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By Jo Records | August 11, 2025
The 2025 Rising Stars Cup at Liberty Sports Park in Upper Marlboro, MD, brought together the best youth academies from across the globe for a high-intensity, World Cup–style weekend of soccer. Among the hundreds of young talents, one name stood out — Benjamin Lucas Gibson, better known as BLG the Goal Hunter 🦁.
Playing striker for the Philadelphia Union, BLG delivered a performance to remember, scoring seven goals across the tournament, including a decisive brace in the semifinal against Orlando City that sent his team to the championship match. Unfortunately, the much-anticipated final against RB Leipzig never kicked off — the German side forfeited due to tight travel schedules — but by then, BLG’s star had already risen.
Energy On and Off the Field
The semifinal win sparked joy not just on the pitch, but in the stands. Parents celebrated like it was a championship already won — music, dancing, and cheers filled the air. Benjamin’s coach praised him for turning last season’s tough criticism into fuel for improvement, calling him an “example for his teammates” in both attitude and performance.
This was Benjamin’s first tournament back since last season, and his coach noted the difference — sharper movement, better decision-making, and an instinct for goal that earned him his “goal hunter” nickname.
Recognition and Reward
Benjamin’s dominance caught the attention of tournament media outlets, including Vision Co, NXTGEN, and soccer personalities like Calvin Sullivan and Queen Sullivan. The very next day, he received a special invitation to train with the Philadelphia Union U13 squad, a rare opportunity that felt like both a reward and a challenge to aim higher.
A Journey in Progress
Benjamin’s soccer story began at age five with PA Classics. By eight, he was wearing Union colors and honing his craft as a natural goalscorer. Off the field, the 11-year-old attends Benchmark School in Media, PA, where his favorite subject is math and he enjoys reading.
His soccer inspiration comes from FC Barcelona, a club whose attacking flair matches his own style.
What’s Next for BLG
Up next, the Union head into the start of their regular season and prepare for the SV3 Tournament (August 30–31). If BLG continues his hot streak, he might even see action with the Union’s U13 side in their tournament or an MLS Next fixture.
For now, Benjamin Lucas Gibson leaves the Rising Stars Cup with goals, growth, and growing recognition — proof that the Goal Hunter is just getting started.
https://www.instagram.com/b.l.g.14?igsh=ZDl1aDRxajRrcjU1&utm_source=qr
https://youtube.com/@b.l.g.thegoalhunter?si=Z45NxLzHkykQO1P4
