Top Prospects Headed into the MLS NEXT All-Star Game

Today is the day I've been looking forward to for quite some time.   After months of traveling the country scouting youth soccer at every level—from ECNL to MLS NEXT and even EA on the younger side—this is the event I've been anticipating most on the boys' side of player development in the United States.   When MLS announced the dates for this event, I circled them on my calendar and made it a priority to attend.   Kickoff is tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET, and as I write this, I'm on my way to Baltimore/Washington International Airport. I'll be landing in Charlotte, North Carolina, around 6:00 p.m., giving me about an hour to make my way over to the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex.   This trip serves two purposes. I'll be creating content for KS Sports Network while also scouting the event for Prep Network. I'll have another article coming tomorrow morning with my observations from the match, but before kickoff, here are the players I'll be watching most closely.   [player_tooltip player_id='160054' first='Connor' last='Dale'] | FC Cincinnati   [player_tooltip player_id='160054' first='Connor' last='Dale'] first caught my attention earlier this year at MLS NEXT Flex in Texas.   He delivered one of the tournament's most memorable performances, scoring a dramatic last-minute equalizer against Irvine Strikers to force a penalty shootout. As if that wasn't enough, he then stepped into goal and made two incredible saves to help FC Cincinnati advance.   Moments like that are impossible to ignore.   Dale is also a U.S. Youth National Team prospect and has established himself as one of the premier young goalkeepers in the country. His athleticism, mentality, and ability to rise in the biggest moments make him one of the players I'm most excited to watch tonight.   <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/DXpZlRAiTUa/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='280134' first='Levi' last='Williams']   In my opinion, [player_tooltip player_id='280134' first='Levi' last='Williams'] may be the player on this list with the clearest professional pathway through [program_tooltip program_id='279930' first='Inter' last='Miami'].   Physically, he's already built like a pro. Standing tall with an impressive frame, he possesses all the tools clubs look for in a modern goalkeeper.   More importantly, he consistently delivers in pressure situations.   The last time I watched Levi was at the MICFootball Tournament in the Dominican Republic, where he denied a Atletico Madrid penalty in the championship match. That save proved to be one of the defining moments of the final and showcased the composure that separates elite goalkeepers from everyone else.   <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/DaI5YC-xl3e/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure>   Abdoulaye Diop | Philadelphia Union   My first experience watching Abdoulaye Diop came during the inaugural Snowball Showcase, hosted by the Philadelphia Union in the winter of 2026.   Diop immediately stood out.   He's an incredibly complete player who impacts the game on both sides of the ball. Whether it's creating chances going forward or tracking back defensively, his work rate never drops.   Players like Diop earn coaches' trust because they consistently do the little things well. He embodies the competitive mentality and high standards that have become synonymous with the Philadelphia Union academy.   <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/DUtruRbjkKh/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure>   Ezra Van Cleave | Barça Residency Academy   If you've followed MLS NEXT this season, chances are you've already heard the name Ezra Van Cleave.   The talented winger from Barça Residency Academy has become one of the more recognizable prospects in the country thanks to his technical quality and creativity in the final third.   Ezra reads the game exceptionally well and consistently makes intelligent decisions in possession. He was a key member of the U16 Barça Residency side that reached the MLS NEXT Cup Final, ultimately falling to Total Football Academy.   Even in defeat, his quality was evident.   [player_tooltip player_id='293783' first='Alessio' last='Benedetti']   [player_tooltip player_id='293783' first='Alessio' last='Benedetti'] has quietly become one of the most consistent attacking players in California at the MLS NEXT level.   Whether the stage is a major showcase or a regular-season match, Benedetti continues to produce.   His combination of speed, technical ability, and soccer IQ allows him to consistently create dangerous moments. He sees plays develop before most players do and has the acceleration to capitalize on those opportunities.   Whether his future leads him to the professional ranks or a top collegiate program, he's already ahead of the curve.   <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/DWmxI1pjgrq/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure>   Danny Carmona | Total Football Academy   Danny Carmona is another unique talent coming out of Southern California.   Fresh off helping Total Football Academy capture the MLS NEXT Cup Championship in Salt Lake City, Carmona has since earned an opportunity with the Real Salt Lake Academy.   What makes Danny so intriguing is his versatility.   He understands possession-based soccer, moves the ball selflessly, and fits seamlessly into a structured system. At the same time, he has the individual quality to change a game on his own, whether that's by beating defenders off the dribble or finishing chances in front of goal.   Players capable of blending team-first soccer with game-breaking ability are rare, and Carmona certainly fits that description.   <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>   Final Thoughts   The MLS NEXT All-Star Game brings together some of the brightest young talent in American soccer, and tonight should provide another glimpse into the future of the game.   While these are the players I'll be keeping my closest eye on, there are dozens more capable of making a statement under the lights in Charlotte.   Be sure to check back tomorrow as I break down the standout performances, biggest surprises, and prospects who helped themselves the most on one of the biggest stages in youth soccer.

Today is the day I've been looking forward to for quite some time.