National Academy Championships Crown 2025 Winners in Dramatic Fashion
In a thrilling conclusion to five days of elite youth soccer competition at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, the National Academy Championships showcased the best of American youth soccer talent, with three champions emerging from MLS NEXT games across different age groups.
TL;DR:
Cedar Stars Bergen claimed victory in the U16 MLS NEXT division with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tampa Bay United. The New Jersey-based club demonstrated their defensive prowess throughout the match, ultimately securing their championship through a single decisive goal.
The U17 division provided perhaps the most dramatic finish of the tournament, as Metropolitan Oval prevailed over Baltimore Armour in a penalty shootout. Both teams demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout regulation time, but it was Met Oval who held their nerve in the decisive penalty kicks to lift the trophy.
Miami Futbol Academy Rush added their name to the winners’ circle in the U19 division, also through the drama of penalty kicks, overcoming a strong Orlando City side. The Florida derby proved to be a fitting finale to the tournament, with both teams showcasing the high level of youth development in the Sunshine State.
The championship showcase, which featured six games over five intense days, drew significant attention from the college coaching community. The presence of numerous college scouts highlighted the tournament’s importance as a showcase for young talent looking to advance their careers to the next level.
IMG Academy’s world-class facilities provided the perfect backdrop for these future stars to display their abilities, with the championship games serving as a culmination of what has become one of the premier youth soccer events in the United States.
