Prep Soccer 2025 MLS Next Cup Best XI U15 

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The MLS Next wrapped up this week in the U15 age group with [program_tooltip program_id='283717' first='Philadelphia' last='Union'] lifting the trophy over [program_tooltip program_id='279915' first='Atlanta' last='United'] in the final. After over a week of games in Nashville, standouts emerged from the events.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is the Prep Soccer Best XI from the event.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>GK - [player_tooltip player_id='280137' first='Kenan' last='Livadic'], [program_tooltip program_id='283717' first='Philadelphia' last='Union'] - Livadic was named the top goalkeeper at the event by MLS Next and he rightfully claimed that honor. The Union shot-stopper was excellent throughout the competition. Union only conceded two goals during the five games on the run to the championship. Livadic made some top-notch saves during that spell including a couple of brilliant ones against [program_tooltip program_id='283635' first='Colorado' last='Rapids'] to keep the shutout. Miles Smith, Logan Huffman, Sean Corbett, and [player_tooltip player_id='279927' first='Christopher' last='Thompson'] were all outstanding for Union.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB - [player_tooltip player_id='211224' first='Keegan' last='Ahrens'], [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] - Ahrens was one of the most valuable defenders at the event. He is a two-way player who provided quite a bit to the Dynamo attack. He had a goal and an assist in the quarterfinal game against Nashville. He also scored against BW Gottschee. Ahrens and [player_tooltip player_id='211230' first='Oscar' last='Olsen'] were outstanding for Dynamo at the event.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CB - [player_tooltip player_id='279898' first='Owen' last='Jorgensen'], St. Louis [program_tooltip program_id='283295' first='City' last='SC'] - The US Youth National Team center back was outstanding during the St. Louis [program_tooltip program_id='283295' first='City' last='SC'] postseason run. He's got all the tools to be a top level center back. He's also a got the competitive spirit to lead the way on the top teams. Caleb Conlon, Eddie Niles, and [player_tooltip player_id='279921' first='Kane' last='Kraus'] were also standouts for St. Louis.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CB Oliver Beabout, [program_tooltip program_id='283647' first='FC' last='Cincinnati'] - Cincinnati exited the competition without conceding a goal. The penalty kick loss to Nashville sent the Ohio team down to the showcase bracket after two shutouts. The center back tandem of LJ Born and Oliver Beabout were outstanding for [program_tooltip program_id='283647' first='FC' last='Cincinnati']. The duo was well organized and put together two complete performances. They're both standouts for their passing as well. They created chances with their ability to identify passing lanes and play accurate balls with pace.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB Luca Stephan, Nashville - Stephan played in a more advanced role in the game against [program_tooltip program_id='279915' first='Atlanta' last='United'] as a midfielder which showcased his skill. He featured as a left back earlier in the competition. He has unique attacking traits for that role, which gives his side an advantage. Blaise Blackwell was impressive as right back.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>M [player_tooltip player_id='269899' first='David' last='Ilevbare'], [program_tooltip program_id='279915' first='Atlanta' last='United'] - The defensive midfielder for [program_tooltip program_id='279915' first='Atlanta' last='United'] was impressive at the event. He arguably had the best showing at the event for any player outside of the Youth National Team pool. The 6-foot midfielder had dominant showings against the best of the best. Sirahj Singh was also excellent for Atlanta. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>M Samuel Diaz Gallego, [program_tooltip program_id='283717' first='Philadelphia' last='Union'] - Gallego was named the MVP of the event, by MLS Next. It's hard to argue with that decision. He was instrumental to his team's championship run.  He contributed a goal in the final and had the key moments in the lead-up to the opening goal. Gallego is a clever player with his quick thinking and improvisation skills. Abdoulaye Diop was also outstanding in the Union midfield. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>M - [player_tooltip player_id='280090' first='Nathan' last='Tchoumba'], [program_tooltip program_id='283635' first='Colorado' last='Rapids'] - The Rapids standout once again proved his quality at the highest youth stage. He was a key catalyst for his side in the run to the quarterfinals. Dawensley Hornak and [player_tooltip player_id='164993' first='Alex' last='Hernandez'] were also standouts for Rapids.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>F [player_tooltip player_id='223679' first='Ikenna' last='Chidebe'], [program_tooltip program_id='283671' first='LA' last='Galaxy'] - Chidebe was the best player of the tournament, in my opinion. His Galaxy side came up short with a loss to St. Louis City in the quarterfinals. In every game he played, he starred in the attack for his side. Electric on the ball, Chidebe showed he was too difficult to contain at this level of the youth game for the best defenders.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>F Liam Oporto, [program_tooltip program_id='283732' first='Sacramento' last='Republic'] - Oporto started the event with a four-goal performance in the win over Queen City Mutiny, which ended up being enough to snag the top scorer of the event prize. The Republic forward was efficient, lethal, and unstoppable in the final third. Left back [player_tooltip player_id='289044' first='Declan' last='Luigs'] was also a standout for [program_tooltip program_id='283732' first='Sacramento' last='Republic'].&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>F Angelo Caiafa Barrios, [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] - Barrios scored a goal in each game for [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas']. The center forward was prolific against the MLS Next defenders. He benefitted from the excellent service from his team - and he was efficient with the chances. [player_tooltip player_id='280130' first='Alex' last='Soria'], Christian Guillen Lopez, and [player_tooltip player_id='210656' first='Patrick' last='Arne'] were also standouts for [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'].&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>F Tiago Kennedy, Columbus Crew - Kennedy was excellent for Crew during the MLS Next Cup. He scored three goals over two games. He also had a number of key passes that resulted in chances for his side.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->