The 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game didn’t just showcase the top young talent in North America; it spotlighted the growing impact of SAI Academy on the future of the game.
Six players with ties to SAI Academy earned roster spots in the highly anticipated East vs. West showdown, held at St. David’s Performance Center in Austin, TX on Monday, July 21, 2025. Four of them, Gustavo Caraballo, Dylan Judelson, Robert Turdean, and Judah Pritchett, suited up for the East, while Nico Aristizabal and Christian Ayala represented the West.
Gustavo Caraballo, a current SAI student and one of the standouts of Orlando City SC, made the most headlines. In the 52nd minute, Caraballo curled in a brilliant long-range strike to bring the East level at 2-2, igniting a comeback that would eventually lead to a thrilling 4–3 win.
“That goal changed the game,” said East head coach Javier Carillo (Orlando City SC’s U18 Head Coach), who is also a longtime friend of SAI. “Gustavo’s composure and confidence on that stage are something special.”
Caraballo wasn’t the only SAI player who impressed. Fellow Orlando City SC prospect and SAI student Dylan Judelson featured heavily in the midfield, helping to dictate the tempo and press defensively. Judah Pritchett (DC United) added another layer of control and intensity from the backline. Robert Turdean, a rising player from Chicago Fire FC, also brought his consistent work rate and smart decision-making to the East side’s strong showing.
On the other side of the pitch, Nico Aristizabal and Christian Ayala, both members of Austin FC and SAI, turned in solid performances despite the loss, contributing to the West’s early 2–0 lead and pushing the pace until the final whistle.
The match wasn’t just a player showcase. Both teams were led by coaches closely tied to the SAI community:
- Javier Carillo (East) – Orlando City SC U18 Head Coach
- Jason Shackell (West) – Austin FC U16 Head Coach
This year’s MLS NEXT All-Star Game was more than just a display of elite youth talent; it was a testament to what happens when a program like SAI Academy blends academic support with high-level training and pro club partnerships.
“It’s always such an honor to be a part of our student-athletes’ development every day both on the field and in the classroom, said Lauren Richards, Director of Operations at SAI Academy. To watch our students achieve this level of success on a national stage where they are personally recognized by their peers and various coaching staff throughout the league makes us so proud to watch them receive yet another recognition of their hard work during this All-Star week.”
From the classroom to the All-Star stage, SAI continues to elevate the future of U.S. soccer.
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