U15s and U19s Qualify for MLS NEXT Cup
Intercontinental Football Academy of New England U15-U19 MLS Homegrown teams have returned to Massachusetts following their participation in MLS Next Fest held this past week at the Toyota Soccer Complex in Frisco, Texas.
All four teams competed exceptionally well against the highest level competition in the country. The U15s and U19s secured their spot at the prestigious 2026 MLS NEXT Cup, the national championship, to be held May 23-31 at the Regional Athletics Complex in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is the first time IFA have had two MLS Flex winners, another historic first in a season of groundbreaking moments for the club.
The U15 Boys continued their impressive season with an undefeated campaign to top Group G. After opening up with a 5-3 penalties win over FC Bay Area Surf (2-2), Matt Hardiman’s side impressed with 3-1 and 5-1 victories over Inter Atlanta FC and Albion SC Colorado to close out Group play undefeated.
After an outstanding 5-1 opening day victory over eventual group winners Chicago FC United, the U16s were unlucky to lose 1-0 to MLS Academy Atlanta Utd before another narrow defeat to Jacksonville Armada (2-1) in the final group match. The 16s are still vying for qualification via the league path.
Also now relying on the League qualification route are Ben Murphy’s U17 side who came agonizingly close to a fairy-tale turnaround in Texas. After opening the campaign with a defeat to Weston FC (3-0), they would respond with a 4-2 win over Michigan Wolves. Needing results to go their way, they found themselves 3-0 down to LA Galaxy, but came back to tie the game 3-3 and force a penalty shootout. With group rivals Weston losing to Michigan, victory on penalties would have seen IFA through but it was not to be and the SoCal MLS representatives came out 5-4 winners.
The U19s showed their class with three victories, nine points and +7 GD. Scott Black’s team secured wins over Colorado Rapids (3-2), Silicon Valley Soccer Academy (3-2) and Chicago FC United (6-1). MLS Cup qualification provides a fitting send-off for the class of 2026 many of whom will be attending elite collegiate programs in the fall.
In addition to the Homegrown Division qualifications, at the Academy Division IFA West U14s, IFA East U15s and IFA West U19s also qualified for MLS Cup following their performances at the Regional Qualifiers in NJ held from 4/17 to 4/20.
Take the Next Step with IFA
IFA has opened our environment to players who are ready to compete and train at the highest levels.
Rather than attending a traditional tryout, players are invited into a session based on their level and location. This allows players and families to experience the IFA environment firsthand through training with current teams and working directly with our coaching staff.
Following the session, our staff will outline the most appropriate pathway within the club.
