The Toronto FC Academy’s U-18, U-16 and U-15 teams are set to compete at the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs & Showcase beginning Saturday, June 14 through Sunday, June 22 at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Nashville, Tennessee. The culminating event of the 2024-25 season, MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs & Showcase, will feature 32 of the top teams from the regular season spread across four different age groups (U-15, U-16, U-17, U-19).
Sixteen teams clinched their spots by winning their group at the MLS NEXT Flex tournament that was held in Boyds, Maryland in May. The other 16 teams earned their spots based on the standings in the league table. The clubs who did not qualify for playoffs will still compete in a showcase format. Each team with play a guaranteed three matches.
“We are looking forward to attending the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs & Showcase in Nashville with our U-15, U-16, and U-18 teams,” said Academy Director Anthony Capotosto. “Under a new player-centric development philosophy, we have seen several Academy players placed in the best competition and training environment throughout the season. With this approach, we’ve seen tremendous growth in our Academy players in player movement within our pathway including several youth National team call-ups and Toronto FC II signings and debuts. We are going to Nashville to compete to win, understanding that this is also another opportunity to gather important information on our players in meaningful games to finish the season.”
TFC’s U-18 team topped its division after regular season play wrapped up on Saturday, May 31. In the East (North) Division, TFC Academy’s U-18 team finished in first with 35 points (11W-1L-2T) to secure a spot in the playoffs. The U-16 and U-15 group will compete in the showcase portion of the tournament.
The MLS NEXT Cup Playoff draw took place on Tuesday, June 3, and the U-18’s were drawn to play Orlando City Youth in an-all-or-nothing opening match on Sunday, June 15 at 9:15 p.m. ET. Should TFC’s U-18 team advance, they will play the winner of Indy Eleven vs. Austin FC in the next round scheduled on Monday, June 16.
The U-16 team will open the showcase against MLS Academies, Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, June 14 at 6:15 p.m. ET and San Jose Earthquakes on Monday, June 16 at 11:15 a.m. ET. TFC U-16’s will conclude the showcase and the 2024-25 MLS NEXT season against Seattle Sounders FC on Tuesday, June 17 with a scheduled kickoff of 5:00 p.m. ET.
TFC’s U-15 squad will face Los Angeles SC on Saturday, June 14 at 11:15 a.m. ET before playing De Anza Force the following day, Sunday, June 15 at 11:15 a.m. ET. To close out the showcase, the U-15’s are scheduled to play Real Salt Lake on Tuesday, June 17 at 11:00 a.m. ET.
To stay up to date with the TFC Academy, follow the Toronto FC Academy on Instagram (@torontofcacademy) and X (@tfcacademy).
