Following a successful season, the Austin FC Academy U15 and U17 teams will compete at the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs from June 25 to July 3 in Frisco, Texas. The Academy’s U13 and U14 teams will also compete at the showcase portion of the event.
The MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs are the premium competition for young soccer players in the United States and Canada, providing a platform for the next generation of MLS talent to put their skills on display. The Austin FC U17 team qualified on the strength of its regular season performances, posting a record of 10-0-2 and finishing in first place in the Central (South) Division.
The U15 team went unbeaten through 10 matches in regular season play and won the MLS NEXT Flex event in Maryland to qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.
“Our U15 and U17 teams earned their places in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs thanks to their hard work and dedication all season long,” said Austin FC Academy General Manager Tyson Wahl. “We’re excited to have the chance to compete alongside the top young players in the country, with the goal of bringing a trophy back to Austin.”
The playoffs will take place in a single elimination format, with the U15s and U17s needing to win five matches to lift the trophy in their age groups. Both teams are guaranteed a minimum of three matches, with losing teams moving from the playoff portion of the MLS NEXT Cup event to the showcase portion.
The U15s will begin their journey on Saturday, June 25 against Wake FC, and the U17s on Sunday, June 26 vs. the Portland Timbers. Should either team reach the semi-finals or the final of the event, their matches would be streamed, with stream details to be confirmed at a later date.
The Austin FC U13 and U14 teams will play three matches each. The U13s face St. Louis Scott Gallagher (June 28), Bayside FC (June 29), and Ventura County Fusion (July 1), while the U14s will square off against Boston Bolts, Chula Vista FC, and Southern Soccer Academy on the same respective dates.
For a full event schedule and to stay up-to-date on results throughout the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and Showcase, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext/mls-next-cup/2022/.
