MLS Next Cup U15 Championship: Standout Players

<strong>FRISCO</strong>, Texas- The MLS Next Cup’s U15 age group ended on July 2nd, with Real Salt Lake squaring off against Inter Miami CF. It was a close match with both teams creating chances and giving it their all. Inter Miami’s two first-half goals from <strong>Victor Fung</strong> and <strong>Santiago Morales</strong> turned out to be enough to take home the trophy. Despite Real Salt Lake’s valiant effort and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="17021" first="Zavier" last="Gozo"]’s</strong> penalty conversion, they fell to Inter Miami 2-1. Both clubs have a lot of talented young players with bright futures. This article will highlight some of the players that stood out in this cup final. <strong>Santiago Morales, Midfielder, Inter Miami CF</strong> Santiago is a gifted and creative true #10. His delivery on crosses was fantastic, he assisted the first goal with a cross in the perfect spot for his teammate to get a head on it. His ability to read play, make quick decisions, and see the field makes the game look like it comes naturally to him. Santiago’s creativity and technical skill make him a player who can impact the outcome of a match. In addition to assisting on the first goal, he scored a beautiful first-time shot from outside the box, which ended up being the match winning strike. Santiago was deservedly named the MLS Next Cup MVP for the U15 age group. <strong>Victor Fung, Defender, Inter Miami CF</strong> Victor is a talented center-back who is very good in the air. He is a good passer which makes him well suited for playing out of the back. His talent in the air showed on both ends of the field- he made some great defensive headers, and he got up to score Inter Miami’s first goal from a textbook header just outside the 6. <strong>Tyler Austin, Defender, Inter Miami CF</strong> Tyler is an athletic, consistent, and technically sound right back. He has the vision and pace to go forward, and can play as a wing back. He is a physical player who won’t back down from 50/50 challenges. Tyler is also a good passer and has the ability to find teammates up the field on long balls. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="17021" first="Zavier" last="Gozo"], Forward, Real Salt Lake</strong> Zavier is a forward who can score in a variety of ways and made his goal-scoring capabilities well known by winning the U15 Golden Boot for the tournament. His height and speed make him dangerous on crosses and when running onto through balls. Zavier makes smart forward runs and can hold off defenders to keep possession for his side. He displayed his composure in front of goal by netting Real Salt Lake’s only goal of the match on a penalty late in the first half. <strong>William MacKay, Goalkeeper, Real Salt Lake</strong> William is a tall and skilled goalkeeper who has great hands.  He made several difficult kick-saves that showed that he has great reactions. William has very good hands and was able to hold on to several saves that another goalkeeper might have parried away. He was awarded the MLS Next Cup U15 goalkeeper of the tournament. <strong>Jahmani Stapleton, Defender, Real Salt Lake</strong> Jahmani is a big, strong, and reliable defender. He is very good at making tackles and going to the ground. His size and strength gives him an advantage in the air. Jahmani is not afraid to get stuck into challenges and can make attackers think twice about going at him. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="12764" first="Luca" last="Moisa"], Midfielder, Real Salt Lake</strong> Luca is a well-rounded midfielder who is active in possession. He can be a utility player that could play well anywhere in the midfield. He has the motor to get up and down the pitch quickly, and can be a valuable part of a counter attack. Luca is capable of being an impactful player which he proved by being named the man of the match in Real Salt Lake’s quarterfinal against Chicago. &nbsp; Man of the match- <strong>Santiago Morales</strong>, Inter Miami CF