Charlotte FC’s U15s and U16s Set for MLS NEXT Cup Kickoff This Saturday

By: Rylee McKinney

Charlotte FC Academy players ahead of the 2025 Generation Adidas Cup (Photo courtesy of Charlotte FC)

MLS NEXT Cup Tournament will begin this Saturday, and Charlotte FC’s U15s and U16s are set to kick off in Tennessee. The U15s will first face off against Houston Dynamo FC, while the U16s will match up against Barca Residency Academy in the Round of 32. The tournament will take place from June 14 to June 22. 

Season Recap

U15s

In their MLS NEXT regular season, the U15s finished in 6th place in the Southeast Division with a 6W-4L-1D record, earning 19 points through the 11 matches. With their regular-season standings, the U15s qualified to compete in MLS NEXT Flex back in early May.

During MLS NEXT Flex, the U15s advanced to the knockout stage with a 1W-0L-2D record, finishing first in their group. The U15s' success from the regular season to MLS NEXT Flex ultimately secured them a spot in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. 

Charlotte FC’s U15s have demonstrated consistent improvement throughout the year, gaining recognition all around. Defender Jeremiah Alexander-Munoz even received a U-15 Boys’ National Team Camp call-up twice, once in April and once in May. 

They now head into the MLS NEXT Cup tournament with strong momentum.

U16s

The Fall season was critical to the U16s’ preparation for the upcoming season, with attention given to building team cohesion, defining roles, and integrating the U15 graduates. 

Earning 6W-6L-4D in 16 matches, the U16s finished in 4th place in the Southeast Division regular season. Their regular season performance left the team just below the playoff line, forcing them to earn their spot in the playoffs through the MLS NEXT Flex tournament. 

During MLS NEXT Flex, the U16s did just that. With a 3W-0L-0D record in the group stages, the U16s advanced to the playoffs. Although they did not clinch the tournament, the U16 squad achieved a significant milestone. 

Next up, the U16s headed to Bradenton, Florida, for the 2025 Generation Adidas Cup. The squad ultimately topped Group C and advanced to the knockout rounds. In the Round of 16 against the Philadelphia Union, the U16s advanced on penalties. However, the team fell to Real Salt Lake in the Quarterfinals, ending their run. 

Even though the U16s did not take home the cup, players like defender Wyatt Holt were named to the 2025 Generation Adidas Cup U16 Best XI. Wyatt Holt even went on to make his professional debut for Crown Legacy FC back in March. 

Call-ups

Outside of the U15 and U16s’ stellar seasons, the Academy has proven the benefits of the pathway. From the U14s to Crown Legacy FC, the Academy has generated significant movement and success for its players. 

Regarding national teams, U14 player Daniel Brown was called up to the U14 USYNT National ID camp, sparking talks about a potential call-up to the U15 squad in the Fall. Crown Legacy FC player, Aron John, was called up to the USYNT U-19 squad for friendlies against Spain and Ukraine this June. 

As for Crown Legacy FC, academy players like Adrian Mendoza, Luke Munson, and Wyatt Holt have made Crown Legacy’s roster for MLS NEXT PRO this season. Previously, Holt made his debut with Crown Legacy FC at 15 years old and has started almost every game in the center back position. 

Moreover, defender Jack Neeley made his first Charlotte FC debut at the beginning of May. His debut crowned him the second homegrown debut behind Nimfasha Berchimas in club history. 

As the 2025 playoffs begin, the academy has announced that six players are committing to colleges, while one player will remain with Crown Legacy for the following year.

Summary

Charlotte FC’s U15 and U16 academy squads have had successful 2025 seasons and hold high expectations as they enter the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs. With multiple national team call-ups and professional debuts across the academy, Charlotte FC’s player development pipeline continues to show promise at every level.