Five Texas Center Backs to Follow at MLS Next Fest

<p>The MLS Next League is set to host its first national event of the 2025-2026 season in the next few days, as the MLS Next Fest tournament will go from December 4-15 in Mesa, Arizona.</p>   <p>Having the Scottsdale Sports Complex, Bell 94 Sports Complex and Reata Sports Complex as the venues, 1,474 teams representing over 250 different clubs will compete in more than 2,400 matches over the course of 12 days.</p>   <p>Many MLS Next teams from Texas that compete in the league's Homegrown Division will make the trip to Arizona, with [program_tooltip program_id='321473' first='AC' last='River'], [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), [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'], [program_tooltip program_id='283658' first='Houston' last='Rangers'] and IDEA Toros combining to have 32 teams in action in the U14, U15, U16, U17 and U19 divisions of the event.</p>   <p>These squads feature some of the most talented and promising young players from the Lone Star State, and we're taking the days leading up to the event to introduce some of them. It's time we look into the center backs:</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Arne will be part of [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas']' backline in their matches against FC Cincinnati, Albion SC San Diego and New England Revolution in the event's U16 division. A vocal leader, he organizes the backline and keeps his teammates alert and engaged with his excellent communication in the back. Arne is also an elite defensive player, who uses his physicality extremely well to dominate the penalty box, but also has the mobility and the intelligence needed to thrive when asked to defend higher up on the field. The center back is also very skilled and confident on the ball and doesn't hesitate in taking the space in front of him and supporting his team's offense with his solid passing.</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/DRLrG8wjVmM/ </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Solomon will play in central defense for [program_tooltip program_id='321473' first='AC' last='River'] U16 in their matches against Northern Virginia Alliance, Lamorinda Soccer Club and PA Classics in Arizona. He does a good job of defending the penalty box, taking advantage of his solid positioning to make stops. Solomon is also a very mobile center back, who's effective at covering his teammates out wide and tracking opponents down in the defensive half. He moves well, too, and has quality and confidence on the ball, often taking part in the team's buildup.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/11/2J4A0312.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-339522" /></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Anumele is part of the [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] Academy and will be with the team in their matches in the U17 division against the Columbus Crew, CF Montreal and Sporting Kansas City. He joined the team just a few months ago and has been able to earn significant playing time while competing in a really strong center-back group. Anumele's physicality is truly impressive for a player of his age, as he's incredibly athletic and can flat-out dominate opponents with his strong frame. The defender has solid defensive instincts, too, and can make timely and clean stops inside and around the penalty box.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ProspectsUsmnt/status/1987157727152410705?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Michel and the [program_tooltip program_id='283639' first='Dallas' last='Hornets'] will have Ballistic United, Lamorinda Soccer Club and Chargers Soccer Club as their opponents in the event's U17 division. A mentally tough central defender, he does a great job of remaining focused and avoiding errors even when under constant pressure. Michel is very good at getting in the way of crosses to make clearances both in the air and on the ground, effectively defending the team's penalty box. The center back has good vision and precision to connect passes between the lines and communicates efficiently with those around him.</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=BNb9EHxh70w </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Celis will be a part of GFI U19's defensive system in the matches against Downtown United Soccer Club, Keystone FC and PA Classics in Mesa. A lefty, he plays on the left side of the team's backline and is very good at winning the ball back with physical and intelligent plays. Celis uses his body well to control the space, but also stands out with quick moves that allow him to cleanly come away with the ball. He's very confident and comfortable in possession too, and does a good job of supporting the team's offense with his passing ability, especially when they're trailing.</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=kUEkrTKBWyc </div></figure>   <p></p>

The MLS Next League is set to host its first national event of the 2025-2026 season in the next few days, as the MLS Next Fest tournament will go from December 4-15 in Mesa, Arizona.