Texas Lockdown Center Backs at MLS Next Flex

<p>The next few days are going to be huge for clubs competing in the MLS Next League, as between Friday and Tuesday, the last spots in the MLS Next Cup Playoffs will be in play during the MLS Next Flex, at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Maryland.</p>   <p>As many as 64 teams will compete in each gender. They were split into 16 pools with four clubs each, and the winners of each pool will earn the right to compete in the Playoffs, which will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, from June 14-22.</p>   <p>The state of Texas will have multiple teams competing in each age group, with a total of 14 representatives from the Lone Star State making the trip up North and getting on the field over the next five days - [program_tooltip program_id='283612' first='Austin' last='FC'], [program_tooltip program_id='283624' first='Capital' last='City SC'], [program_tooltip program_id='283639' first='Dallas' last='Hornets'], [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'], [program_tooltip program_id='283654' first='Global' last='Football Innovation Academy'] (GFI) and [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] will all play for spots in the Playoffs.</p>   <p>Some of the top players in the state will be in action in the event, and we'll present a few of them who could be set for great performances in one of the biggest moments of the season. It's now time we know some of the top center backs from the Lone Star State who will be on the field in Maryland:</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Arne captains the [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] U15 team that will play against KSA, Springfield SYC and Cincinnati United Premier in Group 13. He's both physical and technical, and is very difficult to beat in the backline. Arne uses his size to dominate in the air and defend inside the penalty box, but is also extremely mobile and does well when tracking opposing forwards higher up on the field. He typically plays on the right side of their back three and is given some freedom to drive the ball forward, which he does efficiently, besides being a capable passer.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/04/2J4A0271.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-285257" /></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Gonzalez is one of the starting center backs of the [program_tooltip program_id='283612' first='Austin' last='FC'] U16 side that will be faced with Charlotte FC, Phoenix Rising FC and Baltimore Armour in Group 11. He's very strong in 1v1 duels and uses his mobility and athleticism to dominate opponents in space. Gonzalez is excellent at covering his teammates and can often be seen making key stops inside the penalty box. [program_tooltip program_id='283612' first='Austin' last='FC'] have a very methodical buildup, and Gonzalez is a big part of it, helping the team move the ball patiently and efficiently to find ways to get it into the attacking half in good spots.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/03/2J4A0182.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-283936" /></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Samuel is one of the defensive pillars of the [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] U16 team that will go against Toronto FC, D.C. United and Sockers FC in Group 13. An extremely athletic defender, he's an imposing figure in their backline and does a great job of shutting down opponents who attack his zone, dominating them with his physical tools. Samuel is also a very intelligent and tenacious defender, who reads opponents well and is unafraid of making strong tackles inside and around the penalty box to come out with the ball. He's been consistently improving his game on the ball and is now able to support the team's offense with solid passing and runs on the ball to take the space in front of him.</p>    <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/DIpOGg0uP0F/ </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Sauceda will lead [program_tooltip program_id='283624' first='Capital' last='City SC'] U17's backline in the Group 6 matches against Weston FC, Ventura County Fusion and Cedar Stars Academy Monmouth in Group F. Standing at 6'3", he's dominant in the air and uses his big frame to knock opponents off the ball in a very efficient and clean way. Despite his size, Sauceda is extremely mobile and does a great job of defending in space, using well-timed sliding tackles to dispossess opponents. The center back is also very comfortable and skilled on the ball, dribbling opponents inside and around his penalty box and connecting line-breaking passes to initiate plays.</p>    <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=3S8aFptpF28 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Bracewell will command the backline of his [program_tooltip program_id='283639' first='Dallas' last='Hornets'] U19 team in Group 11, where they will play Charlotte FC, Los Angeles FC and Midwest United FC. He's very strong in the air, combining great size and excellent positioning, and is a strong presence inside the box for his team. Bracewell also does well when he has to defend in other areas of the field, displaying impeccable timing to intercept passes in the center area of the field and great intelligence to trap opponents in wider spots. The defender can make a major impact offensively too, connecting long passes out of the back and showing impressive quality on the ball in the final third to beat opponents off the dribble and find teammates in great spots.</p>    <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=BfUR0kBma3I </div></figure>   <p></p>

The next few days are going to be huge for clubs competing in the MLS Next League, as between Friday and Tuesday, the last spots in the MLS Next Cup Playoffs will be in play during the MLS Next Flex, at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Maryland.