Following months of evaluation during the fall phase of the MLS NEXT calendar, our scouting team has worked hard to identify the top performing players who consistently separated themselves as elite talents.
MLS NEXT Fest in December was a key component of our scouting operations, where top talent from around the country competed in a high-intensity, scout-heavy setting. With the season moving into its most critical stretch with the GA Cup and playoffs on the horizon, these players have positioned themselves as names to know. The list below highlights individuals who demonstrated undeniable talent and long-term upside during the first half of the MLS NEXT season and who are well worth tracking moving forward into 2026.
U15
Easton Odom
Position: Defender
Club: Barça Residency
Easton Odom is a promising left-back from the Barça Residency Academy, known for his technical polish, composure on the ball, and ability to join the attack with confidence. He plays with a modern fullback profile, strong in 1v1 defending, comfortable building out of pressure, and active in wide channels. He’s already earned U.S. Youth National Team ID call‑ups, marking him as one of the standout 2011s in his position.
Leonardo Woehl
Position: Attacker
Club: Columbus Crew
Leonardo Woehl is a rapid, intelligent winger with clean technique, sharp movement, and constant off‑ball activity. He beats defenders with pace and purposeful dribbling, combines well in tight spaces, and arrives in dangerous areas with smart, well‑timed runs. His work rate is relentless, as he presses aggressively and tracks back.
Darwin Lopez
Position: Midfielder
Club: Barça Residency
Darwin Lopez is a highly technical, attack‑minded midfielder with excellent passing range, creative playmaking instincts, and the ability to beat defenders off the dribble. He constantly checks into pockets to connect play and drive his team forward, making things happen with his vision and quick feet. With strong shooting and finishing ability to match his creativity, he offers a dynamic, multi‑threat presence in the final third.
Matthew Brusco
Position: Attacker
Club: Cedar Stars Bergen
Matthew Brusco is a rapid, goal‑minded winger for Cedar Stars Bergen who plays with real explosiveness and intent. He’s agile, direct, and dangerous in 1v1s, combining sharp dribbling with confident finishing and relentless pressing. Deadly on the counter, he consistently turns transition moments into scoring chances.
Caleb Chabala
Position: Defender
Club: Philadelphia Union
Caleb Chabala is a true physical presence in midfield. As a defensive midfielder, he wins his duels, gets stuck in, and keeps possession with smart, simple passing while also showing an impressive range when it’s time to break lines. He can comfortably slot in at center back as well, thanks to his strong defensive instincts and composure on the ball.
Tyler Edwards
Position: Defender
Club: New York Red Bulls
Tyler Edwards is a very athletic and composed center back who moves effortlessly for his size and shows strong distribution skills. He’s a tall, fluid defender who hits accurate switches and breaks pressure with confidence on the ball. Strong in the air and reliable in 1v1 situations, he uses his recovery speed to remove danger and control space behind the line.
Nikolas Kruczek
Position: Midfielder
Club: Players Development Academy (PDA)
Nikolas Kruczek is a dynamic midfielder for PDA who plays as the engine of the team. He reads the game with sharp anticipation, constantly checking for the ball and initiating attacks with confidence. A powerful ball carrier who glides across the pitch, he combines physicality with tight close control and a clean first touch to drive play forward
Miguel Coriano
Position: Defender
Club: FC Dallas
Miguel Coriano is a left‑footed center back who consistently puts in a strong defensive shift. He is well‑rounded and offers a rare blend of size, defensive awareness, and natural ball‑playing ability. Comfortable building from the back, he distributes with confidence in possession.
Ian Miller
Position: Defender
Club: Portland Timbers
Ian Miller is a well‑rounded, versatile player for the Portland Timbers who can do a bit of everything. His technical ability and athleticism let him move seamlessly between left back and midfield. He has a strong passing range and real composure in possession, and he’s patient defensively, timing his tackles well.
Zachary LaPierre
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: New England Revolution
Zach LaPierre is a top young goalkeeper whose exceptional height and high‑end athleticism give him a commanding presence in the box. Along with refined shot‑stopping, he shows advanced distribution and passing range, consistently initiating attacks with confident play from his feet
U16/17
Benjamin Flowers
Position: Attacker
Club: FC Dallas
Benjamin Flowers is a super‑dynamic, electric winger whose blend of power, tight dribbling, and constant goal threat defines his game. He impacts games with his direct, skillful play and confident finishing. He’s very smooth on the ball, explodes past defenders with real pace, and finishes his chances
Diego Ros
Position: Midfielder
Club: Barça Residency
Diego Ros is a modern, high‑IQ midfielder who keeps the game moving with quick decisions, clean touches, and real composure under pressure. He’s excellent at finding space, breaking lines, and escaping tight spots, consistently giving his team control in possession. Highly technical with an elite first touch, Diego also delivers a sharp final pass that elevates his team’s attacking rhythm.
