Young Players Making Professional Impacts

The MLS Next Pro is a developmental league in the United States. Oftentimes referred to as the third division of professional soccer in the United States, MLS Next Pro provides a unique pathway for players to reach the professional game. Many stars have emerged via MLS Next Pro including Esmir Bajraktarević who has already made his USMNT debut earlier this year.

In Volume One:

• 10 Young Players To Watch In MLS Next Pro

• U17 USYWNT Conquering CONCACAF

• Young Talents Making An Impact On First Team Preseason

• The First Edition Of Girls ECNL Rankings

• What Foreign Teams Will Compete At GA Cup

• MLS Next Spring Season Starting To Take Shape

• Is ECNL The Premier Youth League For College Soccer Recruiting?

10 Rising Stars To Watch In MLS Next Pro.

1. Julian Hall, New York Red Bulls (2008)

Julian Hall is a player I am sure most of you hav heard of. The electric winger has been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Barcelona, and Manchester United in the past couple of months. Julian clocked over 400 professional minutes with the Red Bulls organization last season including a first team debut. He is bound to be at least a starter for the second team this year at only 15-years-old. Hall scored his first professional goal for NYRB II last season, and he will certainly add to that tally this season.

2. Mathis Albert, La Galaxy (2009)

Mathis Albert is a special winger who has been impressing with La Galaxy U15s and U17s this season. Albert was called into preseason with LA Galaxy II earlier this year, and made his debut with the side in a friendly against FC Nordsjælland. Albert is eyeing a professional debut this season, with hopes he can further cement his name in U.S Soccer.

3. Maximo Carrizo, NYCFC (2008)

Maximo Carrizo is the most experienced player on this list despite being a 2008. Carrizo was a starter for most of the year for NYCFC II, and he racked up plenty of minutes playing in the midfield. Carrizo is the youngest to ever sign a homegrown contract, and it would not be surprising if he is a major impact player for NYCFC II this year.

4. Cavan Sullivan, Philadelphia Union (2009)

By far one of the most well-known USMNT prospects of all time Cavan Sullivan is a rising star of the Philadelphia Union. Cavan is in his first ever professional preseason with Philadelphia Union II this week, and he is the youngest player on the roster. Cavan is heavily linked to a move to Manchester City, and they will most likely be looking for him to pickup some serious minutes at the professional level this season.

5. Decarlo Guerra, LAFC (2008)

Decarlo Guerra is a highly rated central defensive midfielder for LAFC. Guerra has already made his professional debut with LAFC II, and has been one of the top U17 players for nearly two years now. Guerra was seen as a snub when he wasn’t selected for the U15 CONCACAF Championships back in August of 2023. He will be looking to break back into the U15 squad with some impressive performances in Next Pro this year.

6. Caden Glover, St. Louis City (2007)

Caden Glover was bagging goals left and right last year in MLS Next Pro. The striker tallied seven across the entire year; which was the most out of any U18 player in the league. Glover may have his eyes on having a role with the first team this season, but for now he remains a lock in starter for STL City II.

7. Jude Terry, LAFC (2008)

The first player on this list outside of Cavan Sullivan to not yet make his professional debut, but Jude Terry may have the highest ceiling out of everyone. Terry is a phenomenal central midfielder for both LAFC U17s and the USYNT. Terry has been linked wit the likes of BVB in Germany and many other clubs across Europe. LAFC will want to get him on a professional contract as soon as possible.

8. Zavier Gozo, Real Salt Lake (2007)

Gozo is another electric winger who has been at the top of the youth soccer scene for awhile now. Gozo had his coming out party two years ago at MLS Next Cup where he took home the golden boot, and ever since then, he has been a standout at RSL. Gozo is currently with Real Salt Lake’s first team in Europe for preseason.

9. Tanner Rosobrough, New York Red Bulls (2008)

Tanner is a dynamic number nine/winger who recently won the U!5 CONCACAF Championships with the United States. Following this win, the Red Bulls secured his signature as he signed with NYRB II. Expect Rosobrough to start picking up serious Next Pro minutes this year.

10. Stiven Jimenez, FC Cincinnati (2007)

The third central defensive modifiers to make this list hails from Cincinnati. Jimenez made waves last year when he started for FC Cincinnati in the U.S Open Cup. Jimenez was also the 2007 with the most Next Pro minutes last year, and similar to Caden Glover he could most definitely break into the first team this season.

