Philadelphia Union’s U-15 squad added another major honor to their growing reputation by winning Atlanta United in the 2025 MLS NEXT Cup Final with a solid win

Despite the intense heat in Tennessee and them facing their fifth match in seven days, the young Union side displayed relentless efforts and work ethic. Forward Timoni Gbalajobi led the team with two vital goals to earn Player of the Final, while midfielder Samuel Gallego delivered a solid play just before the hour mark, giving a stunning strike inside the far post to seal the win.

Philadelphia Union U-15s 1/Philadelphia Union

The championship marks a historic first at the U-15 level for the Union Academy and becomes the club’s second-ever MLS NEXT Cup title. The 2025 U-15s now join the U-17 group from 2022 in Philadelphia’s growing legacy at the youth level.

The final began with both sides going back and forth in search of an early breakthrough. The Union’s high-energy pressing game finally produced a goal in the 34th minute, when Gbalajobi pounced after a sequence of blocked shots, calmly slotting home from close range. Atlanta attempted to play well and win the second half, but the Union punished them on a counterattack as Gallego struck again in the tournament, this time, he doubled the lead. In stoppage time, Gbalajobi finished off a fast break with his second goal to make it 3-0, just before the final whistle.

Saturday morning’s victory capped off a flawless tournament campaign under Head Coach Ben Moane. The journey started with a commanding 5-1 win over Strikers FC in the Round of 32. Less than a day later, the U-15s showed their grit with a narrow 1-0 win against a stubborn Weston FC squad.

Following a brief rest, Liam Holtzman took center stage in the Quarterfinals, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over the Colorado Rapids and earning MLS NEXT Cup Player of the Day. The Semifinal clash with Saint Louis City SC saw Gallego convert a free kick, but the match went to penalties after Saint Louis equalized. In the shootout, goalkeeper Kenan Livadic made a crucial diving save in the fifth round, setting up Chris Thompson to seal the win with the decisive kick.

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