Scouting the Future: 11 Must-Know MLS Next 2010 Players for 2025

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The MLS Next Winter event was recently held in Southern California. As part of the scouting process, there were a number of players who stood out from the best teams at the event. Below is a look at 11 players who ended 2024 on a high note and should be in the spotlight next year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Will Cimaroli, FC United - Cimaroli was one of the bright spots of the FC United squad at the MLS Next event. The midfielder was excellent on the ball. He was the key catalyst of the side that found a ton of success at the event. Dorian Popiela and Anthony Patino were top players in the attack for FC United.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='270290' first='Charlie' last='Winship'], SF Glens - Winship is a left footed midfielder who was impressive during the MLS Next event recently. He was outstanding as a two-way player. Winship also scored off his goal-scoring prowess with a tremendous strike from distance. The Northern California standout looks like he has professional level potential.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kai Gwyn, Inter Atlanta - Gwyn scored a goal in every game of the MLS Next event earlier this month. The forward proved his consistency, skill, and scoring prowess. The speedster up top is a player defenses need to mark in 2025 if they hope to slow down Inter Atlanta. John Kinley and Carter Malcom were also brilliant for Inter Atlanta.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='293781' first='Christian' last='Vanney'], LA Galaxy - LA Galaxy's U15 MLS Next team was one of the top teams at the event in any age group. Against MLS clubs, Galaxy went 3-0 with a plus nine goal differential and only one goal conceded. Vanney was consistently one of the top performers over the course of the three games. His play in the midfield was key for his side. [player_tooltip player_id='279981' first='Christopher' last='Perez'], Kenneth Wilcox, [player_tooltip player_id='223690' first='Joshua' last='Espinoza'] and [player_tooltip player_id='223682' first='Dorian' last='Davis'] were also standouts for Galaxy.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alfredo Cruz, Weston FC - Cruz was one of the bright spots of the Weston attack at the MLS Next event. He is a capable finisher with good quality on the ball. He is strong and holds off defenders. He is right footed, but capable of hitting a cross with his left. Cruz's physical play shows that he can handle playing against older competition.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reno Orozco, Total Futbol Academy - Orozco proved his quality during the MLS Next event. He can play on the wing or as an attacking midfielder. He had the game-winning assist in the final game on a great cross. He added two goals against SYC. Orozco has the quality to make an impact in the final third at the top levels of the club game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owen Jorgensen, St. Louis City SC - The US Youth National Team defender continued to impress with his performance in Southern California. He was outstanding in the win over Inter Miami. He had a couple of key tackles to stop the Inter attack. He also was a key piece of the game-winning goal too with perhaps a phantom touch on the free kick that settled into the lower corner of the net. Kane Kraus was also a standout for St. Louis City SC.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maddox Choate, Houston Dynamo - Choate has been a regular call-up to the US Soccer Talent ID events in the past. It seems like he continues to improve too. His most recent game film has been his best. He scored the game-winning goal against a top Strikers team. He had a terrific showing against Real Salt Lake too.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jayden Phan, Seacoast United - Phan was dominant in every game Seacoast played at the MLS Next event. He scored twice in the final game against Bavarian United. He is right footed, tall, and smooth on the ball. He has an excellent strike from the run of play. Phan is a difference-maker with his attacking qualities.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James Boothby, TSF Academy - Boothby is a prolific goal scorer at the club level. The center forward is strong and smart. He knows how to get into the right spots for the best chances, but he also knows how to create those chances and bait defenders into fouling him to set up opportunities for his team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jack Amatucci, Florida Rush - The center back for Florida Rush was outstanding during the MLS Next event. He was a dominant two-way player. He shut down attacks frequently with his strong technique defensive. He was a target on set pieces for his side. He has a bright future.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->