The MLS NEXT 2024/25 season is over, and the young Loons are taking a break from soccer. At least, officially. I’m sure they’ll be playing more than a little footy over the summer months. After nearly a year of action, the Loons are ready to turn over a new leaf, with Academy graduates moving on to their next steps, youngsters stepping into their shoes, and new players joining the ranks in the weeks to come.
Before we move forward to 2025/26, though, it’s important to take a moment to appreciate what this season showed us. From top to bottom, it was a year of growth for Minnesota United’s Academy. While it didn’t end with any silverware, the foundation to guide quality players and people is firing on all cylinders.
A quick clarifier to set this review up: during the season, our Academy teams participate in two season-long competitions. These are separated into MLS NEXT League play and MLS NEXT Flex play. The main difference between the two is the teams that are grouped together, with Flex play integrating MLS NEXT clubs with more local clubs as well. These two run congruently throughout the season, ensuring the boys get plenty of chances to get on the pitch before the bigger tournaments roll around.
U15
Head Coach Amin Qasim and the U15s were the last Loons standing this season, becoming the first U15 team in club history to qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. The youngest group showed great promise in their first year of MLS NEXT competition, finishing second in the Mid-America (West) Division with a record of 7-1-1 (W-L-D). They likewise earned a second-place finish in MLS NEXT Flex play, battling to an impressive record of 15-3-0 in the Mid-America Division. Their season ended with a narrow 3-2 loss to Barca Residency Academy in the first round of the playoffs.
Across each of their grueling competitions, the U15s firmly established themselves among the best teams in our region. Not only did the technical quality of this group impress the coaching staff, but the collective spirit of the team proved to be truly unique as well. With standout individuals that came together to create a sum even greater than its parts, this group of players has set quite the standard for themselves as they continue to move through the Academy ranks.
At the club’s end-of-season awards, defender Brett Isaacson was selected as the Newcomer of the Year. Joining the club as part of the U15 team, Isaacson’s leadership on and off the field contributed to his team’s successes in such a meaningful way that he ended up moving up to play with the U16s before the season was over. Congrats on the recognition, Brett, and congrats to the whole team on a fantastic debut season.
U16
While the U16s didn’t find the same kind of success as their younger counterparts, they managed to put together a solid season as well. Their record in MLS NEXT League play likely left a bad taste in their mouths (3-8-4), but it was more than made up for with an impressive showing in Flex play, where their record of 13-4-0 was good enough for second spot in a competitive Mid-America Division.
No player was more representative of the U16’s season than midfielder Max Harwood, who was awarded the Most Improved Player of the Year award. This recognition was given to just one player across the whole Academy, and was earned through his commitment to his team and his strong performances in pivotal moments. Here’s to even more growth in the seasons to come!
U18
While the oldest Academy crew struggled in both League and Flex play, this group has proven to be much more than meets the eye. Several of the U18s spent significant time training and playing with MNUFC2, gathering professional experience and contributing to one of the best starts in all of MLS NEXT Pro. Development isn’t tied directly to results, and while this squad was capable of fighting for some impressive results when needed, it’s their individual successes that were celebrated most at the end of this season.
With the next step in their lives and careers fast approaching, 15 of these young men have decided to make the jump to college soccer. Forever a part of our club’s story, these talented players will study and play across the nation for the next few seasons, though the club will retain the first chance to sign them when they’ve finished their studies. Congrats to all of the players joining the collegiate ranks!
Among those players is the club’s Player of the Year, Ari van Mol, who has committed to play for the Wisconsin Badgers next season. Van Mol transitioned from midfield to left back this season, where he became a key piece of his team’s efforts. His leadership on the field and in the locker room made him stand out even further, creating a culture that elevated the U18s all around.
While a break in action is here, the Academy never truly stops. Tryouts for the 2025/26 season are set to take place next week, from June 23 to 26, where our licensed academy coaches, alongside a slew of licensed evaluators from around the community, will evaluate upward of 300 young soccer players to see who’s got what it takes to join our ranks next season.
