U15 Boys Reach Final of GA Cup Qualifier
December 15th, 2025, Mesa, AZ; Intercontinental Football Academy of New England (IFA) U15 concluded a historic run in the MLS Fest Generation adidas qualifiers tonight after suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Cedar Stars. In a tight game, both sides created openings but strong defense at either end saw the match and extra-time end goalless in front of a capacity ground at the Arizona Athletic Grounds.
IFA’s run to the final saw them defeat Atletico Santa Rosa (2-0), Total Futbol Academy (3-2), Miami Futbol Academy (3-0) before being on the winning side of the shootout against Florida powerhouse Weston FC in the semi-finals. The team ended the tournament undefeated in regulation with only two goals conceded in five matches.
It concludes a superb fall season for the 2011s who were ranked #1 in the Northeast by MLS Next in their final 2025 season power rankings. Matt Hardiman’s team finished the season top of the Northeast Division standings after compiling an undefeated 7-0-1 record over the fall season. Most impressively the bulk of the roster has been with IFA for a number of years, with twelve members of the squad with the club since the U10 age group.
“Losing on penalties in the final is obviously a tough one for the boys to take,” said Hardiman. “However, when the emotion subsides they will realize what an outstanding trip it has been for them, competing at the highest level. All of our teams at the event did the club proud and we continue to strive to provide the strongest platform for our players to develop and showcase their talent,” added Hardiman.
IFA was one of few clubs to have two teams represented in the GA Qualifiers. The U16 Boys reached the last-16 before defeat to MLS Academy Orlando City. Additionally the U17 and U19 Homegrown and Academy teams competed in the showcase. Considered the largest scouting event in the country, MLS Fest provided IFA athletes with unmatched exposure.
Overall IFA compiled an impressive record with 13 wins, four defeats and five ties across the 22 matches played.
For more information on the IFA New England Boys program, please click here.
