MLS Next Southwest: 10 Rising Talents in the 2010 Age Group

The MLS Next event kicks off this week from Southern California. Prior to the start of the event, here's a look back at some of the top performances from the 2010 age group in the Southwest Division from the past few months.    Vallejo is a midfielder on the TFA 2010 MLS Next team. He previously played for LA Galaxy Academy. Vallejo's arrival on the TFA team this season has been a perfect fit. The futsal star is dominating the midfield with his passing and skill on the ball. He's also been lethal on set pieces with his delivery. He was outstanding in the victory over Albion last month. He also shined in the second half against Strikers.      The center back for Total Futbol Academy should be on the radar for scouts at the event. He's a well rounded player who has been key to the TFA success this season. He is athletic, sharp in the tackle, and confident on the ball. Ramos was outstanding in the win over Strikers. He shut down one of the top attacks in the country with his exceptional play. He has been part of the US Soccer Talent ID events in the past and appears to be one of the best center backs in California.      Khachyan is a member of the Armenian U15 National Team. He has also been part of the US Soccer Talent ID events in the past. The LA Bulls forward is a good finisher with either foot. He is five-foot-10 and uses his size well. He bumps defenders off the ball with subtle moves - it shows that he has either played against older competition a lot or been trained on the clever aspects of being an effective center forward. He doesn't have elite top speed, but he is quick enough to finish off chances once he gets behind the defense. Khachyan looks like a top 2029 player from the 2010 group.      Garrett is a midfielder on the LA Bulls 2010 MLS Next team. He has been outstanding in November. A two-way player, Garrett is an example of a center midfielder who does it all for his team. His game against Los Angeles SC (LASC) was a great showcase for his quality and determination. He had a wonderful through ball early in the game to create a chance and then minutes later he was tracking back and had a perfectly timed slide tackle to intercept a pass. Garrett is a high effort player at the club level who has been one of the top performers in recent MLS Next games.      Lee is an outside back on the LA Surf 2010 MLS Next team. He can play right back or left back. He is quick with decent size. He's physical without fouling and does well on the ball as a defender when left in 1v1 situations. His relentless work ethic makes him an option in the attack as he is a willing runner to make the full field sprint. He could improve on his decision-making with distribution. He gave away possession a few times too easily in recent games. He's a good passer, but he can improve on being more accurate about timing and placement of the passes.      Lu is a forward on the LA Surf 2010 MLS Next team. He is five-foot-10, right footed, and an excellent finisher. He has quick reactions and a pouncer's mentality. He has scored quite a few goals this year with just getting a toe or any part of his foot on the ball around the goal. He is an effective No. 9 at the MLS Next level. He recent had a hat trick in the game against Nomads, which showcased his overall quality. He could've ended that game with a pair of assists too. Lu is creative on the ball, lethal near the goal, and super competitive. He is exactly the type of player coaches want at center forward.      Ventura County Fusion can be one of the most dynamic attacks in MLS Next and much of that is due to Virgen's play. He's a playmaker in any role. He can play as an attacking midfielder, out wide, or up top. He is a skillful passer and creates chances with his vision. He has a good first touch and strength on the ball to hold off defenders. Virgen is one of the most talented midfielders in MLS Next 2010 and has shown that this season with his constant contributions from game-to-game.      Kulkarni is scoring in nearly every game lately. The Strikers forward was dominant against LAFC last month. Opportunistic as a scorer, Kulkarni has benefitted from the talented playmakers on this Strikers team. He's also done well creating chances for himself and his teammates. He's a silky dribbler, deceptive passer, and clever off the ball with his movement. Kulkarni might end up as one of the leading scorers in MLS Next.      Huerta is a midfielder on the Strikers 2010 MLS Next team. He is a key catalyst in the midfield for his side. Calm on the ball, confidently spins away from pressure, and makes quick decisions on the ball. I thought he was a standout in the two recent games against LAFC for his two-way play. He's not the biggest player, but he is willing to get into the tackle and does well poking the ball away from players with his quick feet. Huerta has made an impact for one of the best MLS Next teams in the country.     Yeboah is a winger with electrifying pace. In recent games, he's been very effective in taking his first touch into space and letting that speed shine. He gets to the end line and gets his head up, which has set up a number of assists for the Strikers. Yeboah's elite attributes as a winger makes him one of the best attacking talents in Southern California.

The MLS Next event kicks off this week from Southern California. Prior to the start of the event, here's a look back at some of the top performances from the 2010 age group in the Southwest Division from the past few months.