Over the past week, four Austin FC Academy teams competed at the MLS NEXT Cup event in Frisco, Texas: the U17 and U15 sides in the Playoff portion of the tournament, and the U14s and U13s in the Showcase.
All four teams impressed, with the U17s and U15s each reaching the quarterfinals in their respective age groups. The U17s earned a shutout 1-0 win over the Portland Timbers before blanking New York City FC 4-0, behind a brace from Anthony González and penalty kicks from U.S. youth international Micah Burton and Izaiah Garza. Their journey then came to an end at the hands of Orlando City SC.
The U15s also kept clean sheets through the Rounds of 32 and 16, defeating Wake FC 4-0 and Los Angeles FC (one of the pre-tournament favorites) 2-0, with goals from Kian Concepción and U.S. youth international Ervin Torres. A narrow 2-1 loss to Inter Miami CF knocked them out of the tournament, despite an incredible long-range strike from Abner Zuniga.
Like their older counterparts, the U13s recorded shutout wins over Strikers FC (2-0), San Francisco Glens (3-0), and Vardar (4-0), conceding zero goals and scoring nine on their way to winning their Showcase group.
The U14s drew 1-1 with De Anza Force before beating LA United Fútbol Academy 3-2 and Vardar 1-0 to remain unbeaten through their Showcase group.
