Five takeaways from the MLS Next Fest showcase in California

Cristiano Oliveira impressed for the Revolution Academy at MLS Next Fest. (Photo by Chris Aduama)

INDIO, Calif. — I’m writing this on my flight home to Boston after spending three days at MLS Next Fest in sun-splashed Palm Springs.

The weather was warm, the soccer was high quality, and most importantly, I got to watch all the New England clubs at the U17 and U19 level play against teams from across the country. 

I didn’t know what to expect heading to my first Fest, but the tournament was extremely well run and featured tons of compelling matches and storylines. I will have a lot of content breaking down standout players and teams shortly. But first, I wanted to write a takeaway story on my immediate thoughts and reactions from the tournament.

From Bayside FC’s semifinal march in the Generation Adidas Cup to the brilliance of IFA New England’s Alfred Debah, here are five immediate takeaways from MLS Next Fest.