Login Subscribe
    • Players/Parents
    • College Coaches
  • Arizona
    California
    Colorado
    Florida
    Georgia
    Illinois
    Michigan
    New Jersey
    North Carolina
    Ohio
    Pennsylvania
    Texas
    Virginia
    Washington
  • Loading...
  • Prep Soccer for
    • Players
    • Parents
    • Club Coaches
    • High School Coaches
    • College Coaches
    • Fans
    View All Features
    • Coverage Access Prep Soccer articles year-round without ads.
    • Rankings See how players stack up across the country.
    • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Soccer database.
    • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
    • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
    • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
    • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
    • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
    • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
    • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Soccer showcases.
    • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
    • College Email Template Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
    • Contributors
    • How We Rank
    • About Us
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rankings
    • How We Rank

    • Boys

      • Boys 2026 Rankings

      • Boys 2027 Rankings

    • Girls

      • Girls 2026 Rankings

      • Girls 2027 Rankings

      • Girls 2028 Rankings

  • Player Database
    • Boys

    • Girls

  • Home
  • Coverage
      Arizona
      California
      Colorado
      Florida
      Georgia
      Illinois
      Michigan
      New Jersey
      North Carolina
      Ohio
      Pennsylvania
      Texas
      Virginia
      Washington
  • Rankings
      Loading...
  • Features
      Prep Soccer for
      • Players
      • Parents
      • Club Coaches
      • High School Coaches
      • College Coaches
      • Fans
      View All Features
      • Coverage Access Prep Soccer articles year-round without ads.
      • Rankings See how players stack up across the country.
      • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Soccer database.
      • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
      • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
      • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
      • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
      • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
      • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
      • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Soccer showcases.
      • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
      • College Email Template Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
  • About Us
      • Contributors
      • How We Rank
      • About Us
  • Support
Login Subscribe

Pennsylvania’s 2029 Boys: The Next Wave of Rising Stars

Pennsylvania’s 2029 Boys: The Next Wave of Rising Stars
Ali Sefa Baglicakoglu
Ali Sefa Baglicakoglu
November 2, 2025 @ 08:50 AM
Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter)
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pennsylvania continues to develop some of the country's most exciting young male players. The Class of 2029, still early in its journey, is already producing names that stand out in the ECNL, MLS NEXT, and regional circuits. Several prospects have begun to influence matches well beyond their age level. This article spotlights six promising boys whose skills and maturity make them ones to watch over the next few seasons. For more <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/pennsylvania/">Prep Soccer Pennsylvania coverage</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Building from the Back</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Mikey Blaszczyk","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='283717' first='Philadelphia' last='Union'] Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68efde8e083da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mikey is a dependable defender who reads the game cleanly and rarely panics in possession. Playing with the [program_tooltip program_id='283717' first='Philadelphia' last='Union'] U-14 Academy, he anchors the back line through timing and composure. His balance between strength and technical quality suggests a player capable of climbing into the MLS NEXT elite ranks soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Robbie Melendez","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='283717' first='Philadelphia' last='Union'] Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68efde8e084da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Robbie combines defensive versatility with confidence on the ball. Whether operating as a fullback or holding midfielder, he displays consistency and calm distribution. His awareness of passing lanes and ability to shift tempo under pressure make him an essential piece of the Union's youth setup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Midfield Engines</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Samuel Mendes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='283717' first='Philadelphia' last='Union'] Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68efde8e085af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Samuel controls matches through intelligence and positioning. He links play efficiently, intercepts danger, and dictates rhythm with short, accurate passes. Coaches praise his maturity and game IQ, qualities rarely found at this age. As he develops physically, he could evolve into a true box-to-box leader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Zain Ali","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='283432' first='Pittsburgh' last='Riverhounds'] RDA","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68efde8e0865c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zain brings balance to the Riverhounds' midfield. Known for his work rate and defensive recovery, he transitions quickly from winning possession to initiating attacks. Moreover, his passing confidence helps maintain the team's structure during transitions. He's one of Western PA's clearest indicators of the next generation's depth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Creative Forwards</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Aiden Japalucci","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='283432' first='Pittsburgh' last='Riverhounds'] RDA","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68efde8e08735"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aiden provides spark and flair in the final third. His dribbling, pace, and movement behind defenses continually test opponents. In addition, he shows a growing awareness of when to press and when to drop, turning him into a complete wide attacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Josh Bondra","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='283432' first='Pittsburgh' last='Riverhounds'] RDA","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68efde8e08805"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Josh plays as a striker with strong hold-up play and sharp finishing instincts. He thrives in tight spaces and is confident attacking crosses from either flank. His combination of physical presence and decision-making makes him a name to follow as the Riverhounds' 2011 group develops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">What Comes Next</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Together, these six boys embody the potential of Pennsylvania's Class of 2029. From Blaszczyk's defensive leadership to Bondra's goal-scoring touch, each player highlights the state's continued ability to nurture top-level youth talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As MLS NEXT, ECNL, and state tournaments progress, expect more attention on this group. Prep Soccer will continue tracking their evolution and sharing updates as they climb through the academy ranks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For wider national context and rankings, visit the <a href="https://theecnl.com/">Elite Clubs National League</a> homepage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

