MLS Next 2022 – 2023 U15 Best XI

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MLS Next Cup has completed and the MLS Next season has officially come to a close. The New York Red Bulls U15s capped off a very impressive season with a much deserved MLS Next Cup title. After watching many MLS academy games throughout league play and tournament play throughout the year, here is my best eleven U15 players from the United States MLS Academies: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">GK, Aidan Stokes (New York Red Bulls)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stokes had an impressive season where he bounced between the U17 and U15 team, earned his first USYNT cap and signed his first professional contract. He capped off the season with a great MLS Next Cup tournament where he allowed only two goals in five games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">LB, Miguel Alvarado (Colorado Rapids)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alvarado had a great season for the Rapids playing as an attacking minded, left-sided full back. Alvarado was a consistent danger man for Colorado and was one of the most productive left-backs in MLS Next at the U15 level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">RB, Gio Villa (Real Salt Lake)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Villa had an excellent season for RSL playing both left-back and right-back and being a key contributor for a very talented team. He was a standout performer at the Generation Adidas Cup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">CB, Ramiz Hamouda (Sporting KC)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hamouda was one of the best all around players at the U15 level and earned a promotion to the U17 level at the end of the year. Hamouda anchored a very good SKC U15 defense and also played in attack when SKC needed a goal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">CB, Gavin Wolff (Austin FC)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wolff anchored one of the most consistent and solid defenses at the U15 level and led the backline that won the Generation Adidas Cup at the U15 level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">CM, Gil de Souza (New York Red Bulls)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gil de Souza was a force in the midfield for RBNY and he spent time with both the U15 and U17. de Souza scored seven league goals from the midfield and was a consistent ball winner defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">CM, Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sullivan is one of the most highly touted prospects in all of MLS Next and he is the only player in my best eleven that was born in 2009. Sullivan played the majority of the season with the U15s where he had 9 goals in league play and he also led the team in assists. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">AM, Gustavo Caraballo Delgado (Orlando City)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caraballo Delgado led a very potent Orlando City U15 attack with 14 goals in league play and he also had well over double digit assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">WING, Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If I had to choose a MVP of the U15 level in MLS Next I would probably go with Julian Hall. Hall had 15 league goals and also won the golden boot at MLS Next Cup and was on track to win the golden boot at Generation Adidas Cup as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">WING, Cristiano Carlos (New England Revolution)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Revolution U15 squad was so dependent on Carlos' creativity and chance creation this year. He led the team with 14 league goals playing both out wide and as a center-forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">CF, Anisse Saidi (Philadelphia Union)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saidi was dominant goal scorer for one of the best U15 teams in MLS Next. He totaled 19 goals during league play and one of the top scorers at the U15 level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->