As the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Cup approaches, the anticipation builds for a showdown between some of the most exciting rising stars the league has to offer.
Saturday’s match will mark the first MLS NEXT Pro Cup appearance for both North Texas SC and Philadelphia Union II when they face off in Frisco, Texas on Nov. 9th, (8:30 PM ET | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV)
North Texas SC secured their spot in the final with a dramatic extra-time offensive surge, claiming a 3-0 victory over St. Louis CITY2.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia Union II comes in strong after a dominant 4-0 shutout over defending Eastern Conference champions Columbus Crew 2, highlighted by 15-year-old Cavan Sullivan’s record-setting playoff goal as the youngest scorer in league history.
Saturday’s MLS NEXT Pro Cup promises to be an electrifying match, as both teams aim to cap their seasons with the ultimate title.
With that being said, let’s take a look at the players who could make all the difference on the field come Saturday.
Philadelphia Union II
Cavan Sullivan
Sullivan’s debut season has been nothing short of extraordinary, and now the young star is on the brink of ending his first MLS NEXT Pro campaign with a championship.
Sullivan has showcased exactly why he made history as the youngest player to debut in MLS, becoming a key player in a Union II squad that has dominated the postseason.
His outside-the-box goal against Crew 2 helped cement Union II’s spot in their first-ever MLS NEXT Pro Cup.
The goal,and another on Crew 2 in the regular season, made statements about his fearless approach; give him an inch of space, and he’s ready to strike, something NTSC will certainly have on their scouting report.
With his electric style and technical skills, Sullivan is must-watch TV, and the kind of player you don’t want to miss.
CJ Olney
17-year-old forward Olney has emerged as a standout offensive leader for Union II this postseason, scoring the decisive goal against NYCFC II and providing a crucial assist in the team’s shootout victory over Crown Legacy FC in the opening rounds.
Although it didn’t appear on the stat sheet, Olney's dangerous cross early in the Eastern Conference Final against Crew 2 set up Markus Anderson’s goal, setting the tone for a decisive Union II win.
His regular season performances earned him a spot on the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI. Over 22 games, Olney contributed six goals and eight assists, along with 49 key passes. His eight assists placed him third in the league, highlighting his playmaking impact.
A former Union Academy standout, Olney's dedication and skill were rewarded with a Homegrown contract in August. Now, he stands as the centerpiece of a Union II squad.
Eddy Davis
Davis may be having a quiet postseason on the scoring front, but that hasn’t shaken Marlon LeBlanc’s trust. The 18-year-old striker has started in each of Union II’s three playoff matches.
During the regular season, Davis led Union II with 13 goals and three assists, earning three MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Month awards.
Now, he’s adapted to a more defensive role, setting the tone for Union II’s high-pressure game plan.
With his strong connection playing alongside Anderson, who scored twice last week, Davis could be primed to find his scoring touch again in this final showdown, bringing his regular season’s form to the championship stage.
“Markus and I have to lead the line, Davis said following the Eastern Conference Final. "And Markus, there’s no other striker I’d rather play with. We have a great bond. We pressed the center backs, pressing the sixes all over the place. This really gave that Philly spirit—fighting the whole game.”
Frankie Westfield
It’s been quite the season for Westfield.
Starting the season on an academy contract, Frankie Westfield was named co-captain, a testament to the Union II coaching staff’s trust in the 18-year-old as he entered his third campaign with the team.
With his team’s confidence behind him, Westfield quickly made an impact, earning an MLS NEXT Pro contract, a call-up to the USMNT U-20 squad, and a place on the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI all within one season.
Westfield proved to be Union II’s ironman, playing in 26 matches and logging over 2,300 minutes. Remarkably, he tied with Olney in goals scored, scoring six times while also adding six assists—an impressive tally for a left back.
In the conference final against Columbus Crew 2, Westfield further cemented his reputation as a dual threat with a long-range golazo and helped secure Union II’s second clean sheet of the playoffs.
Westfield's play on the backline has been invaluable during the postseason, with Union II allowing only one goal across three postseason games. Union II will need another stellar performance from their captain if they hope to lift the MLS NEXT Pro Cup on Saturday.
North Texas SC
Pedrihno
After missing the 2023 postseason, North Texas SC knew they needed to revamp their front line to make a serious run in 2024.
Enter Pedrinho.
The 21-year-old Brazilian made an immediate impact in his debut season in Texas, scoring 10 goals in the regular season and leading one of the league's most dynamic offenses. His scoring touch has continued in the playoffs, where he’s added two goals and two assists in just three games, tying the club record for most playoff goals across all competitions.
Former Head Coach John Gall, now FC Dallas first team assistant, shared high praise for Pedrinho before the season: “His passion for football is contagious and we are excited to bring the young Brazilian to North Texas and provide us with that flair that’s always a little different than what we are used to.”
Gall’s prediction has proven true, with Pedrinho’s style and energy inspiring his teammates to deliver one impressive attacking display after another.
A product of Flamengo’s academy, Pedrinho isn’t new to the big stage — last year, he scored twice in the Brasileirão U-20 playoffs to help Flamengo secure back-to-back titles.
Now, he’ll look to bring that experience and winning mentality to the MLS NEXT Pro Cup, hoping to lift a trophy for the second consecutive year.
Michael Collodi
Here’s an interesting stat: every MLS NEXT Pro Cup has featured the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year, and every champion has had that same keeper as their starter.
That puts Collodi in a key position come Saturday, especially with Union II’s attack to contend with.
Collodi has enjoyed a standout season, posting a 13-4-6 record, a save rate of over 70%, and six shutouts. His performance earned him a place on the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI and helped North Texas SC secure the league’s best record.
The Plano, Texas native set a new playoff career-high with five impressive saves in the Western Conference Final, earning NTSC their first clean sheet in playoff competition since 2019 and securing them a spot in the MLS NEXT Pro Cup. Collodi’s impact will be crucial as he faces off against Union II’s offensive firepower.
Nico Gordon
They say defense wins championships, and for North Texas SC, newcomer Nico Gordon has been the backbone of that defense. His leadership and skill on the field were evident when the Montserrat international was named team captain ahead of the 2024 season.
Gordon led a backline that allowed just 32 goals, marking a 13-goal improvement from 2023. His stellar play earned him a spot on the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI, alongside Collodi, making him the third NTSC player to earn a Best XI honor since 2022.
Although NTSC’s defense conceded goals in their first two playoff games, Gordon and the backline delivered when it mattered most, holding a high-powered CITY2 offense scoreless in the Western Conference Final. Gordon recorded nine clearances and made five passes into the final third, contributing both defensively and offensively to the team’s victory.
If Gordon and the NTSC defense can replicate this performance in the MLS NEXT Pro Cup, they’ll be a formidable team to beat on Saturday night.
Diego Garcia
North Texas SC has an impressive arsenal of offensive talent, but it’s been Diego Garcia who has been the driving force in the midfield this season.
Since joining from El Paso Locomotive in 2023, Garcia has taken his game to new heights in 2024, netting seven goals and adding three assists in 26 appearances.
His contributions haven’t slowed in the playoffs either; he’s started all three postseason games and notched two goal contributions, showing his consistency under pressure.
As North Texas SC heads into the MLS NEXT Pro Cup, the team will rely on the 18-year-old midfielder to deliver another stellar performance and help lead them to victory on Saturday night.