Blaise Blackwell
Position: Midfielder
Club: Nashville SC
roBlaise Blackwell is a defensively solid, fearless right back with elite 1v1 instincts and a strong edge in duels. He shuts down wingers with discipline and physicality, and when he drives forward, he does it with power, pace, and purpose. He’s not flashy, but he’s consistently effective, bringing balance and reliability on both sides of the ball.
Tamba Hallie
Position: Midfielder/Attacker
Club: FC Dallas
Tamba Hallie is a versatile attacking player who plays with intelligence and maturity. He has elite passing range, a reliable first touch, and sharp decision‑making, consistently progressing play with powerful ball‑carrying. His awareness, scanning, and positioning make him a constant threat , while his size and athleticism give him presence in duels, combined with elite finishing and goal‑scoring instincts.
Carson Starrett
Position: Attacker
Club: Inter Miami CF
Carson Starrett is a physically dominant, instinctive striker with explosive movement, sharp timing, and a natural feel for scoring goals. He’s composed in front of goal, intelligent with his runs, and consistently dangerous whether stretching the backline or linking play. His mentality, work rate, and goal‑scoring ability make him one of the top strikers in all of MLS NEXT.
Seyi Fakiyesi
Position: Defender
Club: Atlanta United FC
Seyi Fakiyesi is a powerful, attacking left back and one of the top prospects in his position. He’s known for elite crossing, explosive ball‑carrying, and strong 1v1 defending, with the aggression and pace to dominate the entire left flank. His elite work rate ties it all together, making him a constant two‑way force.
Reggie Bailey
Position: Defender
Club: San Jose Earthquakes
Reggie Bailey is a physically dominant, tactically sharp center back who reads the game at a high level. He’s calm in possession, distributes with confidence, wins his duels, anticipates danger, and controls his back line with real presence.
Mason Washington
Position: Defender
Club: LAFC
Mason Washington is a mobile, strong center back with sharp tactical defensive instincts and the ability to cover ground effortlessly. He has quick recovery pace, solid distribution, and even when playing up an age group, he looks completely comfortable and never out of place.
Luka Vukelic
Position: Midfielder
Club: Sockers FC
Luka Vukelic is a tall, fast, and powerful left‑footed forward who can play as a right winger or a central striker. He’s highly technical for his size, combining pace, strength, and goal‑scoring instincts to consistently trouble backlines. He attacks aggressively, makes direct runs, and can finish from a variety of angles, especially when cutting in from the right onto his left foot. His hold‑up play and vision add another layer to his game.
Edison Niles
Position: Midfielder
Club: St. Louis City SC
Eddie Niles is a highly skilled, highly technical No. 10 who drives everything for St. Louis with his goals, assists, and constant involvement in play. He makes the difficult look effortless through elite decision‑making, an elite first touch, tight ball control, and rare creativity. His intelligence and technical quality make him the engine and the difference‑maker in the final third.
Daniel Brown
Position: Midfielder
Club: Charlotte FC
Daniel Brown is a left-footed playmaker with elite technique, vision, and timing, playing with a calm and composed presence on the ball. A true orchestrator in possession, he operates with superb touch and sharp playmaking instincts, creating for others with an elite final pass, purposeful dribbling, and the ability to find pockets of space whether operating wide or centrally.
Bridger Sandnes
Position: Defender
Club: Seattle Sounders FC
Bridger Sandnes is a ball‑playing center back for the Seattle Sounders with real command in possession. His composure and passing range allow Seattle to play out of the back with confidence. He hits a great long ball and reads the game with sharp anticipation. He consistently cuts out plays before they develop, staying patient in defense and strong in the air.
Keegan Ahrens
Position: Attacker
Club: Houston Dynamo
Keegan Ahrens is a winger for Houston who plays with a relentless work rate on both sides of the ball. In attack, he uses his speed and agility to drive at defenders, create separation, and set up teammates. His first touch is clean, his runs are well‑timed, and he’s a confident finisher when he gets into dangerous areas. Defensively, he tracks back hard, closes space quickly, and supports his fullback with real commitment.
Joshua Boney
Position: Attacker
Club: FC Cincinnati
Joshua Boney is a tall, explosive forward who blends pace, power, and sharp technical ability to consistently threaten defenses. He attacks with intelligence—making well‑timed runs, carrying the ball with confidence, and using his size and coordination to create separation and finish plays in the box or in transition. He’s one to watch this year as he transitions into FC Cincinnati’s academy.
