MLS Next Cup 2025: U15 Stars Shine on Rainy Opening Day

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The MLS Next Cup kicked off over the weekend from Nashville, Tennessee. Wet weather and compact schedules highlighted the action. The playoffs are already down to the quarterfinal round with only MLS academies advancing to the final eight.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prior to that stage, there were some terrific performances from the opening day in the playoffs and showcase. Below is a list of the players who stood out to scouts from the 2025 MLS Next Cup and Showcase from the opening day of action in the U15 age group.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Liam Oporto, [program_tooltip program_id='283732' first='Sacramento' last='Republic'] U15 - A undeniable opening performance from the center forward with four goals in the victory over Queen City Mutiny. Oporto showcased all facets of his game - pace, skill, unrelenting work rate. He was spectacular for his side.&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'] U15 - Luigs was heavily involved in the attack for [program_tooltip program_id='283732' first='Sacramento' last='Republic']. The left back's passing set up the first two goals. His charging run forward created the third goal. Luigs was one of the best performers from the opening weekend.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yehya Shakweer, Orlando City Youth SC - Shakweer is a wonderfully skillful center midfielder who was outstanding against [program_tooltip program_id='283654' first='Global' last='Football Innovation Academy']. Shakweer kept the ball glued to his foot in the game. He had a number of moments that showcased his sublime first touch and crafty dribbling. He was also a playmaker with his passing.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ryan Pollzzie, Orlando City Youth SC - A box-to-box midfielder who scored three goals while leading his team to a 4-2 win over [program_tooltip program_id='283654' first='Global' last='Football Innovation Academy']. Pollzzie was all over the field. The unstoppable energizer showcased his vision and tactical brilliance to get into the right spots to finish off chances for his side.&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'] - Not sure how many more times Chidebe will be playing at the youth level, but enjoy it while he is still ripping through MLS Next opponents. He scored two bangers in the opening victory for [program_tooltip program_id='283671' first='LA' last='Galaxy'].&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Diego Romero, Baltimore Armour - Romero scored two goals in the win over [program_tooltip program_id='283658' first='Houston' last='Rangers']. He was seemingly involved in everything. The attacking midfielder showed great two-way play. He was impactful defensively with his pressure and tough tackling. He was brilliant in the attack with his passing and his finishing.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kevin Velasquez, Wake FC - Velasquez had a goal and an assist in the opening 15 minutes of the 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake. The forward found success in his 1v1 duel and proved his quality against some of the best talent in the league.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Teague Vulcan, Wake FC - Vulcan was a standout in the defense for Wake FC in the shutout victory. The center back shutdown a number of attacks with his timely tackles and quick decisions once earning possession of it.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Troy Patten, Indy Eleven - Patten is a unique prospect. He's not a physically overwhelming forward, but he's an absolute handful for the opposition. He's a bulldog on the field. He will run over defenders and bully them. He's strong and wins aerial duels consistently. Patten scored twice and added an assist in the 3-1 win over [program_tooltip program_id='283639' first='Dallas' last='Hornets']. Parker Phan was outstanding for Indy too.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sam Stolberg, Indy Eleven - Stolberg made a couple of highlight-reel saves to secure the victory for Indy Eleven. His distribution also started the attack for his side. He was one of the most impactful and important goalkeepers on the day.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ronald Arteage, WSC Crush - Arteaga scored arguably the goal of the day on a spectacular overhead kick in the win over IMG Academy. The center forward finished the day with three goals in the victory. Cruz Tomori was also excellent for WSC with a pair of goals. Esaul Pech Cardos and Flo Ibsen were standouts in the midfield for WSC Crush.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ezra VanCleave, Barca Academy - VanCleve was outstanding in the midfielder in the win over Minnesota United. He was effective in progressing the ball up the field and his play created a number of chances for his side.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hector Cruz, Minnesota United - Cruz scored a pair of goals for Minnesota United in the loss to Barca Academy. The rising prospect for the Loons was excellent in every facet of the game and showed his brilliance against some of the best talent in the country.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Deshnick Nkeh, Orlando City - Nkeh scored a pair of goals in the wild 3-4 loss to Nashville. The winger was excellent in the game beyond the goals. He was electric on the ball. Beating his mark with pace and skill. He also influenced the game with his passing. He created the chance for the other goal with a sublime pass.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aiden Byasiima, Nashville SC - The captain of the Nashville side scored the game-winner late against Orlando City. The midfielder was all over the field and made an impact in the biggest moments of the game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Luca Stephan, Nashville SC - The Nashville left back was one of the best outside backs on the day. He scored the opening goal for his side, but his play throughout the game was consistently high level. He made good decisions on the ball and effectively shut down his side defensively.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->