MLS Next Cup Playoffs Day 2: U17 – Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The MLS Next Cup Playoffs began this weekend in Frisco, Texas, reuniting the best MLS academies and boys club teams in the country for a nine-day, single-elimination tournament that will determine the season champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Soccer was in attendance on Sunday, when the U17 teams played their Round 1 matches and took a good look at some of the most interesting prospects in American soccer in action at a critical moment of the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/06/mls-next-cup-playoffs-day-2-u17-photo-gallery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Check out our U17 Photo Gallery</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These players had standout performances in the matches we attended:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>D.C. United 0 (5) - (4) 0 Sockers FC</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["17162"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Much of D.C. United's job of advancing to the Round of 16 was made when they kept a talented Sockers FC team scoreless for 90 minutes and Papez played a big role in that. The team captain, he led the team's backline with authority and very solid play, shutting down numerous attempts. Papez benefited from his positioning to make stops, but also displayed very good pace and a great ability to tackle when he had to engage in 1v1 duels. The center back was also very strong in the air, clearing several crosses that were sent inside D.C.'s penalty box. He also had a role in the team's buildup, connecting good passes from the back and displayed good vision to make some interesting long ball attempts.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649095904c05c"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":140657,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/06/IMG_8371.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-140657" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">D.C. United vs. Sockers</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["59802"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Playing in an advanced midfield role, Vilet was the most dangerous player in his Sockers FC team against D.C. United. He moved very well off the ball, going closer to the sidelines to combine with his teammates and also getting inside the penalty box to be in a position to finish chances. Viler displayed great vision, finding good passes, and was very quick in his mind, often playing one-touch passes that pushed the tempo without losing precision or efficiency. Capable of passing and finishing with both feet at a very high level, he was very involved in his team's offense, getting on the ball a lot and dictating their rhythm.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649095904c0d2"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":140655,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/06/IMG_8357.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-140655" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">D.C. United vs. Sockers</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Philadelphia Union 2 - 0 Portland Timbers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Sal Olivas","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Philadelphia Union","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Philadelphia Union's offensive efficiency was a factor in the team's victory over the Timbers and Olivas was instrumental for the team's success. The striker moved very well inside the penalty box and was in the perfect spot to score the first goal with an easy tap-in. Very tall, Olivas was important in the air too, being a target for his teammates in long passes and corners kicks - he had one of his headers hit the post in the first half. Despite his size, Olivas displayed good mobility too, getting into wider positions and making good plays from there.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649095904c198"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Edward Davis","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Philadelphia Union","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Davis was involved with both of the Union's goals, giving the secondary assist for the first and scoring the second himself. He started the match on the left side, but moved to the right and found his best game there. A tall player, Davis uses his body well to shield the ball, but is also very technical, especially with his gifted left foot. His best qualities were in full display in the two plays that decided the match in the Union's favor as while in the first goal he dropped deeper to get on the ball and found teammate David Vazquez in a great spot inside the penalty box, in the second he bet an opponent off the dribble and calmly finished to the back of the net.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649095904c239"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":140673,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/06/IMG_8464.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-140673" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Philadelphia Union vs. Portland Timbers</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LA Galaxy 6 - 2 NYCFC</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["41522"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The Galaxy's offense was too much for NYCFC's defense to deal with and Placias, in particular, was in great form. He scored a hat-trick, helping his team build a 3-1 lead in the first half with two goals and scoring the last one, which sealed their victory. A striker with excellent physical tools and great movement off the ball, Placias occupied NYCFC's center backs and created all sorts of problems with his play. His presence inside the penalty box was always a reason for trouble to his opponents and the striker was cold in front of the goal, finishing his chances extremely well.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649095904c299"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["8697"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Eagleston brought a lot of energy to the Galaxy's offense, playing on the right of the team's attack. He was very aggressive and dangerous when on the ball, going against defenders and looking to finish or create for his teammates. Eagleston used both feet well to make plays and that allowed him to take the ball to the end line or cut it inside to shoot. The winger scored two goals and the second of them was a beauty, with him sending the ball to the back of the net with a one-time finish. Eagleston also showed great discipline and work rate, consistently tracking back to help on defense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649095904c2f0"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":140679,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/06/IMG_8493.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-140679" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">LA Galaxy vs. NYCFC</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Charlotte FC 3 - 1 Toronto FC</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["14338"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Berchimas was a constant threat on the left side of Charlotte FC's offense, using his pace and dribbling ability to get by defenders and create chances. He also had a good presence inside the penalty box and scored the team's third goal in a very opportunistic way. In the second half, with Toronto pushing forward to try to fight their way back in the match, Berchimas was Charlotte's main outlet for breakaways and created some good chances taking advantage of the space he had to explore.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649095904c350"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/CharlotteFC/status/1670837941055401984?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/CharlotteFC/status/1670837941055401984?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["59854"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Charlotte FC's midfield trio had a lot of work to do in the second half, with the game developing almost entirely in their own half, helping the team sustain Toronto's pressure while also keeping the Canadians' top attacking players away from the penalty box. Renteria covered a lot of ground alongside teammate David Molina as the two shielded the backline in a very strong way, forcing their opponents to attack through the sides or with long balls. A very skilled player on the ball, Renteria also ignited some interesting counterattacks with his accurate passing and almost scored a beautiful goal with a long-distance finish.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649095904c52f"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":140698,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/06/IMG_8627.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-140698" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Charlotte FC vs. Toronto FC</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->