Northeast’s 2023/2024s surprise at MLS Next Flex
The MLS Next Flex was held a couple of weeks ago in Maryland, but with so many games at the same time all over the place, it was difficult to do all of the scouting at the location. College scouts…
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Continue ReadingThe MLS Next Flex was held a couple of weeks ago in Maryland, but with so many games at the same time all over the place, it was difficult to do all of the scouting at the location. College scouts (and MLS scouts) are still combing through the video and notes from the event.
One of the surprises from the event was the success of some of the teams from the Northeast. Met Oval went undefeated in the U19 age group with a 2-0-1 record (including a victory in a penalty kick shootout on the opening day). PA Classics also was undefeated in the older age group.
Kyle Durham, Met Oval U19 – Durham is a late 2005 birthday, so he could be a 2024. He is an athletic goalkeeper with ideal frame for the next level. His performance in the penalty kick shootout victory was a perfect display for scouts. He has a wide wingspan and a great reflex for shot-stopping. He can cover any part of the goal when he gets his feet set. He gave up a goal in the second half against SF Glens that left some questions about his technique on in-game saves – he didn’t set a good base before jumping for the save. It was a well-placed shot, to be fair. The goalkeeper, who played up an age at the event, recorded shutouts in goal in the goal for the next two games. He has massive potential and looks to be one of the top goalkeepers to know in the region.
Joshua Collins, PA Classics U19 – The first word that comes to mind with Collins is solid. He is a left back who is technically sound in nearly every facet of the game. He is good in the duel, smart in possession, and provides good positioning support for his teammates. Collins, who is on the Watch List of the Pennsylvania 2023 Boys Rankings, had an outstanding performance the MLS Next Flex. He is a left-footed left back. He likes to get forward in the attack, but he isn’t a flyer on the wing. He is good in his tactical understanding and always seems to be in the right spot. He won a few aerial duels against Michigan Wolves. The Bishop McDevitt senior-to-be is a name to know from Pennsylvania.
Liam Harrington, BW Gottschee U17 – Harrington is a 2024 and arguably the top center back from the region in that class. BW Gotschee finished the event with zero goals conceded from the three games. Harrington was not the only reason why the team was successful, but he unmistakably had an outstanding showing at the event. The 6-foot-2 defender has an incredible knack for the hook slide and always comes away with the ball cleanly. He is a dominant presence in aerial duels against the center forward. He is also calm and cool when in possession. Harrington left the MLS Next Flex event as a name many scouts need to know when looking at the top center backs in the 2024 class. His center back partner Joaquin Franco as well as defenders Christian Pica and Samuel Snider plus goalkeeper Charlie DeMarco also had standout performances in Maryland.
Frankie Defrancesco Frankie Defrancesco M DePaul | 2024 State #74 Nation NJ , TSF Academy U16 – Defrancesco, a 2024 graduate, was a player that really impressed scouts at MLS Next Flex. His goal against SVSA was the best example of his quality on the ball. He received the ball inside the box took a touch to put the shot on his preferred right foot, but saw that the defender had blocked off that angle so he cut back to his left and then buried the shot. He is a top player to know from the New Jersey class of 2024.
Belmar Joseph Belmar Joseph 5'10" | F St. Benedict's (NJ) | 2023 State NJ , Cedar Stars Academy Bergen U17 – Joseph was a creative force in the attack for CSA Bergen. He was always in the right spots and making the right pass happen to create chances for his teammates. He had assists on two of Luka Ohadike Luka Ohadike 6'2" | F NJ ‘s goals. Ohadike showed great potential at the event as well. The forward is developing into a force on the field that is making a difference at the highest level in the club game.