Top U.S. Eligible Players at Conacaf U-17 Championships
Youth Soccer in the United States has grown considerably over the last five years, predominately because of the focus MLS clubs have put on growing their academies. As a result of that, there is an increase in high level dual…
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Continue ReadingYouth Soccer in the United States has grown considerably over the last five years, predominately because of the focus MLS clubs have put on growing their academies. As a result of that, there is an increase in high level dual national prospects that have United States eligibility as well as eligibility with other Concacaf countries. As the level required to make a United States Youth National Team rises, more players will look to play for other countries within the region. The Concacaf U17 Championship is a great example of this shift. Here are the top ten United States eligible players that have elected to player for another country.
RW, Olger Escobar, New England Revolution Academy (Guatemala)
Escobar is a left-footed, right-winger that plays for New England’s U17 team. I believe Escobar is going to have a big tournament and turn heads similar to fellow Guatemalan-American Quimi Ordonez, who had a great Concacaf U20 tournament. Escobar is one of the sauciest and creative attackers in MLS Next. He has very quick feet and advanced skill with the ball. In the final third Escobar can punish opponents with his deadly left-foot.
CF, Bryan Destin, Inter Miami Academy (Haiti)
Destin had a breakout season for Inter Miami’s U17 team last year and earned a call up from Haiti’s U20 team for the Concacaf U20 Championship where he was one of the youngest players at the tournament. Destin has struggled to find the back of the net this season, but the talent is still very evident. He excels in hold up play, using great technique to create leverage and shield defenders from the ball, while being able to find teammates coming into the attack. Destin has shown the ability to score in a variety of ways with instincts around the penalty area. Destin is working on getting his U.S. passport and may end being a player the United States tries to recruit to file a one-time switch.
CF, Ashton Gordon, Atlanta United Academy (Jamaica)
Gordon is the only player on this list born in 2007, which speaks to his talent level. The 2007 striker class for the United States is a very strong one, so it’s not too surprising that Gordon has not been invited to a U16 camp, but that could end up being viewed as a mistake. Gordon is an undersized number nine with good quickness and balance. He likes to get behind backlines with smart and well timed runs. He is most impressive in the final third where he displays composure beyond his years and a consistent ability to get well struck shots on frame with both feet.
CF, Nayrobi Vargas Nayrobi Vargas F #24 Nation TX , FC Dallas Academy (Honduras)
Vargas is a player that has shown a lot of improvement this season, entering his second year as FCDs primary striker at the U17 level. He is a big target striker with sneaky movement ability. He has a soft and instinctual first touch and he secures the ball well with enough ability with the ball at his feet to create space for his own shot. He has flashed in years past, but this year he is showing up more consistently, taking his game to a new level.
WING, Fidel Barajas Fidel Barajas F Sheldon | 2024 State CA , Charleston Battery (Mexico)
When the current U17 cycle began in early 2022, Barajas was the first choice right-winger for the first couple of United States camps. Later in 2022 Barajas was invited to Mexico’s U17 team and he hasn’t looked back since. During that time Barajas also signed a professional contract with USL side, Charleston Battery, moving from the San Jose Earthquakes Academy. Barajas is a creative left-footed player that attacks defenders one on one with bravery and consistency. He seems to have improved his final third output with Mexico and it will be interesting to see how he does in this tournament.
LCB, Lazar Stefanovic, Toronto FC Academy (Canada)
Stefanovic is a left-footed center-back for the Toronto U17 Academy team. He attended one United States U17 camp, but has primarily played with Canada and will continue to do so in this tournament. Stefanovic is a very two-footed player that is advanced in facilitating play from the backline. He is very comfortable with the ball and can pass the ball with great accuracy.
GK, Fernando Delgado, Real Monarchs (Mexico)
Delgado is another Mexican-American dual national who will be suiting up for the rival team. He has been a consistent selection for the Mexico U17 team. Delgado has above average size and plays with great balance, allowing him to consistently block shots on the ground and in the air. He is also adept at distribution and will help Mexico build out of the back.
RB, Malachi Molina Malachi Molina D State #9 Nation TX , FC Dallas Academy (Jamaica)
Molina is one of two Jamaican-Americans on this list. He plays primarily as a right-back, but can also play right-wing because he has pretty good attacking skills. Molina travels up and down the wide areas with great pace and and agility. He does a good job of delivering crosses and is comfortable getting involved in the final third. Defensively he recognizes dangers pretty well and his athleticism helps him in one on one defensive situations.
WING, Dominic Wilson, Nashville SC Academy (Trinidad & Tobago)
Wilson is the only player from Trinidad that made the list and is a player that has improved a lot this season. He moved from the Philadelphia Union Academy to Nashville at the beginning of 2022 and this year he is starting to produce with consistency. Right now he is a pretty straight forward player without a ton of nuance and creativity to his game. He primarily wins with great balance, great angles and explosiveness. I expect him to have a very influential tournament for T&T.
LCB, Javen Romero Javen Romero D State CA , LAFC Academy (Mexico)
Romero rounds out the list as the third Mexican-American that will compete in the tournament. Romero is a left-footed center-back that plays for LAFCs U17 team. Romero has very good ball control and passing ability, but can be made vulnerable defensively at times. He needs to become more consistent in recognizing danger and staying disciplined, but the skills are there to be a good professional center-back.