St. Louis CITY SC’s U-15, U-16, and U-19 teams participated in the 2024 MLS NEXT Fest in Indio, California at the Empire Polo Grounds from Friday, December 6 to Wednesday, December 11. Each team played three matches during the tournament coming up against other MLS academies. Overall, CITY SC’s academy teams went 4-3-2 during the tournament.
U-15s go undefeated with three wins in MLS NEXT Fest
The U-15s had an impressive run, going undefeated during MLS NEXT Fest after picking up wins against Toronto FC, Orlando City SC, and Inter Miami CF. The boys kicked things off against Toronto FC earning a 3-1 victory. Kane Kraus, Blake Wilson, and Eddie Niles notched goals. Two days later, the U-15s faced Orlando City SC and picked up a dominant 6-2 win. Noah Medina, Max Cheir, Eddie Niles, Zach Brewster, Blake Wilson, and an own goal propelled CITY to another win. On their final day of MLS NEXT Fest, the boys faced Inter Miami CF and won 2-1 with a goal from Kane Kraus and the game winner from Eddie Niles which captured an undefeated route for the U-15s.
U-16s go 1-0-2 in MLS NEXT Fest
The U-16s started off against Atlanta United and fell 3-0 but things turned around as the team beat Seattle Sounders FC 2-1. Matteo Hayes and Jack Hennessy scored. CITY SC fell 5-0 against Inter Miami CF in their final match of MLS NEXT Fest.
U-19s battle against CF Montreal, New York City FC, and DC United
The U-19 boys began MLS NEXT Fest against CF Montreal and tied a close 3-3 match. Jack DiMaria, Ryan Dugan, Jacksen McNeal found the back of the net. The following day, the boys faced New York City FC and fell 3-1 as Carson Locker scored the lone goal. The team’s final match of the tournament came against DC United as they tied 1-1 and Jojo Adamitis scored for CITY.
What’s Next?
St. Louis CITY SC’s academy teams will resume the 2024-2025 season in the spring.
