Congratulations to our BU15 MLS Next Homegrown team on finishing as runners up at the prestigious MLS Next Cup.
After a strong league season consisting of 22 wins, 3 ties, and 3 losses, the team finished top of their group at MLS Next Flex in April, 2026, to book their place as one of 32 teams to qualify for the MLS Next Cup in Salt Lake City, that took place in late May, 2026.
During the tournament, the team scored some fantastic goals to secure victory in the the Round of 32 and 16 matchups, before a quarter-final victory over one of the top ranked teams in the nation, FC Delco, pushing through via the dreaded PK shootout to secure their spot in the semis. At Zions Bank Stadium, home of MLS Next Pro side Real Monarchs, the semi-finals saw one of the team’s best performances as they beat a very strong IFA New England side 3-2 to earn their spot in the final against another one of the nation’s top teams, Cedar Stars Academy Bergen. In the final our boys conceded an early goal and, despite pushing for an equalizer in the second half, ended up falling just short to lose the match 1-0.
“I am incredibly proud of this group,” beamed Head Coach Paul Ritchie, also City SC Boys Academy Director. “They have grown together and have become an amazing bunch of young adults. Although their performances at MLS Cup were special, unfortunately, we came up a little short against a very good team in the final – but that’s soccer. The life lessons and experiences of this past week will live with them for a lifetime. Well done lads!”
“This group has represented City SC with incredible character, quality, and resilience throughout the entire season,” commented City SC Director of Boys, Glenn Malone, “To compete on the national stage and reach the MLS NEXT Cup Final is an outstanding achievement and a reflection of the hard work from the players, coaches, and families involved. While we all would have loved to bring home the trophy, the experiences, lessons, and memories these young men have gained throughout this journey are far bigger than one result. We are extremely proud of the way they represented our club, our community, and each other.”
What a fantastic achievement – representing City SC on the biggest national stage of youth soccer. Well done to the City SC BU15 MLS NEXT Homegrown team and all involved. Congrats on a fantastic season!