Jaethan Irwin
Position: Midfielder
Club: Phoenix Rising
Jaethan Irwin is a tall, agile, and technically sharp box‑to‑box midfielder who ticks every box for a modern #8, combining strong ball‑carrying, clean distribution, and the ability to dominate duels through his elite athleticism. He’s well‑rounded defensively, reading play effectively, winning interceptions, and covering ground with ease while impacting the game physically and technically across the entire midfield
Myles Johnson
Position: Defender
Club: Columbus Crew
Myles Johnson has been a standout for the Columbus Crew academy since joining in August. A high‑level ball‑playing center back, his passing range and ball‑striking ability are elite, complemented by good height, strong physicality, and sharp defensive anticipation. Versatile enough to slot into defensive midfield, he brings a composed, high‑upside profile built around intelligence and playmaking from the back.
Richmond Laribah
Position: Defender
Club: Cedar Stars North
Richmond Laribah is a physically dominant center back for Cedar Stars North who leads the defense with his dominance. He blocks shots, clears danger, wins headers, and uses his size and strength to control his area. His positioning keeps him in the right spots consistently, allowing him to shut down attacks before they become threats.
Shane Notkin
Position: Midfielder
Club: Cedar Stars
Shane Notkin is a left‑footed, physically dominant midfielder who loves to play forward, whether driving at defenders or breaking lines with creative passes. At 6’0 tall, he’s dangerous on the dribble and consistently threatens the goal with powerful finishing or well‑timed through balls for teammates.
Hector Aguirre
Position: Attacker
Club: Orlando City SC
Héctor Aguirre is a direct left‑footed attacker with sharp 1v1 ability and elite end product cutting in from the wing. He’s creative, dangerous both as a dribbler and finisher, and can threaten by crossing wide or driving inside to shoot. His agility, quick changes of direction, and strong work rate make him a constant problem for defenders, while his pressing and defensive effort round out a well‑balanced, high‑upside attacking profile.
Nosazena Osagie
Position: Attacker
Club: Minnesota United FC
Nosazena Osagie is an attacker for Minnesota United FC who brings pace, power, and real directness to the front line. He’s fast, athletic, and dangerous on the counter, consistently beating his man and finishing chances with confidence. He also creates high‑quality opportunities from wide areas, using his dribbling and movement to set up teammates in scoring positions.
U19
Jack Ottley
Position: Attacker
Club: Real Salt Lake
Jack Ottley is an attacker for Real Salt Lake who plays as a skillful, direct winger. He has a sharp first touch that sets up his next action, combining strong finishing with real playmaking ability. His timing on runs up and down the line is excellent, and he presses with intent, making him active and dangerous on both sides of the ball.
Jakob Garcia
Position: Attacker
Club: Orlando City SC
Jacob Garcia is a forward for Orlando City who loves to stay involved in the game and operate on the ball. He has tight control in crowded spaces and a real feel for connecting play, often switching the point of attack with accuracy. When he drifts wide, he becomes a creative outlet, using his vision and passing to set up chances and influence the rhythm of the attack.
Spencer Sappleton
Position: Defender
Club: Toronto FC
Spencer Sappleton is a center back for Toronto who plays with an aggressive, physical edge. He’s tall and lengthy, using his frame to win duels and make strong, well‑timed tackles. His anticipation stands out, reading danger early and covering space behind his fullbacks with confidence. Spencer brings a steady, commanding presence to the back line.
Van Parker
Position: Attacker
Club: Real Salt Lake
Van Parker is a dynamic, goal‑driven striker for Real Salt Lake who combines speed, agility, and sharp finishing to consistently threaten backlines. He’s dangerous both on the dribble and off the ball, using smart movement to exploit space and create high‑quality chances. Comfortable finishing with either foot and strong in the air, his ability to score, create, and impact games in multiple ways makes him a top forward.
Henrik Hvatum
Position: Attacker
Club: New York City FC
Henrik Hvatum is a direct winger for NYCFC who plays with a physical edge. He’s at his best when he isolates defenders, using quick feet and strong 1v1 instincts to create his own shots. Cutting inside onto his left comes naturally to him, and his aggressive movement and confident dribbling make him a constant threat whenever he’s on the ball.
Vala Saghafi
Position: Attacker
Club: Portland Timbers
Vala Saghafi is a left‑footed winger for the Portland Timbers who plays with real agility and fluidity on the ball. He’s elite in 1v1 situations, using sharp, technical dribbling to beat defenders and create separation. Vala is a direct, goal‑scoring winger who’s elite at cutting inside and finishing, while also linking play smoothly in tight spaces. His movement off the ball stands out as well, making elite, well‑timed runs that consistently put him in dangerous positions.
Landon Lucero
Position: Attacker
Club: Seattle Sounders FC
Landon Lucero is a powerful, intelligent attacker for the Seattle Sounders who blends playmaking and goal‑scoring at a high level. He’s big, strong, and fast, using his frame to hold off defenders and his sharp instincts to turn them with ease. His first touch into space is elite, allowing him to create separation quickly and drive at the backline. Landon is equally dangerous as a finisher and creator, combining clean passing, smart decision‑making, and a natural feel for the goal to impact games in multiple ways.
