Boys Soccer: Kasen Brandy strives to reach next level

For most high school athletes, practice means a quick drive across town. For Penn Sophomore Kasen Brandy, it means a five-
hour round trip.

The MLS NEXT defender and winger for Indy Eleven spends two and a half hours each way traveling to
training, balancing elite competition with school and family life. Add in flights across the country for
tournaments, and soccer becomes more than a sport, it becomes a lifestyle.

“People see the games, but they don’t see the sacrifice,” Brandy said. “If I want to play at the next level, I have
to treat this like my job already.”

MLS NEXT, Major League Soccer’s top youth development platform, demands professional-level commitment.

That grind, however, is already shaping Brandy’s future. College recruiters consistently scout MLS NEXT
matches, and the exposure can open doors academically and athletically.

“Playing at this level forces you to grow up faster,” Brandy said. “You learn time management, discipline, and
how to compete with the best.”

Teammate Niko Metros sees that growth firsthand.

“Kasen’s the type of player who doesn’t complain about the travel,” Metros said. “He shows up ready to work
every single session.”

Metros believes the sacrifices now will pay off later. “College coaches want guys who understand commitment.

When you’re flying across the country to compete, that shows something about your character.”

For Brandy, MLS NEXT is about more than wins and losses. It’s an investment, in opportunity, maturity, and a
future shaped by the game he refuses to quit.