MLS Next Cup Rewind: Orlando v NE Revolution U17 Standouts

FRISCO, TX: The MLS Next Cup has become known as one of the most competitive and exciting tournaments out there, and in 2023 it lived up to the reputation. The level of youth talent across the country seems to increase every year and made for a great few days of action on the pitch. Players not only had to battle with each other, but also with the heat as every match day was met with a “heat warning” for North Texas. We wanted to take a look back to some of the teams who had impressive performances worthy of recognition, but didn't quite make it to the final. This article will highlight some of the standout performances from an intense U17 quarter-final match between Orlando City SC and the New England Revolution.   It was an incredibly physical battle between two talent-rich sides that both had aspirations of making the final. The intensity was high from the start to the last whistle. The majority of the match was fairly even, but Orlando City created the better chances, gaining a 2-0 advantage in the second half. Then a great 2nd half goal from Revolution forward  [player_tooltip player_id='59873' first='Olger' last='Escobar'] made the final minutes very exciting. However, in the end it was Orlando City who held onto the 2-1 win thanks to a brace from the man of the match, Brandon Kristel.     Brandon Kristel is a forward who has loads of pace and the fitness to make end to end runs. His combination of speed and rapid acceleration gives him the ability to get in behind defenders and onto long balls. He was critical in front of the goal this match and scored a couple of class goals. He is the type of forward you don't want to give very many chances because he converts at a high rate. Brandon is a player who can impact the outcome of any given match.   [player_tooltip player_id='43871' first='Zackory' last='Campagnolo'] has a definite presence as goalkeeper in front of his net. He has a lot of length and size, with a large wingspan that makes him difficult to beat. His hands can hang onto shots other goal keepers would have to parry. He made several clutch saves in the game, including one in the final minutes to help his side hold onto the victory.   Owen Drummond is a part of a great pair of center backs that Orlando has. His communication with his goalkeeper and teammates in front of him is constant. Owen has a high soccer IQ and anticipates plays well. He is great at closing down attacks, blocking potential shots, and cutting off passes.   Alejandro Granados is Orlando's #10, and he is a complete midfielder. He's great on both sides of the ball and makes plays up and down the pitch. He's a technical player who has quick feet and can shoot from any distance. Alejandro positions his body well to hold off defenders and to make tough tackles. He has excellent vision and keeps his head on a swivel to find the right passes.   Shawn [player_tooltip player_id='284894' first='Jackson' last='Platts'] is a sizable, athletic central defender who is great in the air and at winning 50/50 headers. He is a good leader at the back, an excellent communicator, and is a talented 1v1 defender. Shawn's presence and defensive capabilities allow his team to be more comfortable attacking with numbers.   Enzo Goncalves has all the qualities needed to play outside back or as a winger. He's fast and fit enough to go forward, then make long recovery runs when necessary. He has a soft touch and can control difficult passes. When going forward Enzo can take defenders on and has the delivery to make him dangerous around the box.    [player_tooltip player_id='124250' first='Peyton' last='Miller'] has a very solid all-around game. He plays with a physicality that makes him successful at making strong tackles, winning ariel duels, and putting opponents off the ball. Peyton is a versatile defender who has the ability to play on the outside or in the center.    [player_tooltip player_id='12043' first='Jamie' last='Kabuusu'] is a midfielder who has an impressive motor, level of fitness, and work rate. He flies around it 100 mph all the time and is fearless when going into challenges or making tackles. Jamie is good on both sides of the ball and can play multiple positions.    Malik Akin Is a smart midfielder who has pace, skill on the ball, and grit. He can provide an offense of spark with his delivery and passing in the final third. His determination to not give up on the play got his team back in the game when he made an impressive slide to keep the ball in play and then picked out the perfect pass to get the assist.    [player_tooltip player_id='59873' first='Olger' last='Escobar'] is a center forward with strength, physicality, and goal scoring instincts. He plays well with his back to goal, but he can also turn to go at defenders. Olger has a keen sense of anticipation and timing when it comes to his runs in the box. His confident finishing and excellent runs make him a threat to defenders, which were displayed when he netted the Revolution's goal.   Brandon Kristel, Winger/Forward, #29 Orlando City SC   Shawn [player_tooltip player_id='284894' first='Jackson' last='Platts'], Center back , #5 Orlando City SC   [player_tooltip player_id='43871' first='Zackory' last='Campagnolo'], Goal Keeper, #1 Orlando City SC   Alejandro Granados, Central Midfielder, #10 Orlando City SC   Owen Drummond, Center Back, #16z Orlando City SC   [player_tooltip player_id='12043' first='Jamie' last='Kabuusu'], Midfielder, #43 New England Revolution   [player_tooltip player_id='59873' first='Olger' last='Escobar'], Striker, #19 New England Revolution   [player_tooltip player_id='124250' first='Peyton' last='Miller'], Outside Back/Defender, #77 New England Revolution   Enzo Goncalves, Winger/Defender, #11 New England Revolution   Malik Akin, Midfielder, #52 New England Revolution