HARRISON, N.J. (March 16, 2026) – U-13 Red Bulls Academy finish in second place of the Algarve U-13 Elite Cup 2026 in Silves, Portugal.Â
The U-13s were incredible through six group stage matches earning five victories and one draw to top Pool A. The group defeated Sporting CP 1-0, Crew Alexandra 2-0, Top Ballers 4-0, Silves FC 4-0 and Go Ahead Eagles 1-0 while fighting Arsenal to a 0-0 draw.
The U-13s finished tied with Sporting CP with best goal differential through group stage with  +12 as the side scored 12 goals and conceded none. The side was the only squad to not concede a goal in group play in the entire tournament.Â
The Red Bulls Academy moved onto the knockout stage of the tournament, earning a 1-0 semifinal victory against Dutch side RSC Anderlecht.
In the final, the U-13s faced up against Portuguese giant SL Benfica and fell 2-0.Â
New York held strong defensively throughout the entire tournament conceding only two goals through eight matches, which was the least number of goals conceded by a team in the competition. This feat earned Goalkeeper Matthew Gonzalez the Keeper of the Tournament Award.
The U-13s will be back in action for MLS NEXT league play, as they host Oakwood Soccer Club at Red Bulls Training Facility on March 21 with kickoff set for 2 p.m. ET.
