The second day of the 2024 USL Academy Finals kicked off at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida as Thursday's winning clubs advanced to square off in the Academy single-elimination tournament.

The day began with two vastly different matches. On one pitch, Richmond Kickers rode a strong defensive performance from their experienced back line to a 1-0 victory over Utah Red Wolves SC. Nick Sarantakos was a constant pest against the Red Wolves back line, winning fouls and aerial duels the entire second half. In the 41st minute, he capitalized on a mistake at the back and slotted away the match's only goal.

The other noon clash, this one between Miami FC and AC Connecticut, played at a far different tempo. 25 minutes in, Miami's Sebastian Joseph was firing home his team's third goal of the match, flying far away before Connecticut even had a chance to blink - or that's what appeared to be happening. Instead, Connecticut clawed their way back in, as Daniel Istamboli kicked a rocket of a ball from over 30 yards away, clearing over the opposing goalkeeper to level the match and send it to extra time. Seven minutes into extras, it was Nickolas Santana jumping on a rebound and fully completing Connecitcut's miraculous comeback as they escaped victorious, 4-3.

Indy Eleven challenged 2023 Academy Finals Champions Charlotte Independence, and Indy were out of the blocks fast. Victor Aguillar jumped on a loose ball in the box after Fynn Lahrsen took on two defenders and slipped in a square ball three minutes into the match. After halftime, Lahrsen added two goals, and Gian Colassaco added another to cement a dominant 4-0 victory.

Real Colorado found their way past Lancaster FC, 2-1, after a pair of goals in quick succession midway through the second half. In the space of five minutes, Xander Sevian and Ethan Orchard put Real ahead 2-0 before a late penalty conversion by Andrew Jones pulled one back just before the final whistle.