MLS NEXT—Top SoCal Non-MLS Academy Prospects from Week One

If you've kept up with my work as a scout and writer for Prep Soccer, you'll know that on Saturday I published an article highlighting my top prospects from the [program_tooltip program_id='283671' first='LA' last='Galaxy'] and LAFC U13 and U14 Academy teams.   Southern California is my scouting region, and while the MLS academies are home to some of the area's most recognizable young talent, there is no shortage of quality outside of the MLS player pool.   On Sunday, we shifted our focus to the non-MLS player pool, giving us an opportunity to evaluate some of the talented young players competing throughout Southern California.   Several players caught my attention, but two young men in particular separated themselves with their performances and contributions to their teams. After a successful weekend of football, I felt these two prospects were the most deserving of a spotlight.   Here are two Southern California prospects who made a strong impression this past weekend.    Nikko is a dangerous forward who's more than capable of creating opportunities and putting goals away for his team.   I first became aware of him at MLS NEXT Cup 2025, when he was playing with [program_tooltip program_id='283391' first='LA' last='Surf'] and scored an absolute beauty of a goal. Since then, he's continued to show why he's a player worth watching.   This past weekend with LA Bulls, Nikko delivered when his team needed him most. He scored two late goals against VC Fusion, first giving the Bulls a 2–1 lead and then adding another to make it 3–1, earning Man of the Match honors.   A forward with a nose for goal who can step up in big moments. Keep an eye on Nikko.     <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/Dc9vxcwNK-b/?stkn=OHY4dGRrY3UxcWVh </div></figure>    Euan scored one of the nicest goals of the weekend against [program_tooltip program_id='283671' first='LA' last='Galaxy'] Academy U13.   With his team already leading 2–0, Euan delivered an unbelievable finish to make it 3–0 and further solidify his team's dominance in the match.   The technique and execution on this one were special.   Check out the video below to see the finish for yourself!    <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/DdAmevqhj7U/?stkn=eTBmczBxYzBmbWZ1 </div></figure>   This season, I want to make a conscious effort to bring more attention to different categories of players throughout Southern California. Today's article focused specifically on players outside of the MLS academies, but that's only one part of what we hope to accomplish throughout the season.   We also want to be more selective with the players we spotlight on behalf of KS Sports Network as we continue sharing our scouting insights here on Prep Soccer. There is a tremendous amount of talent throughout this region, and we want each spotlight to be earned through performances that truly stand out.   Because of what we do from a content standpoint, much of our coverage naturally gravitates toward the offensive side of the ball. At the same time, being on the sidelines every weekend gives us a unique opportunity to identify emerging talent throughout Southern California—sometimes before those players begin receiving widespread attention.   As the season continues, the goal is to expand that focus, identify new talent across the region, and highlight the players whose performances make them impossible to overlook.

If you've kept up with my work as a scout and writer for Prep Soccer, you'll know that on Saturday I published an article highlighting my top prospects from the LA Galaxy and LAFC U13 and U14 Academy teams.