FC Cincinnati’s U15 and U17 academy teams are set to participate in the third-annual MLS NEXT Fest, which kicks off on December 5 at the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix, Ariz. The six-day event will feature 350 of the best youth soccer clubs from across the U.S. and Canada and provide a platform for players to be scouted by 300 different college, national team and professional scouts.
The Young Garys will play three matches in each age group over a four-day window with the U15s opening against Orlando City SC on December 7, while the U17s face L.A. Galaxy on December 5. Matches for the event were scheduled based on division, competition in past events and competitive standings from the 2023-2024 MLS NEXT regular season.
The U15s will close out the week against the Portland Timbers on December 9 and Nashville SC on December 10 while the U17s take on the Vancouver Whitecaps on December 6 and Orlando City SC on December 8.
The event will serve as an opportunity to be scouted by various organizations and coaches from 192 different colleges. Furthermore, nine MLS NEXT Match Evaluators – an assembled group of current and former professional players and coaches – will be evaluating matches at the event. Match Evaluators will attend various games and assess the quality of play while pinpointing top-performing players at each age group.
The group will include notable current MLS players Evan Bush (Columbus Crew), Omar Gonzalez, and Jimmy Maurer (FC Dallas). Former MLS players Kofi Opare, Dillon Powers, and Amobi Okugo will also participate in the program at MLS NEXT Fest. Alumni of the program have progressed into coaching or administration roles within MLS and MLS NEXT clubs.
FC Cincinnati Academy Matches
U15
Dec. 7: Orlando City SC, 4 p.m. ET/2 p.m. MT
Dec. 9: Portland Timbers, 3:45 p.m. ET/1:45 p.m. MT
Dec. 10: Nashville SC, 12 p.m. ET/10 a.m. MT
U17
Dec. 5: L.A. Galaxy, 6 p.m. ET/4 p.m. MT
Dec. 6: Vancouver Whitecaps, 4:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. MT
Dec. 8: Orlando City SC, 12 p.m. ET/10 a.m. MT
A full schedule, and results for this year’s MLS NEXT Fest, can be found here.
