Tampa Bay United: U17 MLS NEXT Lookahead

[program_tooltip program_id='283755' first='Tampa' last='Bay United'] are one of the focal footballing institutions in MLS NEXT's Sunshine Division. This presence begins with earlier age groups in HG/AD/II in Flex / Academy League. What makes this program so crucial to the recruiting landscape are the numbers - 25 rostered 2025-26 NCAA Division I men's soccer players. A 25 which leads the state over big brand academies. This program is arguably the most important one in the setup because it involved every one of those, which includes standouts in larger D1 programs. Mentioned next are under the radar prospects quietly doing their thing before all the expected hype comes along:    <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/06/a-cut-above-the-rest-the-top-10-florida-wingers/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/06/a-cut-above-the-rest-the-top-10-florida-wingers/">A top winger statewide</a>, Santi takes balls over the top with controlled touches. Gets in behind at the weak point of the backline, receiving with confidence to make something happen. Maintains speed and balance in each play, picking it up in stride to end with a key pass or conversion.     Puskaric is a versatile who is a threat in build-up. Experienced with wide shapes, high lines and beating the press, possession is worked to a tee with others, passing and moving as it comes naturally. Playing with accuracy down the line, highlighting these qualities on the go one point to the next.     <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/05/mls-next-flex-u16-lockdown-center-backs/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/05/mls-next-flex-u16-lockdown-center-backs/">A lockdown CB playing Flex</a>, guiding the low block with precision. Moves from Point A to Point B with intention, bringing the shape along to close down passing lanes. Clear agility on the move to hold or jockey when necessary. Does not bite or let inside angles open to the outside.     Klepacz is a fullback capable on either side without a weak foot. A playmaker with the technique to play overlaying balls at the level of top midfielders. Masters inside spaces, taking control as called, shifting focus straight to the counter, maintaining pace to complete these actions.     Consistent 2010 defender that performs expected tasks in a disciplined manner. Keeping the side's stability in tact, Vickery will allow ample time for duels to be won thanks to sudden pressures that cause opponents to lose balance. Heads up reactions to rush out, ready for blocks/clearances.     Central defender stopper who accomplishes the goal of being proactive in direct play. With overlaps / timed runs a theme, this Jesuit student athlete can play good air through passes to the target. Recognizes rules of engagement in late phases when space is presented, before acting accordingly.     A center back with apparent maturity when dealing with matchups. Can conquer the wide attack when close-by, though exercises discernment in playing danger where it lies. Realizing space is a currency, involvement is intentional, not rushing to win attempts unwisely simply because one can try.     Control, balance and direction follows this Sickle student athlete's runs in the open third. Maintaining physical characteristics with a growing frame, wise gameplay as a center forward shows what this balance looks like. Winning duels, holding runs then acting on the aforementioned progress when the moment comes calling.

Tampa Bay United are one of the focal footballing institutions in MLS NEXT's Sunshine Division. This presence begins with earlier age groups in HG/AD/II in Flex / Academy League. What makes this program so crucial to the recruiting landscape are the numbers - 25 rostered 2025-26 NCAA Division I men's soccer players. A 25 which leads the state over big brand academies. This program is arguably the most important one in the setup because it involved every one of those, which includes standouts in larger D1 programs. Mentioned next are under the radar prospects quietly doing their thing before all the expected hype comes along: