. All four finals will be played on the FC Dallas first-team pitch, Toyota Stadium.
The U15 semifinalists are Inter Miami CF, the LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, and Sacramento Republic FC. The U16 semifinalists are D.C. United, De Anza Force, Strikers FC, and St. Louis City SC. The U17 finalists are the Columbus Crew, LAFC, Orlando City SC, and Philadelphia Union, and the U19 semifinalists are FC Dallas, the New England Revolution, San Francisco Glens, and Tampa Bay United.
Highlights from MLS NEXT Cup can be downloaded HERE. The U16 semifinal matches on Thursday, June 30 and the U19 semifinal matches on Friday, July 1 will be streamed Twitch and YouTube. The full schedule for MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs is available HERE.
All match highlights are available for download on the MLS video and photo database. All highlights are for news access linear television (over-the-air terrestrial broadcast, cable television and/or direct broadcast satellite) distribution within the United States only. Media must register to access and download content. Media will be able to access once their account has been approved.
**Digital use is not permitted.
All uses should include the following credit: Courtesy Major League Soccer, L.L.C.
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 2021-22 season includes 133 clubs, 598 teams and over 12,000 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.
