News Summary
In the MLS NEXT All-Star Game held in Austin, Texas, midfielder August Nystrom from the Portland Timbers Academy showcased his skills despite Team East’s comeback victory over Team West with a final score of 4-3. The match highlighted the talent of youth soccer players from across North America, with standout performances throughout the game. Nystrom’s defensive efforts and critical plays were key to Team West’s competitive game against the impressive Team East, led by MVP Prince Forfor.
Portland, Oregon — August Nystrom Notable in MLS NEXT All-Star Game as Team East Secures Comeback Victory
The 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game took place at Parmer Field in Austin, Texas, showcasing some of North America’s most talented young soccer players. Among the standout participants was August Nystrom, a midfielder from the Portland Timbers Academy, who played a pivotal role for Team West. Despite Nystrom’s efforts and a competitive performance, Team East ultimately claimed a 4-3 victory after a dramatic second-half comeback.
Event Overview
The MLS NEXT All-Star Game is a key event in the week-long MLS All-Star festivities held in Austin. Featuring 44 top youth players aged 13 to 16 from across North America, the game aims to highlight future stars within the MLS Academy system. This year’s game attracted a large attendance, with free admission allowing soccer fans of all ages to witness emerging talent firsthand.
Match Summary and Key Moments
The game was evenly matched at halftime, ending in a 1-1 tie. Early on, Nystrom played as a center back for Team West, primarily contributing through strong defensive efforts. One notable moment in the first half was a critical defensive stop by Nystrom that prevented a scoring opportunity for Team East.
Team West opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with an attacking play that began with Lorenzo Cornelius, representing St. Louis CITY SC. Cornelius assisted Tim Dennis of Minnesota United FC, who finished with a tap-in goal, giving Team West an early lead. The scoring was leveled just before halftime when Cristiano Oliveira from New England Revolution converted a free kick in the 45th minute, equalizing the score to 1-1 going into halftime.
In the second half, Team East surged ahead with an early goal from Gustavo Caraballo of Orlando City in the 52nd minute. But Team West responded ten minutes later when Steel Cook of FC Dallas scored from a loose ball in the box, leveling the match again at 2-2.
The competitive nature of the match intensified as Prince Forfor of Columbus Crew scored for Team East in the 76th minute, restoring their lead to 3-2. However, Team West showed resilience with Tyler Brown of Vancouver Whitecaps FC netting an equalizer in the 83rd minute, bringing the score to 3-3.
The decisive moment came in the 85th minute when a handball penalty was awarded to Team East following a foul in the box. Jamir Johnson of Philadelphia Union successfully converted the penalty, securing the 4-3 victory for Team East.
Recognition and Player Highlights
The game’s standout player was Prince Forfor, who was named the MLS NEXT All-Star Game MVP. He contributed both offensively, with a goal, and defensively, challenging the West’s backline throughout the match. His performance underscored his potential as a future professional player.
Player Development and Background
Nystrom’s participation in the All-Star Game marked a significant milestone in his young career. He is the fourth player from the Portland Timbers Academy to earn selection, following Max Eisenberg, Sawyer Jura, and Ian Shaul. The MLS NEXT program continues to identify and develop top young talent, providing a platform for players to showcase their skills on a national stage.
Event Context and Significance
The MLS NEXT All-Star Game is part of the broader MLS All-Star Week, which culminates in the annual MLS All-Star Game featuring MLS professionals against LIGA MX stars. The youth exhibition in Austin highlights the league’s commitment to nurturing talent from a young age, integrating feeder programs into the larger professional ecosystem.
Hosted by Austin FC, the game exemplified the league’s efforts to promote youth soccer and provide aspiring players with significant exposure. The event also featured a week of soccer-related activities and community engagement in the Austin area, emphasizing its role in fostering the sport’s growth in the region.
Summary
Overall, the 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game in Austin showcased impressive skill from North America’s youth players, with Portland Timbers Academy’s August Nystrom gaining recognition for his defensive contributions. Despite Team West’s valiant effort, Team East’s second-half rally secured their 4-3 victory, highlighted by the MVP performance of Prince Forfor. The event reinforced the league’s dedication to developing young talent and fostering the growth of soccer in North America.
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Additional Resources
- MLS Soccer: 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game Recap
- Fox 7 Austin: Coverage of MLS NEXT All-Star Game
- MLS Soccer: Everything to Know About the 2025 MLS All-Star Game
- Wikipedia: MLS NEXT
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
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