MLS Next Cup Playoffs: U-17 – Standout Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best MLS academies and boys club teams in the country were in Frisco, Texas, during nine days in June wrapping up their seasons with the MLS Next Cup Playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p id="block-1a5249e0-c85c-4b77-b717-dea69c3fdf7b">Champions were crowned in each division and several players stood out with excellent performances throughout the week while Prep Soccer watched the action very closely.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p id="block-fdaa4e12-e89e-4897-9674-198569227e93">I was in attendance during the first weekend of play and watched as many Round of 32 matches as I could, picking several players to highlight. With the tournament now over, we're running that list down, and this week we'll look at the U-17s. These forwards were game-changers for their teams:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["11702"],"_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":"'Nacho' Alem was the most offensively talented player in his D.C. United team. His game is a little bit difficult to define because he does everything one would want from a forward at a very high level and can adjust to what the team needs. His movement off the ball is always very good as he drifts to both sides to get on the ball and also checks back on the midfield to help his team circulate the ball. Alem is very aggressive in the final third, always looking to beat opponents off the dribble or with his pace. He passes, dribbles and finishes well with both feet and can be very difficult to stop.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64add634e82cf"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/CuAwIKAxuCU/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/CuAwIKAxuCU/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- 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":"Placias played a huge role in the LA Galaxy's championship-winning campaign, scoring a tournament-high six goals, including two in the championship game against Real Colorado, which earned him the MVP award for the final. Very physical and intelligent with his movement, Placias is a real fox in the box, a player who can score in any situation and who will always be ready to finish. He uses his body very well to win aerial battles and to shield the ball and finishes extremely well with both feet.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64add634e834e"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct7FlKkJvB4/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct7FlKkJvB4/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- 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 an important piece in the Philadelphia Union's offensive system with his ability to play different roles. He can be used out wide to beat opponents off the dribble, but can also play more centrally, combining with the striker and finishing from mid-range with his skilled left foot. Davis has a great eye for passes in the final third and uses his body well to shield the ball and make turns over opponents. He may fool opponents into thinking he's a slow player before he turns on them and makes strong runs into the penalty box.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64add634e8415"} /--> <!-- 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: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' pace and dribbling ability made of him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the division, even if he was playing against older opponents. The Charlotte FC winger is really productive from the left, where he can beat defenders off the dribble and bring the ball inside to finish with his preferred right foot. He's also very good at following plays that develop on the opposite side of the attack and getting into good spots to finish crosses or second balls. Berchimas also brings some value by pressuring defenders when out of possession.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64add634e8479"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYIgLlvUEoU","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYIgLlvUEoU </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- 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":"Playing primarily on the right, Eagleston formed a strong offensive line with LA Galaxy teammates Julian Placias and Ruben Ramos Jr. He was always very aggressive on the ball, going at defenders and pushing forward to create chances. He's a winger that can be dangerous by taking the ball to the end line or bringing it inside to finish. Eagleston also has a good presence in the penalty box, displaying great calm and precision in front of the goal. He's also very disciplined tactically and often tracks back to help the team play defense, blocking the runs of opposing outside backs.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64add634e84d8"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctt4rK4gDR9/?img_index=1","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctt4rK4gDR9/?img_index=1 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->