FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (June 15, 2023) – The New England Revolution Academy’s U-15, U-17, and U-19 teams are heading to Frisco, Texas for the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. All three teams earned qualification for the playoff tournament by winning their respective groups at the MLS NEXT Flex Tournament this spring. New England stands as one of three MLS clubs represented at the U-15, U-17, and U-19 levels.

The Revolution U-19s enter the postseason as the defending MLS NEXT Cup Champions with an 18-3-5 record across league and MLS NEXT Flex play in 2022-23. The U-19s earned playoff qualification after registering three straight wins in the Flex tournament over Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Real JFC, and Strikers FC. Jason Zacarias (2004 – Billerica, Mass.) and Bryce Flowers (2005 – Sharon, Mass.) co-lead their team with nine goals on the season. Goalkeepers Ryan Carney (2005 – Dunstable, Mass.), Kevin Christensen (2006 – Natick, Mass.), Marshall Nason Martin (2007 – Norwood, Mass.), and Max Weinstein (2004 – Montpelier, V.T.) have all seen action in net.

The U-19s will kick off their playoff run on Sunday, June 18 vs. FC Golden State.

U-19 Players to Watch:

1. Gianluca Armellino (2005 – Plainville, Mass.)
2. Jack Burkhardt (2005 – Sutton, Mass.)
3. Bryce Flowers (2005 – Sharon, Mass.)
4. Ezra Widman (2005 – New York, N.Y.)
5. Jason Zacarias (2004 – Billerica, Mass.)

The U-17s earned a 16-5-3 record during the 2022-23 season and punched their playoff ticket after going undefeated in the NEXT Flex tournament vs. FC Delco, Chula Vista FC, and Weston FC. Eric Martinez (2006 – Perris, Calif.) led his team with 16 goals on the season with Olger Escobar (2006 – Malden, Mass.) close behind with 15 tallies this year. Owen Beninga (2007 – Jackson, W.Y.), Carney, Christensen, and Nason Martin all split time in goal this season.

The Revolution’s latest Homegrown Player signing, 15-year-old Peyton Miller (2007 – Unionville, Conn.), will return to the U-17s for their postseason run. The outside back made his professional debut with New England’s second team on March 26 and has since made 11 starts across 12 appearances, notching two assists so far this season.

The U-17s will begin their playoff action on Sunday, June 18 vs. Florida Rush.

U-17 Players to Watch:

1. Raphael Alves (2007 – Framingham, Mass.)
2. Ryan Carney (2006 – Dunstable, Mass.)
3. Olger Escobar (2006 – Malden, Mass.)
4. Jamie Kabuusu (2006 – Chestnut Hill, Mass.)
5. Peyton Miller (2007 – Unionville, Conn.)

The U-15s went 12-8-4 across the 2022-23 season and went 2-0-1 in the Flex tournament where they faced Players Development Academy, RSL Arizona, and Southern Soccer Academy to earn qualification to the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. Cristiano Carlos (2008 – Chicopee, Mass.) tallied 13 goals to lead the U-15s with Sean Cory (2008 – Wrentham, Mass.) and Jose Goodman Millman (2008 – Cocheton, Ny.) splitting goalkeeping efforts in the regular season.

The U-15s kick off their postseason vs. Columbus Crew on Saturday, June 17. Their 3:30 p.m. ET match will stream live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

U-15 Players to Watch:

1. Eli Ackerman (2008 – Natick, Mass.)
2. Cristiano Carlos (2008 – Chicopee, Mass.)
3. Bryan Norena (2008 – Revere, Mass.)
4. Cliff-Grova Rwabira (2008 – Portland, M.E.)
5. Judah Siquiera (2009 – South Easton, Mass.)
6. Tommy Tsouros (2008 – Bow, N.H.)

More information on the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs can be viewed here. Click here to learn more about the New England Revolution Academy.