HARRISON, N.J. (December 3, 2025) – Red Bulls Academy U-16 and U-18s set to compete in 2025 MLS NEXT Fest at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Arizona from December 4 to December 9.
This will be the first MLS NEXT event of the 2025-26 season with both age groups competing in three matches over four days against some of the best talent and competition in North America.
The U-18s have had a strong season thus far. Going 6-1-2 for 20 points through their first nine matches of the MLS NEXT season. Their 2.56 goals scored per match is the second-most in the Northeast Division. New York has scored at least four goals in two of their last three matches in league play courtesy of a 4-1 New York Derby win over NYCFC on November 8 and a 4-0 victory over CF Montreal on November 15.
The group has been strong defensively averaging only 1.22 goals against a match and have only given up more than one goal in two matches. They also have three clean sheets so far.
“We’re just looking to finish the fall season strong,” says U-18 midfielder Paul Sokoloff. “We’ve had a great run of form, and we’re super motivated to continue that at the event. Just want to implement everything that has continuously given us success across the season so far.”
The U-16s are 4-5-0 through nine MLS NEXT matches and are starting to catch their stride securing wins in two of their last three matches with a 3-0 victory over NYCFC on November 8 and a 1-0 win over CF Montreal on November 15. In both wins, New York earned their first and second clean sheets of the season.
The U-18s will kick off play on December 4 against Nashville SC at 12 p.m. ET followed by a matchup verse Seattle Sounders on December 5 at 4:30 p.m. ET. After a day of rest, New York will resume play against Real Salt Lake on December 7 at 1 p.m. ET.
The U-16s begin play with LA Galaxy on December 6 at 6:45 p.m. ET. Then with a day’s rest they’ll face Vancouver Whitecaps on December 8 at 1:15 p.m. and wrap things up on December 9 against San Jose Earthquakes at 1:45 p.m. ET.
