Seattle represented in MLS Next All Star game

The last academy notebook recapped excellent runs in the GA Cup for the U15 and U16 academy teams. Since that early April tournament, the academy teams have made more news with MLS Next Cup playoff runs and MLS Next All Star selections. The latter includes a player that is having one of the better academy seasons the Sounders program has seen.

MLS Next Cup Playoffs

The playoffs for the academy season kicked off in late May, with the U17 and U19 academy teams qualifying. The U17s qualified by finishing 1st in the West division of league play, 10 points higher than the second place finisher LAFC, while the U19s qualified via Flex competition.

Both teams advanced out of the round of 32, but ultimately fell in the round of 16.

U17

Barca Residency Academy 2 - Seattle Sounders FC 3

Sounders goals
- Vitalii Kolomeits (Landon Lucero)
- Vitalii Kolomeits (Adin Fikic)
- Cris Batiz (Josh Espino)

Inter Miami CF 2(5) - Seattle Sounders FC 2(4)

Sounders goals unknown

U19

Seattle Sounders FC 1 - Global Football Innovation 0

Sounders goals
- Leo Flores Gonzales

Barca Residency Academy 6 - Seattle Sounders FC 0

MLS Next All Stars

With the conclusion of the MLS Next season, the All Star game is soon to be played. Rosters were announced on June 24th and there was plenty of Seattle representation.

From a player perspective, center back Basil Kuprishov and winger Cris Batiz were selected. This is another accolade for Batiz in 2026 after signing his first professional contract with Tacoma Defiance and finishing as the golden boot winner in the GA Cup.

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The representation doesn’t end within the touchlines as the West team will be coached by U15 head coach Ethan O’Neill and U16 head coach Matt Dorman.

The game will be played in just over a month and will be another chance to catch some of the most promising young players in the Sounders youth setup.