MLS Next Cup 2025: Defenders take spotlight in U17 battles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The MLS Next Cup 2025 is currently taking place in Tennessee as some of the best boys youth club soccer teams compete for the championship title. The U17 age group opened up play on Friday from the playoff round. Check out the stand outs from those games below. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='148187' first='Christian' last='Wygant'], [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] - The [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] outside back was outstanding against PDA. He was a two-way impact player. Great in duels with shutdown defense. He also offered great passing in the attack. He never tried to do too much and did an excellent job in keeping possession for his side.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='226594' first='Gavin' last='Vo'], [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] - Vo was a bright spot in the second half when playing left back. He whipped in a cross for the assist on [player_tooltip player_id='88507' first='Tadesse' last='Hart']'s goal. Minutes later, he dribbled through the PDA defense to nab the game-winner.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Noah Hammerschmidt, Met Oval - The Met Oval wide player created a match-up nightmare for Barca Academy. His pace beat the high press they were trying to execute and his ability to beat the first defender off the dribble gave his side a numerical advantage consistently. Hammerschmidt's play was rewarded with a pair of goals including the game-winner.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ethan Orchard, Real Colorado - Most dominant player on the field in Real Colorado's 4-3 win over Sockers. He constantly influenced the game from his center midfield position. He scored two goals and the rebound from his shot resulted in another goal. Orchard, a commit to Denver, looks to be a prospect equipped to compete at the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gabriel Jordao, New England FC - Jordao had a pair of assists on the New England's first two goals in the game against De Anza. The quick interchange and the timing of his passes were excellent.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hamza Frederick, New England FC - Frederick scored a goal and drew a foul in the box to set up a penalty kick late. Anthony Anduray converted from the spot. Frederick's dynamic athleticism created chances for his side and pressured De Anza into giveaways.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='83254' first='Miles' last='Potter'], De Anza - Potter scored the opener for his side and played a distributor role in the other key actions of the game. His quick switch of the point of attack started the move for the lated equalizer from De Anza.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Landon Lynch, Queen City Mutiny - Lynch was right place, right time with his two-goal performance against [program_tooltip program_id='283654' first='Global' last='Football Innovation Academy']. He scored the opener when he pounced on a mistake. He added another in the second half.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christopher Runde, Cedar Stars Academy - Runde was excellent against Inter Miami. He was the facilitator in the attack for his side. He showcased sublime skill, excellent vision, and good composure on the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Da'Vian Kimbrough, [program_tooltip program_id='283732' first='Sacramento' last='Republic'] - A goal and can assist in the 3-0 win over Lou Fusz Athletic on the opening day. Kimbrough, already signed to a professional contract, is a special talent and he proved that at MLS Next Cup. He was effectively unstoppable for the opposition.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Landon Okonski, Orlando City Youth SC - Okonski made tackle after tackle after block to shutdown the talented FC Delco attack in the 2-0 victory on Sunday. He put together a highlight-reel performance at center back.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cohen Morgan, Orlando City Youth SC - Morgan had a stellar game for Orlando City Youth against FC Delco. He scored the opening goal. He also generated a handful of chances with his play in the first half.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->