June 23, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The LA Galaxy Academy U-17s defeated Charlotte FC U-17s 4-1 in the final of the 2024 U-17 MLS NEXT Cup to become champions of the tournament for a second consecutive season at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tenn. on Sunday night. Ruben Ramos Jr. recorded a hattrick in the final, while Jose “Pepe” Magana scored the game-winning goal in the victory against Charlotte.
U-17 MLS NEXT Cup Playoff Individual Awards
Following the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup win, Magana, who scored the game-winning goal in the final against Charlotte FC, was named the MLS NEXT Cup MVP presented by adidas. Ramos Jr., who tallied a tournament-high eight goals, was named the MLS NEXT Cup Top Scorer. Additionally, goalkeeper Owen Pratt was named the MLS NEXT Cup Best Goalkeeper presented by Allstate.
Road to the Championship
The LA Galaxy Academy U-17 earned a 3-1 penalty-shootout win over the San Jose Earthquakes following a 2-2 draw in regulation in the Round of 16 on June 18. In the Quarterfinals, the LA Galaxy Academy earned a 2-0 shutout win over Sporting Kansas City on June 19. In a rematch of the 2024 Generation adidas Cup Final, the LA Galaxy drew the Philadelphia Union Academy 2-2 in regulation, before earning a 5-3 penalty-kick shootout win on June 21 to advance to the U-17 MLS NEXT Cup Final.
LA Galaxy Academy Success
Notably, the LA Galaxy Academy became the first club in MLS NEXT history to make the Championship of the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in two different age groups in a single season. The LA Galaxy Academy U-15s fell 3-1 to Chicago Fire FC in the 2024 U-15 MLS NEXT Cup Championship on June 23. In the 2024 Generation adidas Cup U-17 Final, the LA Galaxy Academy U-17s played the Philadelphia Academy U-17s to a 2-2 draw in regulation, but fell 5-4 in the penalty kick shootout on April 7. Last year, the LA Galaxy Academy U-17s defeated Real Colorado U-17s 4-2 in the final of the 2023 U-17 MLS NEXT Cup on June 25.
Goal-Scoring Plays.
LA – Ruben Ramos Jr. (Dylan Vanney), 17th minute – Dylan Vanney delivered a cross into the penalty area to Ruben Ramos Jr., whose flicked header beat the Charlotte FC goalkeeper at the top corner.
LA – Jose “Pepe” Magana (Gabriel Arnold), 23rd minute – Gabriel Arnold’s corner-kick delivery into the six-yard box was headed in at the near post by Pepe Magana.
LA – Ruben Ramos Jr., 45th minute – After Gustavo Gonzalez’s shot from inside the penalty area was blocked, the loose…
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