HARRISON, N.J. (August 18, 2025) – Red Bulls Academy U-16 have completed play in the Next Generation Trophy Tournament in Salzburg, Austria at Red Bull Salzburg’s Akademie.
The U-16s opened group play on August 14, where they fell 1-0 to Malian side Yeelen Olympique. In the second group stage match, New York went down 2-0 early against Belgian Club Brugge, but showed perseverance by scoring three goals in the final 16 minutes of the match thanks to a brace from Eric Lodge and goal from Avery Rosado to earn a 3-2 victory.
With three points through group play, the U-16s advanced to the knockout stages. They faced Colombian side Academia Alemana de Futbol Popayán in the quarterfinals on August 15. Bradley Castro got New York on the scoresheet, and the match was level at one through regulation. New York stepped up in the penalty kick shootout by taking a 4-3 advantage to advance to the semifinals.
The group earned a strong 3-1 semifinal win over Spanish side Athletic Bilbao to advance to the final of the competition. New York had three separate goal scorers with Matthew Jean Baptistes opening the scoring, Ari Haiek adding a second via a penalty kick, and Avery Rosado sealing the deal with a third goal.
After a strong effort in the championship match on August 16. New York lost 3-0 to Brazilian side RB Bragantino.
Although the U-16’s fell just short of silverware, it was still an invaluable experience and a great way to jumpstart the 2025-26 MLS NEXT campaign.
“The Next Generation Trophy Tournament provided an excellent platform for our U-16s to test themselves against top opposition. Reaching the final, with wins over clubs such as Club Brugge and Athletic Bilbao, reflected their resilience and collective progress.” Says U-16 Head Coach Simon Nee. ”Most importantly, the group returns with greater confidence and belief in their ability to compete at a high level—an experience that will positively shape their development moving forward.”
MLS NEXT will begin towards the end of the month with the U-16’s first opponent to be announced at a later date.
