WEYMOUTH, Mass. — As the MLS Next fall season winds down, every match becomes crucial in the race to qualify for MLS Next Flex in May.
Saturday’s U-17 showdown between NEFC and IFA New England fit the bill.
The rivals battled in a competitive 90-minute duel that featured intensity, standout individual play, and even some chippiness.
Cam Velez wasted no time putting NEFC ahead, scoring from 30 yards out less than two minutes into the action. Hamza Frederick doubled the lead later in the first half, and NEFC rode its dominant backline to secure a 2-0 win on a windy afternoon at Union Point Sports Complex.
NEFC is in a comfortable position for MLS Next Flex, sitting in second place in the Northeast Division with an 8-2-0 record. IFA (2-5-2) will have some work to do when the spring season resumes, but the club flashed its upside as several key players returned from private schools to make their season debuts.
There was a ton of talent on the field during the entertaining match. Here are 7 standouts.
