GA Cup Round Of 16 Preview

The GA Cup group stages have finally concluded and the matches did not disappoint. Overall, the event has been filled with action and exciting moments. MLS academies, non MLS academies, and international academies have been going head to head. There has been domination, close matches, and upsets throughout all matches so far. Its only getting better as the top 16 teams will now be going against each other in knockout style rounds. The top team for the U16 age group has been PSV from Netherlands. They won all 3 of their matches defeating DC United, Barcelona Residency Academy, and Sporting Kansas City. The top team for the U18 age group has been Orlando City. they have been dominate throughout MLS Next and GA Cup. They beat LAFC, Columbus Crew, and Inter Milan. Specifically, the Inter Milan game was close as they won in penalties. Justin Ellies and Juan Rojas came up big for the lions.

The round of 16 takes place tomorrow (4/16/25). There are some crazy competition in both age groups. Both brackets were released the day before which is GA Cup media day. No matches were taking place as teams are resting. Some top matchups for the U16 group are Philadelphia Union vs Charlotte FC, FC Tokyo vs RSL, Portland Timbers vs Genk, and PSV vs LAFC. Out of these matches a top player is Tyler Gladstone for the Philadelphia Union. He came up big in the group stage as he scored a brace against Liga MX side Club America. Some top matchups for the U18 group are Atlanta United vs Inter Milan, Inter Miami vs Santos Laguna, and Orlando City vs St Louis City. One top player in these matches is Gustavo Caraballo. He recently made his MLS debut and is constantly featured with their second team. But, he was brought to GA Cup with the U18 academy team to add to an already stacked roster. Electric moments are inevitable for the knockouts stages. Who will come out victorious?