20 Wins. 92 Goals. Three Unbeaten Teams. One Club Moving Forward.

DME Academy, Sarasota is making its presence felt in the MLS NEXT Academy Division, putting together an impressive start to the 2026–27 season across six boys age groups in the Sunshine North Conference.

Through October 12, DME has compiled an overall record of 20 wins, 7 losses and 3 draws, scoring 92 goals while allowing just 42. That is a +50 goal differential against some of Florida’s most competitive youth soccer programs.

With the U17 team sitting atop the conference standings and both the U15 and U16 teams unbeaten and in second place, DME continues to demonstrate that its development-first approach can produce results at a high level.

U17 Leads the Way

DME’s U17 boys have set the standard early, posting a 5-0-1 record and taking first place in the 13-team Sunshine North Conference.

With 21 goals scored and just four conceded, the group has established itself as one of the conference’s strongest teams on both sides of the ball.

A hard-fought 2-1 victory over NONA on October 10 further strengthened DME’s position at the top of the table.

The U17 team currently holds a one-point advantage over Jacksonville FC, with a game in hand.

U15 and U16 Remain Unbeaten

Perhaps the most encouraging story is the collective performance of DME’s U15, U16 and U17 teams.

Together, these three groups have combined for 13 wins, zero losses and three draws, conceding only 11 goals across 16 matches.

The U15 boys are 4-0-1, scoring 19 goals and allowing just four. Their recent scoreless draw against NONA maintained their unbeaten record and kept them firmly in the conference race.

The U16 boys have been equally impressive, also sitting at 4-0-1 with 17 goals scored and only three allowed. Their latest result, a 3-1 victory over NONA, continued their strong start.

Both teams sit second behind Orlando City Lake Nona, which has played two additional matches in each age group.

With plenty of soccer remaining, both DME teams are positioned to challenge for the top spots.

Development Across All Six Age Groups

While the U15 through U17 teams have grabbed headlines, DME’s broader Academy Division program continues to compete and develop across all six age groups.

The U19 team sits fourth in the conference with a 3-2-0 record, while the U14 group has won three consecutive matches and holds a 3-1-0 record.

The U13 team, currently 1-4-0, continues to gain valuable experience against quality competition as players adjust to the demands of the Academy Division.

At the U13 and U14 levels, MLS NEXT emphasizes quality of play rather than traditional standings, reinforcing the importance of long-term development over early results.

For DME, the goal is not simply to win games today. It is to develop technically capable, tactically intelligent and competitive players who can continue progressing through the club’s pathway.

Built Through Development, Not Shortcuts

DME Academy Sarasota’s continued growth reflects a larger commitment to raising the standard of youth soccer throughout Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Venice and the surrounding communities.

The club has built its identity around technical development, positional understanding, playing out of the back, intelligent possession and an aggressive approach to winning the ball back.

Those principles are reinforced through consistent training, coaching expectations and an environment that challenges players to improve every day.

Winning matters. But how we develop players to win matters just as much.

As DME continues expanding its competitive opportunities, the Academy Division provides another important platform for players to test themselves against established programs throughout Florida.

Next Challenge: IMG Academy

DME’s next major test comes Saturday, October 17, when all six age groups are scheduled to face IMG Academy.

The matchups provide an opportunity to measure progress against another established academy program, particularly at the U19 level, where IMG enters with an unbeaten 6-0 record.

For DME, the weekend represents another chance to compete, learn and continue building momentum.

With conference races beginning to take shape and postponed matches still to be rescheduled, the coming weeks could significantly influence the standings.

Do More Everyday

From 20 victories and 92 goals to three unbeaten teams across the U15 through U17 age groups, DME Academy Sarasota has plenty to be encouraged about.

But the focus remains on what comes next.

More development. Higher standards. Better competition. Greater opportunities for players.

The results are beginning to speak for themselves. And DME Academy Sarasota is just getting started.

Statistics reflect MLS NEXT Academy Division Sunshine North results as of October 12, 2026. U13 and U14 records are calculated from published match results.

Sources: MLS NEXT Academy Division Standings | League Standings and Schedule