MLS Next Cup 2025: U16s Superb Performances from Opening Games

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The MLS Next Cup kicked off over the weekend. The U15s and U16s took the stage first. Read about the standouts from the <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2025/06/mls-next-cup-2025-u15-stars-shine-on-rainy-opening-day/">U15 age group here</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out the top performers from the U16 games on Saturday below. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Justin Gnidula, Beachside - Gnidula was unstoppable against Triangle United in the opener. He scored three goals and had an assist. The center forward was lethal in the final third and showed great efficiency with his chances.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ademar Chavez, FC Cincinnati - Chavez scored the opening goal for FC Cincinnati in the 2-3 loss to CF Montreal. He also drew the foul in the box for the penalty kick, which are Cardenas converted for the second goal for his side.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adnel Jugovic, PA Classics - Jugovic was electric in the 2-0 win over St. Louis Scott Gallagher. He scored the opener on a free kick - an excellent strike from an impossible angle. Then he buried the game late with a tally from inside the box that showcased his skill an dcomposure.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adedamola Browne, Atlanta United - Browne scored the opener for Atlanta United in the 4-0 win over Global Football Innovation Academy. He also played the key pass for the second goal as Ivory Covington assisted on Andres Alvarez's goal. Browne ran the show in the midfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nash Ruiz, Strikers - Ruiz scored a spectacular free kick and was instrumental creating chances for his side with his play in the midfield.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jake Napoli, Real Futbol Academy - I thought Napoli was among the best players of the day in the opening games. He was so valuable to his team with his play. He provided the assist on the late equalizer from Nathaniel Yohannes, a superb header off the corner kick.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Benjamin Smalarz, New England FC - The goalkeeper for New England FC made a couple of outstanding saves in the 1-0 victory over [program_tooltip program_id='279893' first='Chicago' last='Fire']. His close-range blocks on some efforts were impressive. His ability to stop the attacking talent in the breakaway situation was eye-opening. Smalarz did everything to keep his net clean and give his team the win.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shain Muftari, Vardar - Muftari was key to both of the goals for Vardar. David Tripon scored both of them. Muftari's ability to win 1v1 duels and create chances allowed Vardar to score the victory over FC Westchester.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Noah Scott, Wake FC - Scott dominated the game late in the Wake FC win over Orlando [program_tooltip program_id='283295' first='City' last='SC']. He scored twice including the late game-winner on a penalty kick, where he drew the foul as well. Brandon Hernandez-Posadas was also outstanding for Wake.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edwin Ortiz, DC United - Ortiz was pulling the strings against LAFC. Creative on the ball and dynamic in the right moments, the attacking midfielder was brilliant for DC United. He had the assist on the first goal for DC United and created a number of chances against a stellar LAFC side.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Andrew Sorto, LAFC - There is a lot to like about Sorto's game and he showcased many of the best parts in the game against DC United. His early tally was an excellent finish. He also showed good strength in holding off defenders.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mayson Barillas, DC United - Barillas, the El Salvador Youth National Team member, was excellent against LAFC. He scored both goals for DC United. He showed quickness to burst past the defense. He showed strength to hold off defenders and turn on goal. He was excellent in the final third.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='288804' first='James' last='Hughes'], Albion SC San Diego - Hughes scored twice in the win over Houston Rangers. Maximo Piancone was also outstanding for Albion SC. Tobin Avritt's assist on the third goal of the game was one of the best passes of the day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Massimo Trujillo, Lou Fusz Athletic - Trujillo was dominant early on the left wing and scored twice in the opening 30 minutes to put his side up against Real Salt Lake Arizona.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reid Aquino, FC Greater Boston Bolts - Aquino scored both goals for his side in the opening win. He was pretty active throughout the game and had a number of chances to add to his tally.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='144058' first='Shea' last='Callery'], [program_tooltip program_id='283346' first='FC' last='United'] - Callery, the center back, scored the late game-winner against [program_tooltip program_id='283391' first='LA' last='Surf']. He was excellent outside of the goal as well. He read the game well and made timely tackles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->