Indy Eleven, AC Connecticut Set for USL Academy Finals Rematch

Dec 07, 2025 311 Views USL Academy

BRADENTON, Fla. — The 2025 USL Academy Finals championship stage is set, and it will be a familiar matchup. Defending champions Indy Eleven will meet AC Connecticut in a rematch of last year’s title game after a dramatic day of semifinal action at IMG Academy. Saturday showcased big-moment performances, standout goals, and exceptional goalkeeping from some of the league’s top youth programs.

AC Connecticut entered its semifinal with confidence following a 3–2 comeback win over Sporting JAX in the quarterfinals. Despite Lexington SC controlling much of the first half and pinning AC Connecticut deep, momentum shifted after the break. The 2024 runners-up ramped up the pressure and capitalized on a defensive miscue in Lexington’s box. Michael Asare set up Danny Istambouli, who buried the opening goal. Ten minutes later, Asare delivered again—this time assisting Bryan Toro, who unleashed a powerful strike to double the advantage.

“I think it was the best game we’ve played this tournament,” said AC Connecticut head coach Antony Howard. “We knew we had to contain Lexington. In the second half we came out more aggressive, and fortunately it paid off.”

Indy Eleven, the team to beat after winning last year’s Academy Finals and the 2025 Pathway Classic U20 Men’s Elite title, encountered a fierce challenge from Utah Red Wolves SC. Utah dictated long stretches of the match and forced a goal-line clearance in the first half from goalkeeper Ryan Hunsucker, who was outstanding throughout. After 120 tense minutes — including a Red Wolves shot off the post in extra time — the match remained scoreless and headed to penalties.

Hunsucker delivered again in the shootout, making two key saves before Victor Aguilar clinched the win, sending Indy Eleven to its second straight championship appearance.

“I’ve got a team that refuses to lose, and they don’t want to learn how,” said Indy Eleven head coach Kiki Wallace. “To not concede a goal up to this point is fantastic, and the defense has been a huge part of that.”

AC Connecticut will look to avenge its 2024 loss when it battles Indy Eleven for the championship on Sunday at 12 p.m. ET, streaming live on SportsEngine Play. Lexington SC and Utah Red Wolves SC will meet in the third-place match at 9 a.m. ET.