Texas Prospects Make it to U.S. U16 squad for Vertex Cup

<p>The United States U16 national team is set to participate in the 2026 edition of the Vertex Cup from April 12-23 in Miami, and head coach Paul Simpson has named a 24-player roster for the tournament.</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/DW9ColSFly9/ </div></figure>   <p>In the event, the U.S. will be able to test themselves against high-level competition, facing England on April 16, Mexico on April 19 and Argentina on April 22.</p>   <p>Three players who represent MLS academies from Texas made the list and will have the opportunity to represent the country in the prestigious youth tournament.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Arne is a center back who plays for [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] U16. He has a good mix of tools, being capable of dominating the penalty box with his physicality, but also using his mobility to defend in space. Arne stands out for his positioning and is always very timely with his defensive actions, coming out with clean tackles almost every time he goes for it. He typically plays on the right side of central defense, be it on a back four or a back three, and is very comfortable on the ball, not only passing it accurately out of the back, but also dribbling it forward when he sees 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/DWeRXQqjq8r/ </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Soria is a central midfielder in the [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] U17 team. He's been called up as a defender and has been used at left back with the U.S., a position in which he can also thrive with his impressive skill set. A lefty, Soria is very technical and intelligent on the ball, picking the right passing option almost every time and distributing it efficiently. He has a lot to add going forward as an outside back, as he's quick and talented enough to make plays out wide, while also being able to come inside and operate more centrally as an extra playmaker. Despite not being very tall or physical, Soria shows great determination when playing defense and typically does well 1v1.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/11/2J4A0014_50a029.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-341857" /></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Feliciano is part of [program_tooltip program_id='283612' first='Austin' last='FC']'s U16 team and recently made his debut with their II team in the MLS Next Pro League. He mostly plays for them as an attacking midfielder, but also features on the wing, primarily on the left, and was called up as a forward. One of the fastest-rising names in youth soccer in Texas, he's a highly productive attacking player who's been delivering big numbers in terms of goals and assists. He's very strong out wide, facing opponents 1v1 with his dribbling skills, but can also make a difference by coming inside from the wing and using his excellent vision to deliver game-changing passes in the final third.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/02/2J4A0294.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-349653" /></figure>

The United States U16 national team is set to participate in the 2026 edition of the Vertex Cup from April 12-23 in Miami, and head coach Paul Simpson has named a 24-player roster for the tournament.