MLS Next Cup 2025: U15 Second Round Star Performances 

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The MLS Next Cup in the U15 age group is close to wrapping up with the semifinals scheduled for Thursday. The second round of the playoffs was held on Sunday. The wet weather and soggy fields certainly contributed to the results. Check out the best individual performances from the games below.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='157274' first='Maximino' last='Karl'], [program_tooltip program_id='283717' first='Philadelphia' last='Union'] - The midfielder for Union was outstanding in the 1-0 win over Weston FC. Always in the right spot and making the right play to help his team win, Karl showed his quality when he was on the field. He shined in the second half with his positioning as he helped slow down the Weston attack.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='279947' first='Jayden' last='Kouadio'], [program_tooltip program_id='283717' first='Philadelphia' last='Union'] - Kouadio had the assist on the goal for his side. He was active in the attack and created a number of chances for Philadelphia.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Samuel Munoz, Weston FC - The captain of the Weston squad had a strong performance at center back against the talented Union attack. He made a number of key tackles to shutdown the opposition. He was smart on the ball as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edison Niles, St. Louis [program_tooltip program_id='283295' first='City' last='SC'] - Niles provided the assist on St. Louis City's first goal in the wild 2-2 draw and penalty kick win over [program_tooltip program_id='283732' first='Sacramento' last='Republic']. It was a bit of brilliance on the ball with skillful dribbling in horrible field conditions to set up Miroslav Levkovsky for the goal.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='289044' first='Declan' last='Luigs'], [program_tooltip program_id='283732' first='Sacramento' last='Republic'] - Luigs earned the spotlight for his unexpected goal, but full credit to him as he saw a soggy field with uneven bounces and played a long ball into the box with the hope of putting it on frame. It ended up with a sixty-yard free kick goal for the defender.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='223679' first='Ikenna' last='Chidebe'], [program_tooltip program_id='283671' first='LA' last='Galaxy'] - Drew the penalty kick and then converted the kick from the spot for the opening goal in the win over DC United. He was also the key catalyst on the second goal. His ability to breakdown the opposition off the dribble is an elite trait and makes him one of the best players in the U15 age group.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Noah Banks, DC United - It was a perfectly place free kick from Banks for DC United's lone goal of the game. The midfielder hit the strike off the post and in.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='274899' first='Maximus' last='Vallejo'], [program_tooltip program_id='283757' first='Total' last='Futbol Academy'] - Had a goal and an assist in the loss to Colorado Rapids. Vallejo is a talented attacking player. He's got great footwork and a quick release on his shot. He was impressive against the Rapids with his impact in the final third.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dawensley Hornak, Colorado Rapids - Hornak scored twice in the 4-3 win over TFA. His quickness and runs off the ball presented challenges for the opposition. He converted on his chances. He used his body well to shield a defender and showed good smarts to let the ball run past him for the finish on the assist from Aiden Jimenez. He also provided perfect service on the free kick for Matthew Ruiz's goal.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nathan Tchoumba, Colorado Rapids - Tchoumba's quick thinking and decision-making was in the focus on the fourth goal for the Rapids. He jump-started the attack with a rapid free kick after getting a fouled while trying to clear the ball over a corner kick. He caught the opposition without numbers back and the speed of the Rapids attack resulted in Hornak's second goal of the game. Dylan Zamorano and Edwin Caleb Reynosa were also involved in the goal.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='211224' first='Keegan' last='Ahrens'], [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] - Ahrens was a difference-maker in the win over BW Gottschee. The right wingback was credited with a goal for his strike that took a deflection on the way to the back of the goal in the first half. Beyond the tally, he was active on the ball and created chances for his side. Ahrens' no-quit attitude shows up all over the field. He is a gravitational pull for the flow of the game and the ball ends up on his side of the pitch more often than not.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emmanuel Arias, Nashville SC - Arias' goal was under attack throughout the game against FC Cincinnati. He made a number of spectacular blocks to keep the shutout in the scoreless draw. Nashville advanced in a penalty kick shootout.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Islam Imran, FC Cincinnati - Imran's electrifying pace was certainly on full display. He was tough to contain for the Nashville defense. The right-footed forward has some elite qualities to his game that suggest a professional future.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='210651' first='Christian' last='Guillen-Lopez'], [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] - Guillen-Lopez continued his dominant display in Nashville in the 2-1 win over [program_tooltip program_id='283337' first='FC' last='Delco']. He was outstanding at center back for [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas']. Smart about the timing of his tackle, physical in the duel, and showed great composure in distribution from the back line.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>David Ilevbare, Atlanta United - Ilevbare was the best player in the win over Barca Academy. The midfielder dictated the play with his positioning and his excellent passing. He raised his stock against the top competition in the nation.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->