MLS Next Cup: Standouts From The U16 Final Four

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>FRISCO</strong>, Texas - Yesterday in the scorching North Texas sun, the MLS Next Cup saw some great action on the pitch with the U16 semi-finals. The first semi-final had St. Louis City SC face off against DC United. In a very well-matched and tough game that came down to the wire, DC United knocked off St. Louis City SC 2-1. In the second semi-final, Strikers FC took down the De Anza Force 4-1. DC United and Strikers FC punched their tickets to the final and will square off on July 2nd in Frisco, Texas.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Here are some of the standouts from the MLS Next Cup Playoffs U16 Final Four.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Brayden Sellers, Midfielder, St. Louis City SC: </strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Brayden is an athletic, strong, and smart player with an incredible motor. He played box to box, creating chances in the offensive third and made important tackles in the defensive third. He can beat players 1v1 and is great with the ball at his feet. His passing and crossing abilities created multiple chances for his team. He was very consistent all game, is a true utility player, and could probably play any position on the field.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Nicholas Bishop, Goal Keeper, St. Louis City SC:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Nicholas is a big and strong goal keeper with excellent hands. He is good with his feet, but great with his hands. He was a leader at the back for St. Louis, and made multiple difficult saves that kept his side in the match.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="17496" first="Sydney" last="Aggrey"], Striker, DC United:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Sydney is a tall and fast true striker. He is good with both running onto through balls and with his back to goal. Sydney uses his size and strength to keep possession, and can play as a target forward. His height and athleticism makes him a threat in the air. He has a knack for finding space in the box to get into scoring positions, and scored both of the goals for DC United.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="17361" first="Luke" last="Peacock"], Goal Keeper, DC United:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Luke is a very tall goal keeper with a long reach. His length makes it difficult for attackers to win corners or crosses in his box. Luke made some good saves, the most impressive of which was a heroic penalty save in the final minutes of the match to seal the victory for DC United.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="8212" first="Marcus" last="Lee"], Midfielder, Strikers FC:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Marcus is a technical midfielder who is quick and skilled on the ball. He is not afraid to take on defenders or shoot from distance. Marcus has the ability to play both in the middle and on the wings. He makes good penetrating runs in behind, and has the creativity and passing abilities to create chances.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="8254" first="Matteo" last="Salcedo"], Midfielder, Strikers FC:</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Matteo is a smart midfielder with excellent field vision that allows him to control tempo. His fantastic passing ability makes him a great distributor and facilitator. His talent for picking smart passes to set up teammates makes him dangerous in the attacking third. Matteo’s delivery from set pieces and crosses is his greatest strength, and he assisted on several goals for Strickers FC.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="45548" first="Roka" last="Tsunehara"], Winger, De Anza Force</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Roka is an athletic and physical winger. He showed off his pace, composure, and fight on his way to score the only goal for his side. His determination and work rate made him stand out for the De Anza Force.</p> &nbsp; <strong>Men of the match</strong> St. Louis City SC v.s. DC United:  Brayden Sellers (St. Louis City SC) Strikers FC v.s. De Anza Force: [player_tooltip player_id="8254" first="Matteo" last="Salcedo"] (Strikers FC)