This year’s 2025 GA Cup was one of the best editions since Manchester United came to Dallas. From the opening match—Inter Milan versus Orlando City on the big screen—it was clear we were in for something special.
If there were any lingering questions about whether Orlando City’s U18 team was the best in the country, they answered them at this tournament. Led by a frontline featuring Gustavo, Justin Ellis, and Justin Hilton, it was obvious that any team they faced would be put under heavy pressure. But this Orlando squad wasn’t just about firepower. They were terrifically coached, as shown by their organized transitions, disciplined shape, and a complete balance across the back line, midfield, and attack.
In our interview with Justin Ellis, he spoke about how MLS academy teams have grown more confident when facing international competition. Now that the tournament is over, he walks away with both a GA Cup championship and a Golden uBoot. His time at the academy level may be coming to an end, but if there’s a perfect way to close out your youth career and step toward the pros, this was it. Big things are surely ahead for him—and he’s absolutely a name to keep an eye on.
FBD | T.T. DesRois
