Five days. Three champions. Dozens of breakout performances.
Snow Bowl 2026 Presented by The SWAG and YSC Academy concluded Saturday at WSFS Bank Sportsplex following a week of high-level international academy competition across the U-15, U-16, and U-18 divisions.
Clubs from Europe, Liga MX, and MLS academies competed in tightly contested group stages before dramatic knockout rounds set the stage for Championship Saturday.
U-18: Union Lift the Trophy Under the Lights
Philadelphia Union claimed the U-18 Championship with a 1-0 victory over Lyngby Boldklub in the tournament’s final match.
Gunnar Graham’s first-half goal stood as the difference in a tightly contested Final that saw late defensive stands preserve the result. Captain Kevin Sullivan delivered a critical block in the closing minutes to secure the clean sheet.
Tyler Gladstone was named U-18 Most Valuable Player following a tournament defined by his creativity and attacking presence. Lyngby goalkeeper Elliot Batchelor earned Goalkeeper of the Tournament honors for his performances throughout the week.
S.L. Benfica forward Nazif Inoussa captured the U-18 Golden Boot with five goals, including a four-goal performance during group play.
U-16: Benfica Deliver in the Final
S.L. Benfica secured the U-16 Championship with a 2-0 victory over Philadelphia Union in Saturday’s Final.
After going scoreless during group play and the semifinal, Raimo Djalo scored his first two goals of the tournament in the championship match — both proving decisive in lifting the trophy. Delivering in the biggest moment underscored Benfica’s depth and composure.
Francisco Wang was named U-16 MVP for his leadership and influence throughout the tournament, while goalkeeper Manuel Pires earned Goalkeeper of the Tournament honors.
Philadelphia Union’s Timoni Gbalajobi finished as the U-16 Golden Boot winner after leading the division in goals scored across group and knockout play.
The U-16 division featured rematches, narrow margins, and balanced competition throughout the week, culminating in a disciplined championship performance from the Portuguese side.
U-15: Monterrey Complete Comeback to Claim Title
CF Monterrey captured the Snow Bowl 2026 U-15 Championship with a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over Manchester United.
Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Monterrey erupted for four second-half goals, highlighted by a brace from Romualdo Aguirre, who was later named U-15 Most Valuable Player. Emilio Nicolás Núñez added a key goal and penalty conversion during the surge.
Manchester United’s Jaice Dore, who entered the Final as the division’s leading scorer, finished the tournament with the U-15 Golden Boot. Monterrey goalkeeper Carlos Francisco Alanís earned Goalkeeper of the Tournament honors after anchoring the defensive effort during the knockout round.
The U-15 bracket delivered one of the tournament’s most competitive fields, featuring late equalizers, semifinal upsets, and a championship decided by resilience.
A New International Stage Established
As the inaugural edition of Snow Bowl, the 2026 tournament established itself as a premier international academy competition.
Over five days, the event featured three finals decided by two goals or fewer. Multiple second-half comebacks the exhanced player's developement.
From tactical European buildup play to Liga MX pressing intensity and MLS Academy development pathways, the diversity of styles elevated the level of competition throughout the week.
In its first year, Snow Bowl delivered packed stands, dramatic finishes, and a championship environment that provided meaningful high-pressure experiences for rising talent on an international stage.
