Top U17 teams at MLS Next Cup
2023 MLS Next Cup kicks off for the U17s on Sunday, June 18th in Frisco, Texas and marks the end of the 2022 – 2023 MLS Next season. The final 32 team brackets are out and the first round matchups…
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Continue Reading2023 MLS Next Cup kicks off for the U17s on Sunday, June 18th in Frisco, Texas and marks the end of the 2022 – 2023 MLS Next season. The final 32 team brackets are out and the first round matchups are set. Here are the teams that I think have the best chance to win it all.
Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union U17s will look to make it a double after winning the Generation Adidas Cup. Philly will be one of the favorites in this tournament thanks to a stout defense led by Andrew Rick, Neil Pierre, Daniel Krueger and Gavin Wetzel.
LAFC
LAFC probably has the most talent at the U17 level, but they have not been able to put it all together in tournament play. Could this be the tournament that they finally breakthrough?
Columbus Crew
The Crew have been one of the most consistent teams at the U17 level and made a great push at the Generation Adidas Cup, but fell short in the semifinals. They will once again be a favorite in this tournament and will be led by Taha Habroune, Cole Mrowka, Owen Presthus and Stas Lapkes. It would not shock me at all if Columbus takes him the hardware.
Toronto
Toronto is one of the more talented teams at the U17 level and when they are clicking, they can be really tough to beat. They are inconsistent and that reared itself at the Generation Adidas Cup where they failed to make it out of their group. They are led from the backline by Canadian Youth Internationals Lazar Stefanovic, Chimere Omeze and Richard Chukwu.
New York City FC
NYCFC could be a favorite depending on who is available for the tournament. High profile prospects Maximo Carrizo and Christian McFarlane are both age eligible, but primarily play for NYCFC II. If they are available to go along with United States Youth Internationals Jonny Shore and Drew Baiera, NYCFC could be a dark horse favorite to win it.
San Jose Earthquakes
The Earthquakes have been up and down throughout the season, but have a balanced squad with star power in their homegrown trio of Cruz Medina, Oscar Verhoeven and Edwyn Mendoza. If San Jose can get these guys clicking, they could be a tough out.