MLS Next Cup Recap: U17 Final
FRISCO, Texas- Under the lights of Toyota Park, the MLS Cup came to a thrilling conclusion with the U17 final between Philadelphia Union and the Columbus Crew. This cup final had everything from goal-keeping heroics and world-class finishing, to a…
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Continue ReadingFRISCO, Texas- Under the lights of Toyota Park, the MLS Cup came to a thrilling conclusion with the U17 final between Philadelphia Union and the Columbus Crew. This cup final had everything from goal-keeping heroics and world-class finishing, to a come-from-behind victory with a level of intensity befitting of a championship match. It was an exciting finale and in my opinion, was the game of the tournament across all age groups. This article will recap the U17 final and includes photos from the match.
There was palpable intensity from the first whistle. Philadelphia was on the attack immediately and forced a number of difficult saves from Columbus goalkeeper Stanislav Lapkes Stanislav Lapkes GK State #57 Nation OH within the first 15 minutes of play. Stanislav was a busy man all match, and his impressive shot-stopping abilities were on full display. Despite Philadelphia having most of the chances, Columbus created some good looks at goal and Philadelphia keeper Andrew Rick Andrew Rick GK State PA had to make some great saves of his own. The scoring opened just before the half with a penalty being awarded to Crew midfielder Taha Habroune Taha Habroune M OH , who stepped up and buried his chance giving Columbus the 1-0 lead.
Just after the 2nd half began, Columbus doubled their lead with a fantastic cross from Owen Presthus Owen Presthus F New Albany | 2024 State #14 Nation OH to find Joshua Bartela Joshua Bartela F State OH open inside the box- who headed home the second goal off the post. Philadelphia showed a lot of mental toughness after going down 2-0 to keep fighting. Their first breakthrough came on a corner; Marcus Zambrano-Delgado flew in with a thumping header that found the back of the net to cut the lead in half. Not long after their first goal, Luciano Sanchez Luciano Sanchez null | F Ysc | 2023 State #48 Nation PA played a dangerous cross into the box where David Vazquez David Vazquez null | M YSC Academy | 2024 State #1 Nation PA found space to powerfully nod it past the keeper from just inside the 6. The final goal started with a cheeky nut-meg pass from Luciano Sanchez Luciano Sanchez null | F Ysc | 2023 State #48 Nation PA to Marcus Zambrano-Delgado, who ran with it and again showed his clinical finishing by curling a shot to the bottom right of the goal, giving the keeper no chance.
Despite the many first-half chances that went wanting, a deflating penalty, and immediately conceding after half-time, Philadelphia kept knocking at the door and eventually broke it down. With a flurry of offense in the second half sparked by striker Marcus Zambrano-Delgado, Philadelphia completed an exciting comeback and secured the title.
Man of the match: Marcus Zambrano-Delgado, Striker, Philadelphia Union
Marcus had himself quite the night, scoring a header to cut the lead in half and then the game-winner. The goals he scored will obviously be what is highlighted, but his work rate, penetrating runs, and ability to play with his back to goal were just as impressive as his finishing.
Other Notable Performances:
Stanislav Lapkes Stanislav Lapkes GK State #57 Nation OH , Goal-keeper, Columbus Crew
Owen Presthus Owen Presthus F New Albany | 2024 State #14 Nation OH , Winger, Columbus Crew
Taha Habroune Taha Habroune M OH , Midfielder, Columbus Crew
Gavin Wetzel, Center-back, Philadelphia Union
Andrew Rick Andrew Rick GK State PA , Goal-keeper, Philadelphia Union
Luke Martelli Luke Martelli 5'8" | D State #81 Nation PA , Defender, Philadelphia Union
Alex Perez Alex Perez D #8 Nation PA , Midfielder, Philadelphia Union