New 2026 Standouts from MLS Next Winter Showcase

The 2026 class was in the spotlight during the MLS Next Winter Showcase. The freshman group has not been scouted much on PrepSoccer up to this point.    With many of the top teams and players in attendance, the MLS Next Showcase and GA qualifying event was a perfect place to get early looks at the 2026 class.    Check out some of the standout performances from the freshman class below.    <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/12/GilDeSouza-NYRB08-IG.jpg?w=994" alt="" class="wp-image-69279" width="497" height="512" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gil de Souza, New York Red Bulls</figcaption></figure>   Gil de Souza, New York Red Bulls - New York Red Bulls went undefeated at the event with two wins and a draw in a very difficult group. There were a number of standouts from the team - and a number of players who deserve a look at the international level for the 2008 age group. Gil de Souza stood out to me for his play on both sides of the ball. The two-way midfielder scored a spectacular goal against Barca Academy during the second day of games for this age group. He is able to dominate the game at this level - with his physicality and skill. He is a top midfielder in this age group.   Evan Carlock, SC Wave - Carlock had a breakout performance at the MLS Next event. The former Madison 56ers standout was a real bright spot of the attack in the 07 age group. He is technically clean on the ball and can play with his back to the goal. He is a good finisher and really impressed with his quality in the final third. He is a player to put on the radar after the performance in Indio.    Henry Wong-Foy, Michigan Wolves - Wong-Foy was part of the Michigan Wolves 07 midfield. He was one of the key players on the side as his technical ability on the ball allowed Wolves to play out of tight spaces. Wong-Foy made a couple of key passes to create chances for his team during the game against Springfield.    Omar Marquez, Real Salt Lake - Marquez is the real deal. The midfielder/winger has all of the qualities of a top player at this level, and he continued to show that during the Showcase. The former Sacramento Republic standout has fit in well with his new club - and played in both an attacking midfielder and winger role. From the center of the field, he was dangerous with his passing and vision. From the wing, he found success in taking players on 1v1. He scored the game-winner against Austin FC off a terrific pass from Javier Ruelas Figueroa.   Joaquin Garcia Zilinskas, New England Revolution - The New England Revolution left center back had an excellent performance against FC Dallas. He has the size to match up with any forward in this age group. He also has the foot speed to stay in front of any attacker as well. He was eager to defend and helped lead his team to the shutout victory. Cristiano Carlos scored a wonder goal for the game-winner in the opening seconds of the game.    <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/12/JudeTerry-LAFC08-IG-crop-2078x1364-1670621050.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-69275" width="400" height="263" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jude Terry, LAFC</figcaption></figure>   Jude Terry, LAFC - Terry is not a new name by any means. The defensive midfielder was part of the LAFC U17 team early in the season before [player_tooltip player_id='7415' first='DeCarlo' last='Guerra'] rejoined the club. For this event, he played with the LAFC U15 team. Terry is too good for this level. He is smooth on the ball and always in control. He had some hiccups when he was playing with the older team, but he is clearly one of the top prospects in California the country from the freshman class. Liam Lambert was excellent for LAFC against FC Cincinnati. His first goal showed the type of quality he brings to this team. He can press and punish with the best attacking midfielders.   Abner Zuniga, Austin FC - Zuniga is another player who is not exactly a new name as he has been part of the U.S. Youth National Team, but he is a player who impressed from the event. Zuniga has excellent field and game awareness. He knows where his teammates are on the field, as well as a constant scanner for the opposition. He was rarely dispossessed, and he won most of his duels.    Brett Seemuller, Philadelphia Union - There are four players with US Youth National Team experience on the Union U15 team, so the idea of a new name appearing for this group is unlikely. Seemuller was very impressive against Orlando City. The right back shut down every attack down his side. He was sharp in the tackle and read the attacking player with expertise to force to their off foot. He was also a weapon going forward. Anisse Saidi and Gavin DeHart were also bright spots for Union.    Spencer Willis, Atlanta United - Willis was unstoppable against Austin FC. He scored early in the game, and then made life a nightmare for the defense for the rest of the day. He is super quick and had an elite burst to escape for defenders. Willis has been on fire in MLS Next this season. Cooper Sanchez was also excellent for Atlanta United.    [player_tooltip player_id='16597' first='Omar' last='Bolanos'], Houston Dynamo - Big fan of the way Bolanos plays the game. He is super intelligent, always in the right spots, and has an excellent feel for the game. He has great technical ability. He has a bright future in the center midfield position at the Dynamo academy. Ilan Ettinger and David Garcia were also standouts for Dynamo.    <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/12/SpencerWillis-AtlantaUnited08-IG-crop-1727x1134-1670621134.