The USWYNT Makes A Statement

In the U17 CONCACAF Women's Championship, a heavily anticipated matchup between the USA and Canada kick off this past Tuesday, February 6th. USA showed early signs of domination, with Melanie Barcenas finding the back of the net within the first ten minutes. After this, there was a lull in scoring until shortly after the half, when Alex Pfeiffer secured a 2-0 lead for the United States. After this, the USWYNT found their rhythm and goals began to flood in. Leena Powell, Kennedy Fuller, and Y-Lan Nguyen all left their names imprinted on the scoresheet. The United States saw the rest of the game out as they won 5-0 and sit alone atop group B.

The USWYNT continued this domination as they suited up for the semifinals against Haiti. Mel Cardenas was on the scoreboard early again, and this is when the flood gates opened. Kennedy Fuller bagged the next two goals in the 40’ and 46’ minute making it 3-0 just after halftime. Highly rated Kansas City Current talent Alex Pfeiffer noted a fourth for the USYNT. Kim Ascanio was subbed on in the 57’ minute, and around twenty minutes later she found her first of three goals. Her next two came in the 81st and 86th minute. The USWYNT will take on Mexico for the CONCACAF Championships trophy Sunday at 4 PM EST.

Five Young Stars You Did Not Know Were On First Team Preseason

1. Aiden Herzarkhani (2007) - Real Salt Lake

Aiden Herzarkhani just joined Real Salt Lake this season, and he is already with the first team. Herzarkhani ws an impact player for Strikers FC last season, and he helped lead them to a second place finish at U16 MLS Next Cup. He picked up right where he left off this season with Real Salt Lake’s U17s. Herzarkhani joins a select group of academy players who are one preseason with Real Salt Lake including Zavier Gozo who was mentioned above.

2. Patrick Los (2007) - Chicago Fire

Patrick Los has been called into preseason following the injury of Chicago Fire goalkeeper Bryan Dowd. Los had already made his professional debut with Chicago Fire II last season, and has impressed with Chicago Fire U17s this season. Los has quickly emerged into a regular with the 2007 USYNT as well.

3. Neil Pierre (2007) - Philadelphia Union

Neil Pierre made the trip with Philadelphia Union to Brazil for preseason last month. Pierre earned some minutes abasing top Brazilian competition as well. Pierre is a standout center back for the USYNT, and is among the highest rated 2007 players in his position. Pierre is now off to preseason with Philadelphia’s second team.

4. Jack Kortkamp (2008) - Sporting Kansas City

Jack Kortkamp is the only goalkeeper to be featured on this list. Kortkamp is a 2008 who is not new to training with the first team after reports of him showing well in practice surfaced back in 2022. Kortkamp has been with the USYNT, but shockingly was not at the U15 CONCACAF Championships.

5. Kelvin Luis-Brito (2008) - Seattle Sounders

Kelvin Luis-Brito is an electric attacker for the Seattle Sounders. Luis-Brito has been playing up with the Sounders U17s for the better part of a year, and most notably he scored a hat-trick against Barca Residency in May of 2023. Brito is certainly one to watch in regards to breaking into the USYNT ahead of the 2025 U17 World Cup.

The First Edition Of ECNL Girls Rankings

ECNL Girls U17s:

The ECNL U17 girls season is especially hard to rank this year due to an influx of competition at the age group, but nonetheless, here are our top five teams to look out for heading into the playoffs.

1. Solar Soccer Club

Solar SC is currently at the top of the Texas region with a perfect 9-0-0 record. Not to mention, Solar SC also went all the way last year, and beat out Slammers FC for the U16 championship. Solar SC has a plus 50 goal differential this year as well. Kennedy Fuller is their star who is currently committed to North Carolina, and is with the U17 national team right now. Solar SC is also home to two other USWYNT stars in Ainsley McCammon and Jordyn Hardeman.

2. Slammers FC

Last season, Slammers FC barely lost out to Solar SC in the national final, but they could be set to make a statement this year. Slammers U17s are currently 11-1-1 and reside atop the southwest conference. Despite their once loss this year, Slammers FC still hold a plus 29 goal differential.

3. Michigan Hawks

The second perfect team on this list is the Michigan Hawks. With a record of 13-0-0 the Hawks are tearing up the midwest division of ECNL. The Hawks have scored a league high of 52 goals this season, and they have the most points in all of ECNL with 39.

4. Fc Dallas

Fc Dallas is currently second in the Texas division. They two have a perfect record this season being 11-0-0. Dallas is also dominated in the goal differential department as they have scored 51 and only allowed three. Fc Dallas is known for being a top talent producer on the boys side, so it is great to see this translate to the women’s game.

5. St. Louis Scott Gallagher

The second team from the midwest division is St. Louis Scott Gallagher. SLSG is currently 12-2-0 this season, and is in second place in the midwest division. They are currently in line for a playoff spot, and are only three points behind league leaders Michigan Hawks.

