MLS Next Cup and Showcase: Best showings from U17s

Day 2 in Nashville saw the temperatures rise as well as tempers and the MLS Next Cups out of their trophy cases to be put on display now that all the age group participating have reached the Quarterfinal stage. For the U17's this meant one final chance to shine with the coaches and scouts from around the country locked in on them. Here's our first group who stood out:    Samayoa excelled throughout the tournament and showed off nearly every part of his game against Tampa Bay United. His touch allowed him to lose defenders with ease and his speed down the wing provided LAFC every opportunity they could muster. His chance creation was second to none and he rounded out LA's scoring with a splendid finish to help them see the match out.     Wanchope was the jab to Samayoa's right hook. He helped set up everything throughout the LAFC midfield and provided much needed sparks when the play slowed down. This showed most when he scored LAFC's third goal, a brilliant combination play that saw him take on a defender in front of goal, switch directions to lose him, and curl a powerful blast beyond the keeper into the far corner from 18 out. A special moment for a special player.     Franklin was a standout from the first whistle for his FC Delco side, tearing down the wing and creating stupendous scoring chance only to see his effort saved by an extraordinary effort. This trend would continue throughout the match with Franklin finding pockets of space behind the backline of the defense and exploiting the opposition to win chances and corners. Speed and a deft agility provide this player with the tools he needs to be successful.     Matviyiv exploded into this list with his first of two goals in the match. Receiving the ball on the half turn between the two center backs, Matviyiv took a touch and fired a rising shot that seemingly dented the underside of the crossbar and thundered down behind the line to further his teams' lead. Just before the stroke of halftime, he would show that his left foot was just as potent, again receiving a pass in a well found position, beat his defender 1v1, and laced home from 14 out into the bottom corner.     Pierce popped from the beginning of the match, finding opportunities for piercing runs into the right side of the defense, and finished off his time by tucking a penalty into the top right corner for his teams first goal. Touch and combination play were quality throughout and he had a knack for always having space on the right hand side in the attacking buildup.     This center back stood out yesterday for both his defensive consistency and his coolness under pressure, especially from the penalty spot. Wilson really came to life with the ball at his foot, pushing the attack and counters forward into the space the defense would give, and then found outlets and broke lines with quality forward passes. His communication was clear and loud, and he seemed to have the respect of his back line and forward playing teammates. This especially showed when Vardar earned a penalty in the 2nd half and he stepped up to take it, slotting home past a quality keeper.     Ocano stood on his head for the entire first half of his teams' match against LAFC, holding the line against their potent offense for nearly the entirety of the half until an unlucky challenge set up the west coast side from the spot. He had 10 saves, ranging from average to spectacular, and each had the assured confidence that you'd want to see from a top, top goalkeeper. Quick to get down in both directions, strong hands that can hold a struck ball, and solid ability to understand how to cut distance and make saves with legs and body put this goalkeeper in the upper echelon of who was here in Nashville.

Day 2 in Nashville saw the temperatures rise as well as tempers and the MLS Next Cups out of their trophy cases to be put on display now that all the age group participating have reached the Quarterfinal stage. For the U17's this meant one final chance to shine with the coaches and scouts from around the country locked in on them. Here's our first group who stood out: