The under-19 final brought drama: Strikers FC survived an injury-time tie to win 4-2 on penalty kicks after drawing 2-2 with Cedar Stars Academy-Bergen.
The two teams traded goals in the first half, when Strikers’ Taj Eagleston opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Frankie De Francesco responded for Cedar Stars less than 20 minutes later.
They were honors even until the last 10 minutes of the match, when Eagleston put Strikers ahead in the 83rd minute. Then, well into injury time, Ransford Gyan intervened for Cedar Stars. After passing a defender, Gyan’s shot hit the crossbar and Colin O’Brien scored the equalizing goal.
Neither team was able to break the deadlock in extra time, setting the stage for penalties. Strikers FC were clinical, converting all four tries and Kaden Gust made two saves.
MLS NEXT Cup U19: Individual awards
Top scorer: Ransford Gyan (Cedar Stars Academy Bergen)
Best Goalkeeper presented by Allstate: Kaden Gust (Strikers FC)
MVP presented by adidas: Taj Eagleston (Strikers FC)
