LA Galaxy Academy Update: U-16s qualify for Semifinals

The StubHub! Center is hosting this year's US Soccer Development Academy Postseason semifinals and finals, and on Tuesday evening the LA Galaxy were able to ensure a representative as the U-16s defeated Vardar U16s 5-3 at the Track and Field Stadium to continue through the knockout rounds.

The LA Galaxy U-16s were selected as hosts of the Quarterfinals as the higher seed in their pairing. The U-16s went 3-0-0 through their group at the USSDA showcase in Indiana and finished with a +7 goal differential.

LA held a 2-0 lead going into halftime, but coughed that up in the second half to quickly go behind 3-2 within fifteen minutes. Rey Ortiz of the Galaxy U-16s grabbed an equalizer three minutes after Vardar went ahead and then Ortiz completed a brace to put the U-16s ahead for good.

Academy Finals Week will be played at the StubHub! Center from July 17-19th, with the schedule announced in the coming days. The Galaxy U-18s did not qualify for the quarterfinals finishing second in the group at the showcase in Indiana.