Van Parker played a key role in Real Salt Lake’s title-winning MLS NEXT Cup run. Parker put up tournament leading numbers while helping the team achieve a historic double. Real Salt Lake U16 became the first team in MLS NEXT history to win both the Generation Adidas Cup and the MLS NEXT Cup in the same season!

After proving himself as an elite striker in April at the GA Cup, Parker led the charge for Real Salt Lake, leading the tournament at the MLS Next Cup across all age groups in goals with 6, and tallying two assists. Parker directly contributed to 8 out of his team’s 18 total goals. 

With numbers like these, Van Parker earned himself both the MLS NEXT Cup MVP and the Golden Boot. He becomes just the second player in MLS NEXT Cup history to achieve both awards in the same season.

The dominance started early for Parker, scoring two goals in each of the team’s first three games, propelling Real Salt Lake into the semifinals with confidence. Real Salt Lake took care of business without Parker’s scoring in the semifinals to find themselves in the MSL NEXT Cup Finals once again with a chance to make history. Van Parker came out flying in the finals with an early scoring chance however a controversial no-call erased the opportunity. Real Salt Lake would end up taking the game after an 89th minute game winning goal to seal the MLS NEXT Cup Championship and the first ever double.

With Van Parker’s dominant performance in MLS NEXT Cup, he has made a name for himself and solidified his status as a top youth prospect in North America. Helping Real Salt Lake achieve the first ever MLS NEXT Cup and Generation Adidas Cup double, Van Parker has put himself on the map and is a big name to look out for in the coming years.