Tanner Miller
Position: Defender
Club: Orlando City SC
Tanner Miller is a very physical and attack‑minded right back for Orlando City. He has strong positional awareness and excellent timing on his overlapping runs. He combines clean distribution with confident movement, consistently creating width and supporting the attack.
Edgar Rodriguez
Position: Defender
Club: San Jose Earthquakes
Rodriguez is a center back at the San Jose Earthquakes Academy, known for his calm presence, athleticism, and sharp decision-making. He’s hard to beat 1v1 and consistently organizes his backline with maturity. With strong timing, clean technique, and the ability to play accurate long balls, he brings poise and purpose to the heart of the defense.
Alex-Bruner Louchnikov
Position: Attacker
Club: New England Revolution
Alex‑Bruner Louchnikov is a smooth, athletic winger in the New England Revolution Academy. He’s known for his elite speed and fluidity, consistently showing dynamic 1v1 ability as he drives at defenders with confidence and uses his agility to create separation. Beyond his ball‑carrying, he brings real end product, creating chances and adding quality in the final third.
Rondell White
Position: Defender
Club: Inter Miami CF
Rondell White is a 6’3 center back for Inter Miami, known for his length, athleticism, and commanding presence in the back. His elite positioning allows him to consistently block shots and time his slide tackles, using his reach and instincts to shut down danger. Comfortable on the ball, Rondell combines strong ball-carrying with confident distribution, making him a modern, mobile defender who can break lines and recover quickly.
Andre Krikorian
Position: Midfielder
Club: Nashville SC
Andre Krikorian is a technical midfielder for Nashville who blends defensive range with attacking quality. He covers ground effortlessly, using his recovery speed and awareness to win the ball and spark attacks. Composed under pressure and sharp on the ball, he drives into space, breaks lines, and delivers an elite final pass with precision and timing.
Luke Chamberlain
Position: Midfielder
Club: Austin FC
Luke Chamberlain is a deep-lying playmaker for Austin FC, known for his high-level passing range. He reads the game with real insight, consistently plugging gaps, intercepting passes, and making smart decisions under pressure. His game is built on control, awareness, and technical quality, bringing calm and clarity to the base of midfield
Jabar Johnson
Position: Defender
Club: New York City FC
Jabar Johnson is a tall, physical center back for NYCFC who can also slot in at right back. He defends aggressively in 1v1 situations, using his strength and anticipation to win duels and shut down attacks. Confident on the ball, Jabar carries into space from the back and distributes with composure. His size and timing make him a consistent aerial threat on both ends of the pitch.
David Ilevbare
Position: Midfielder
Club: Atlanta United FC
David Ilevbare is a big, athletic No. 6 who blends ball‑winning, distribution, and composure at an elite level. He protects the backline with excellent anticipation and immediately sparks transitions with his passing range and calmness on the ball. Defensively, he thrives in one‑on‑one situations, using elite positioning and timing to control the midfield, and his intelligence and physicality make him the anchor and heartbeat of the Atlanta United team.
Peyton Presson
Position: Attacker
Club: Inter Miami CF
Peyton Presson is a 6’5″ striker who dominates with powerful hold‑up play, a clean first touch, and strong link‑up ability. He finishes confidently, attacks the box aggressively, and uses his size to create separation and control pressure. His blend of height, technique, and goal‑scoring instinct makes him a constant threat in and around the penalty area.
Brody Schauf
Position: Defender
Club: Minnesota United FC
Brody Schauf is a fast, technically clean right back for Minnesota United FC Academy who excels as an attacking fullback, combining explosive pace with strong 1v1 defending. His overlapping runs, sharp first touch, and reliable delivery in the final third make him a consistent two‑way threat
Luca Antongirolami
Position: Defender
Club: Sporting Kansas City
Luca Antongirolami is a well‑rounded, reliable Center back blending high‑level game reading with impressive composure under pressure. He’s a clean, reliable distributor who stays secure in possession and consistently makes positive decisions in build‑up play. His positioning, anticipation, and disciplined 1v1 defending give him a modern, tactically intelligent profile.
Jacob Ramirez
Position: Midfielder
Club: Orlando City SC
Jacob Ramirez is a smart, composed CDM for Orlando City who keeps the midfield organized and secure. He protects the back line with strong defensive positioning and keeps possession with simple, reliable touches. He’s a very smart player with a high game IQ and a great range of passing, helping him control tempo and control the midfield.
Raequan Campbell-Dennis
Position: Midfielder
Club: Toronto FC
Raequan Campbell‑Dennis is a midfielder for Toronto who operates like a calm, reliable engine in possession. He has a great first touch, sees the field well, and connects play with real composure. His passing range stands out, especially his ability to play through balls and carry the ball forward to break lines.