Pennsylvania continues to develop some of the country's most exciting young male players. The Class of 2029, still early in its journey, is already producing names that stand out in the ECNL, MLS NEXT, and regional circuits. Several prospects have begun to influence matches well beyond their age level. This article spotlights six promising boys whose skills and maturity make them ones to watch over the next few seasons. For more Prep Soccer Pennsylvania coverage.

Mikey Blaszczyk

Mikey Blaszczyk

POS D
CLASS 2029

Mikey Blaszczyk

Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Robbie Melendez

Robbie Melendez

POS D
CLASS 2029

Robbie Melendez

Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Samuel Mendes

Samuel Mendes

POS M
CLASS 2029

Samuel Mendes

Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Zain Ali

Zain Ali

POS M
CLASS 2029

Zain Ali

Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Aiden Japalucci

Aiden Japalucci

POS F
CLASS 2029

Aiden Japalucci

Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Josh Bondra

Josh Bondra

POS F
CLASS 2029

Josh Bondra

Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Prep Soccer

Access all of Prep Soccer

Continue reading this article and more.

Continue Reading
Already a subscriber? Log in

Rankings

49 Players Ranked

  • 1
    Jamir Johnson

    Jamir Johnson

  • 2
    Jordan Griffin

    Jordan Griffin

  • 3
    Andrew Craig

    Andrew Craig

    Michigan
  • 4
    Michael Capretto

    Michael Capretto

    Notre Dame (IN)
  • 5
    Alex Smith

    Alex Smith

    YSC Academy

View Full Rankings

Related Articles

  • Rosters announced for Boys High School All-American Game

    Rosters announced for Boys High School All-American Game

    JR Eskilson • November 3

  • Pennsylvania 2029 Girls: Young Talents Already Turning Heads

    Pennsylvania 2029 Girls: Young Talents Already Turning Heads

    Ali Sefa Baglicakoglu • November 1

  • October Rankings Update: Who moved up the rankings in Pennsylvania’s 2027 class?

    October Rankings Update: Who moved up the rankings in Pennsylvania’s 2027 class?

    Dev Johnson • October 31

  • October Rankings Update: Who moved up the rankings in Pennsylvania’s 2026 class?

    October Rankings Update: Who moved up the rankings in Pennsylvania’s 2026 class?

    Dev Johnson • October 31

  • Updated 2027 Pennsylvania boy Rankings

    Updated 2027 Pennsylvania boy Rankings

    Dev Johnson • October 31

Follow Us

  • prepsoccer

    Prep Soccer

    @prepsoccer

  • JR Eskilson

    JR Eskilson

    @JREskilson

Loading...
Home Pennsylvania Pennsylvania’s 2029 Boys: The Next Wave of Rising Stars

Prep Network

  • Prep Network
  • Prep Dig
  • Prep Girls Hoops
  • Prep Hoops
  • Prep Lacrosse
  • Prep Redzone
  • Prep Soccer
  • Prep Softball

Company

  • News
  • About
  • Careers
  • Store
  • Partner Interest Form

Resources

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Cookie Policy
  • NCSA College Recruiting
  • Recruiting Tips
  • Student Loan Resources
  • College Scholarship Search

Support

  • My Account
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

© 2025 Prep Soccer. All rights reserved.