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-69277" width="400" height="263" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cooper Sanchez and Spencer Willis</figcaption></figure>   Tyson Pearce, St. Louis City SC - Among players who have not been in with the US Youth National Team, Pearce might be the best. The St. Louis City SC midfielder/defender has been excellent this season while playing up with the St. Louis City SC U17 team. Pearce is either a right back or a defensive midfielder. He is calm on the ball and reads the game really well. It's easy to see why St. Louis City has been successful with him on the field. He proved those standout qualities again during the Winter Showcase - especially against Toronto FC as he featured as the defensive midfielder in the trio. Pearce did well in stopping the opposition with key interceptions and then rarely lost possession of the ball. Pearce is one to watch as a top player in the country in this class.   Cristopher Madera Acosta, Colorado Rapids - The midfielder for Rapids had a strong performance against Inter Miami. He is a two-way playmaker for the Rapids. He had a key tackle early in the game to stop an Inter attack. The passes he made showed his quality in possession - and his vision to pick out the weak spots of the opposition. Christian Tigre Sanchez was also a standout for Rapids.    Mateo Colmenares, San Jose Earthquakes - There is a lot to love about this San Jose team - even regardless of results - and plenty of reason to believe that quite a few players on this team will be in the game for a long time. Midfielder Mateo Colmenares is one of those players who has the unique qualities to operate in tight spaces. He knows how to work away from pressure. The trademark characteristics of a player with a sharp soccer brain are clearly there with Colmenares who should be considered among the top in his position. Kaelen Dougan and Oliver Tan were also standouts for San Jose.    Bobby Jacobs, Strikers - There aren't many left-footed center forwards in the US youth game, which already makes Jacobs a rarity. His finishing instincts are incredible for a player of his age. He scored a spectacular goal on a free kick against Sacramento United.    Tate McDonnell, Strikers - The defensive midfielder for Strikers was outstanding in the win over PDA. He was in full control of the game as long as he was on the field. He is a smart player who always seems to be in the right spot. He is comfortable on the ball - and extremely efficient with his touches. He is a top prospect from California in the 2026 class. Efren Solis was also outstanding for Strikers against PDA.    Bryce Barrere, Louisiana TDP - It was a stellar showing for the Louisiana TDP side in the 08 age group. Barrere earns the spotlight here as a top left back from the event. He was extremely impressive in the win over City SC. He shutdown his side of the field and got forward to join the attack.    Carson Locker, St. Louis City SC - It's an embarrassment of riches for St. Louis City SC, as the club is loaded with prospects in the center midfield roles. Locker impressed me with his play against Solar in the U16 age group. He has a great work rate, and good technical ability.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/12/MylesQuick-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-69278" width="512" height="341" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Myles Quick, De Anza Force</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='16762' first='Usman' last='Rafique'], Solar SC - Rafique gets lost a bit in the shuffle because he plays on an 07 team that has a bunch of top 2025s, but he is a 2026 from Texas who should be on the shortlist for top prospects in that state among freshman. He's a forward who is remarkably proficient around the goal - check out his three-goal performance against Strikers FC if you need verification. He does well playing in a two forward system as he has this knack for picking the seam between the outside back and center back and exploiting it with glee. Rafique is quick, not blazing fast, but he is rarely caught from behind. He's skillful but not flashy. He gets the job done as a forward - even while playing against the best 2025s in the country. [player_tooltip player_id='56078' first='Connick' last='Whitmire'] and [player_tooltip player_id='16752' first='Troy' last='Ackerson'] were also standouts from Solar.   [player_tooltip player_id='15975' first='Christopher' last='Salazar'], FC Dallas - The old Solar standout deserves his time in the spotlight as well. Salazar had an outstanding event. He was exactly what FC Dallas needed from center forward. His goal against LAFC was well-taken off a great assist from Michael Cortellessa.    Dempsey Reisch, Los Angeles FC - Anytime a player is moved from one role to another, there is a decent learning curve experience. After a stellar end to the campaign as a forward during last season, Reisch looks to be playing in an attacking midfield role at times with this LAFC U16 team. It's a different skillset required for the role, which will round out the physically punishing style that Reisch showed last year, and has added more finesse to his craft. He's got the quality to shine in either role.    Myles Quick, De Anza Force - Quick's two-goal performance against Baltimore Armour earned him a spot on the standout list. He capitalized on mistakes and finished his chances with quality. He looks to be the next bright attacking star from De Anza Force, which has produced countless players over the years.

The 2026 class was in the spotlight during the MLS Next Winter Showcase. The freshman group has not been scouted much on PrepSoccer up to this point.