MLS NEXT CUP: ELITE U16 Prospects

The U16 age group was, without question, one of the most entertaining divisions to watch at MLS NEXT Cup. In fact, two of the best youth soccer matches I've ever seen took place during the knockout stages, and both featured Barcelona Residency Academy AZ. Their ability to produce competitors and technically gifted players is absolutely top-notch, and they proved throughout the tournament why they are one of the premier programs in the country.   The first came against Orlando City in a thrilling battle that had everything: elite goalkeeping, clutch goals, momentum swings, and late-game drama. Orlando looked poised to advance behind a stellar performance from goalkeeper Luan Silva and a strong attacking display, but Barcelona found a way back into the game thanks in part to an unbelievable late equalizer from [player_tooltip player_id='332659' first='Easton' last='Odom'] before ultimately advancing. It was the type of match that reminds you why knockout soccer is so special.   The second came in the championship match against Tota Futbol Academy (TFA) out of Orange County, California. Once again, Barcelona showed tremendous quality and even carried a 1-0 lead into the second half. However, TFA and tournament MVP Danny Carmona had other plans. What followed was one of the most dominant individual stretches of play I have ever witnessed at an MLS NEXT event and ultimately led TFA to a dramatic 4-3 victory.   What stood out most to me about this age group is how much movement could be on the horizon. Several players are attracting interest from professional academies, MLS organizations, and opportunities beyond their current clubs. At the center of that conversation is Danny Carmona, one of the most sought-after prospects in the country. But he isn't the only player whose stock is rising.   Read below to learn more about the standouts who caught my attention and why the U16 age group may have produced some of the most exciting storylines of the entire tournament.    Danny Carmona is, in my opinion, the most elite player in the entire class.   When a player scores an incredible solo goal, spectators usually think, “There's no way he can do that again.” Carmona completely defies that line of thinking because he seems to live in that mode. There were three separate moments at MLS NEXT Cup that convinced me he sits alone at the top when it comes to attacking players in the U16 age group.   The first was an unreal solo goal against the Philadelphia Union U16 Academy that immediately caught my attention and made me keep a close eye on him heading into the final against Barcelona AZ.   In that championship match, Barcelona looked like the favorite and took an early 1-0 lead that carried into the second half. Then Carmona completely took over the game.   First, he dribbled through Barcelona's defense, making multiple defenders look helpless as they tried to take the ball away from him. After breaking down the defense, he set up a teammate for a spectacular strike that tied the game at 1-1.   Then came what may have been the most unbelievable goal I have ever witnessed at an MLS NEXT event. From nearly the corner of the field and roughly 28 yards out, Carmona curled a shot into the top corner, punishing the defense for giving him even a glimpse of space.   As if that wasn't enough, he scored again less than a minute later. His second goal made it 3-1 and completely shifted the momentum of the match. TFA would eventually win 4-3.   By the end of the tournament, Carmona walked away with both the Golden Boot and MVP honors.   The young man has already drawn interest from Austin FC, where he guest played at Generation adidas Cup, as well as the [program_tooltip program_id='283671' first='LA' last='Galaxy'] and Mexican giants Pumas and Club América.   In my opinion, he is unquestionably on his way to earning a professional contract and has the talent to eventually play overseas.      <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/reel/DY91w5Lx2_h/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure>   <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/reel/DY-_uyapiu-/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure>   <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/reel/DY-_4pTpYG-/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure>    Damian Quinonez scored an unbelievable goal that fueled Barcelona Residency Academy's comeback attempt against TFA in a match that ultimately ended in a 4-3 victory for TFA. The quality of the finish from this young man was absolutely top drawer.   Primarily a center midfielder who can also operate at left back, Quinonez showcased the type of versatility that coaches value at the highest levels. The contrast between those two positions makes his versatility especially impressive, as he possesses the technical ability and vision required in midfield while also having the defensive discipline and work rate to contribute along the back line.   This is the type of strike that most players wouldn't even attempt, let alone execute in a high-stakes match with the odds stacked against them. In a moment when Barcelona desperately needed inspiration, Damian delivered.   His confidence, technique, and composure under pressure were on full display, producing one of the standout goals of the tournament. Players with his level of technical quality, positional flexibility, and willingness to step up in big moments are always worth keeping an eye on.    <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/reel/DY_DLMiuUwo/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure>    Norvin Crespin deserves tremendous credit for helping TFA claw their way back into the final.   His first-time finish from approximately 25 yards left the goalkeeper frozen as he watched the ball fly into the net. Under any circumstances, a goal like that can change the momentum of a match. In the context of the championship game, it completely shifted the energy in TFA's favor.   