2025 USL Academy Finals Kick Off With Thrilling Round of 16 at IMG Academy
- Jonathan Turner
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
BRADENTON, Fla. — The 2025 USL Academy Finals opened Thursday at IMG Academy with eight action-packed Round of 16 contests that delivered goals, comebacks and late-match heroics, setting the stage for an exciting slate of quarterfinals on Friday.
Lexington SC began the day with a commanding 3–0 win over Westchester Flames, powered by a brace from Felipe Valencia. In its first-ever USL Academy Finals appearance, Sporting JAX battled back to defeat Staten Island Monarchs 3–1 behind two clutch penalty conversions from captain Adis Mesic.
In a rematch of last year’s quarterfinal, AC Connecticut edged Miami FC 2–1 after extra time. Johan Bermudez scored his second of the day early in the added period, lifting AC Connecticut past Miami’s U20 squad.
One of the day’s most dramatic finishes came in Richmond Kickers’ 1–1 draw with San Antonio FC. Nick Sarantakos netted the equalizer with the final kick of regulation, and goalkeeper Colby Macomber delivered in the shootout as the Kickers advanced 4–2 on penalties.
Defending champions Indy Eleven cruised to a 3–0 win over Western Mass Pioneers, with goals from Ephram Amones, Landyn Hoyhtya and Grant Paskus. Orange County SC also secured its quarterfinal spot with a 2–1 victory over Lancaster FC, holding off a late push after taking a two-goal lead.
City SC San Diego impressed with a fast start in its 2–1 win over El Paso Locomotive FC, scoring twice in the first half before withstanding a second-half surge. Utah Red Wolves SC closed out the day with a gritty 2–1 comeback win over SSA Swarm, scoring the decisive goal off a corner late in the match.
Quarterfinal Schedule – Friday at IMG Academy
12 p.m.• Orange County SC vs. Utah Red Wolves SC – Field 6• Indy Eleven vs. Richmond Kickers – Field 7
2 p.m.• Lexington SC vs. City SC San Diego – Field 6• Sporting JAX vs. AC Connecticut – Field 7
With dramatic finishes and standout performances across the board, the opening day of the 2025 USL Academy Finals delivered everything expected from the nation’s top academy sides—and Friday’s quarterfinals promise even more intensity as teams continue their push for the championship.
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