ECNL Girls U19s:

1. St. Louis Scott Gallagher

From fifth on the U17 list to one on the U19 list. SLSG is fresh off a national championship in which they took down Solar SC 3-2 SLSG is back at number one. This season, SLSG is 12-0-2 this season boasting a staggering 38 points in the midwest division. SLSG has scored a league high 50 goals and will look to go back to back this summer.

2. MVLA

Despite being number two, MVLA is the firs team on our list who has secured a perfect record thus far. MVLA is currently 11-0-0 and sits atop of the Nor. Cal division. MVLA has only conceded 3 goals this season, and have 36 points. They will be one to watch come summer time.

3. Solar SC

As we mentioned, Solar SC came just short last year falling 2-3 in the final, but this year it seems they are back for revenge. Solar is currently second in the Texas division just behind FC Dallas, but Solar has two games in hand. Solar currently has a 7-0-2 record this season, and seem to be a lock to make the playoffs.

4. Portland Thorns

One of the best talent producers in the entire NWSL slots in at number four on our list. This Thorns team runs deep with talent as they lead the Northwest conference. Thorns are currently 5-0-1 only conceding two goals in their first six. This is the same Thorns age group that help produce Olivia Moultrie who is now a star for the first team and USWNT.

5. Concorde Fire

Concorde recently moved up in our rankings after a couple big wins against the Rapids and Maryland United. Concorde is first in the Southwest Division of ECNL, and they have a record of 13-0-2 in their division. The only loss for the club this season came against FC Dallas.

Stay tuned as next week will release our ranges for the U15 and U16 age groups.

Who Will Compete At Generation Adidas Cup?

Manchester United

Arsenal

AZ Alkmaar

Boca Juniors

River Plate

Genk

Toulouse

Most likely Hajduk Split

Reports have surfaced that MLS and MLS Next are working on expanded the tournament to include teams from across the globe. Teams from East Asian countries, Africa, and Mexico are expected to compete at the prestigious tournament. YSC is excited to announce on-site coverage. More to come on this topic in the coming weeks.

The MLS Next Spring Season Is Starting To Take Shape

The second and most important part of the MLS Next season has just kicked off. Last weekend, we saw results that are bound to have playoff implications come May. FC Dallas handed Austin FC a major loss at the U15 level, and the New York Red Bulls did the double over Philadelphia Union. Philadelphia Union U17s are still the favorite at the U17 level. They have only lost one match this season, and they are filled with USYNT stars from back to front. Other U17 teams to keep an eye out for are FC Dallas and the New York Red Bulls. FC Dallas comes in at number two in our top three as of now. Brazilian talents Gabriel and Kaka Scabin are two players who are bound to play at the professional level. As for the Red Bulls, if prospects like Julian Hall, Adri Mehmeti, and Tanner Rosobrough are available down the stretch this team may take the cake.

The U15 level is much more complex. There are still many teams that can challenge for the MLS Next Cup trophy come June. Top favorites right now would include the Colorado Rapids, LAFC, Atlanta United, New York Red Bulls, and somewhat surprisingly Total Futbol Academy. These teams are full of players who are bound to make a name for themselves at the impending Generation Adidas Cup. A few players to watch from these squads would be Tyson Espy, Alex Gomez, and Paul Sokoloff. These guys all play for the U15 USYNT, and have impressed at recent showcases and events. Sokoloff also recently made his debut with the Red Bull U17 squad where he scored a goal in a victory for the side.

Is ECNL The Best Youth League For College Soccer Recruiting?

ECNL has recently blossomed into a premier youth soccer league in the United States. ECNL stands for Elite Club National League, and it founded its boys side in 2017. ECNL holds showcases around the country highlighting top players, and it has many more than any other league in the United States. At these competitions, many college coaches attend who are somewhat local to the area. For example, at ECNL South Carolina coaches from that region attended that showcase. The immense amount of showcases gives players more opportunities to show their abilities at the top level. ECNL has also adapted a second tier known as ECRL. ECRL is a collection of clubs who also have and ECNL team, or in some cases they are independent clubs who are also apart of leagues like E64 or EA. Compared to other leagues, ECNL is much more focused on creating players to play in college than producing professional prospects. A lot of what ECNL does is focused around providing opportunities for kids to continue playing as a student athlete.

ECNL remains behind MLS Next in the quality of play for now, but that is not to say there is a handful of teams who couldn’t compete at the MLS Next level

Here is a comprehensive list of clubs we believe could compete at the MLS Next level, and this does not include all of the as there is a long list. The ECNL level is ever-growing with the edition of new teams, and there is a serious argument to be made as to wether the ECNL U19 league as a whole is the best in the country. The opportunities ECNL gives its players to play in college most definitely makes it one of the best options for players looking to progress their game.