Beyond the goal itself, Crespin is a technically gifted player who complements Carmona perfectly. Together, they form one of the most dangerous attacking duos in this age group.   The clip attached below showcases the strike that changed the course of the game and serves as a reminder of just how important Crespin was to TFA's championship run.      <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/reel/DZWsPKUwy-R/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure>    Orlando City and U.S. Youth National Team goalkeeper Luan Silva was one of the most impressive goalkeepers at MLS NEXT Cup.   Silva produced a series of spectacular saves against Barcelona AZ, a match Orlando ultimately lost in penalty kicks. Despite the result, he was the primary reason Orlando maintained a 2-1 lead for much of the contest.   His shot-stopping ability is at an elite level for this age group. Time and time again he came up with saves that seemed impossible, keeping Orlando alive against one of the strongest teams in the tournament.   The young goalkeeper possesses next-level reflexes and instincts that suggest a very bright future ahead.    <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/reel/DZYEzg-PAQF/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure>    [player_tooltip player_id='332659' first='Easton' last='Odom'] delivered one of the most clutch moments of the entire tournament.   The talented left back and winger consistently contributed throughout the event, but his defining moment came against Orlando City.   With Barcelona trailing 2-1 late in the game, a teammate's pass found Odom in a crowded area with seemingly no opening to shoot. Instead of forcing the play, he created his own opportunity.   He juked one defender, sent another stumbling in the process, and then unleashed a finish unlike anything I had seen all week. The shot looked part chip and part curling effort, catching the goalkeeper completely off guard before finding the back of the net.   The level of creativity and confidence required to execute a play like that in such a critical moment immediately told me this was a special player.   Odom is set to join the [program_tooltip program_id='335141' first='San' last='Diego FC'] Right to Dream Academy this upcoming season, where he will gain access to world-class resources and development opportunities.   If he continues progressing at his current rate, don't be surprised if his name becomes much more widely known in the years ahead.    <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/reel/DY0KFUHhFXw/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure>    Carson Starrett is not only one of the best forwards in the U16 age group, but he is also becoming a recognizable name within the youth soccer landscape.   If you've attended MLS NEXT events over the past two calendar years, chances are you've heard his name.   Starrett serves as the starting striker for Orlando City U16 and continues to improve every time I watch him play. He has the ability to score in a variety of ways and consistently finds himself impacting big games.   One of his most memorable moments at MLS NEXT Cup came against Barcelona AZ in one of the tournament's most competitive matches, where he once again found the back of the net.   Keep an eye on Starrett over the next few years. He has all the tools necessary to make a push toward a second-team debut and continue climbing the professional pathway.    <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/reel/DY0GNiih5yu/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure>   The U16 age group delivered the most memorable moments of the entire MLS NEXT Cup. From Orlando City's dramatic battle with Barcelona AZ to TFA's incredible comeback in the championship match, this age group consistently produced high-level soccer and players who stepped up in the biggest moments.   Danny Carmona may have stolen the headlines with his MVP and Golden Boot performance, but he wasn't the only player who elevated his stock. Norvin Crespin delivered one of the biggest momentum-shifting goals of the tournament. Carson Starrett continued to prove why he is one of the most dangerous forwards in the country. Luan Silva showcased elite shot-stopping ability against top competition, and [player_tooltip player_id='332659' first='Easton' last='Odom'] produced one of the most creative and clutch goals I witnessed all week.   What stood out most was the competitive level across the board. Barcelona AZ proved why they are one of the nation's premier development programs, Orlando City showed tremendous quality throughout their run, and TFA demonstrated the resilience and attacking firepower necessary to win a national championship.   As for Danny Carmona, I don't think there's much more he could have done to improve his stock. In my opinion, he leaves MLS NEXT Cup as the most valuable prospect in the age group. When the lights were brightest, he took over games in a way that very few players can.   With interest already coming from multiple professional environments, I would personally expect there to be movement surrounding his future this offseason. Whether that means a move to another academy, a professional pathway, or something else entirely remains to be seen.   For now, we'll wait and see where his journey takes him next. But after watching what he did at MLS NEXT Cup, I have no doubt that Danny Carmona is a player worth paying attention to.

The U16 age group was, without question, one of the most entertaining divisions to watch at MLS NEXT Cup. In fact, two of the best youth soccer matches I've ever seen took place during the knockout stages, and both featured Barcelona Residency Academy AZ. Their ability to produce competitors and technically gifted players is absolutely top-notch, and they proved throughout the tournament why they are one of the premier programs in the country.