Top Midfielders from MLS Next Cup

The Delco midfielder was a at the heart of their championship run. A smooth operator as a deep lying playmaker the Maryland commit was a contributor from box to box. His set piece delivery was strong and he had soft feet for a bigger guy. He should fit in well at Maryland this upcoming season.

The Villanova commit was a nice compliment  to McDaid in the heart of the Delco Midfield. A rangy defensive midfielder he kept the game simple and the ball moving. On the defensive end he was able to cover ground and use his large frame to win balls in the air and break up attacks. He should push for minutes right away at the college level.

The South Florida Academy midfielder was an offensive force as South Florida made it to the quarter finals. He scored a hat trick vs the crew and had a goal and assist vs Phoenix Rising. Quick on the dribble he likes to get on the ball deeper and drive at defenders. A smaller player he uses that to his advantage to keep the ball close. Despite not being the biggest he is un afraid to get stuck in to a tackle

A Day 3 standout Villagomez turned around the next day and won the MVP of the U-17 Best vs Best showcase game. The hybrid 8/10 also plays in USL League 2 for Midwest United. He should be on the radar of top college teams and even pro teams. Skilled on the ball with good game awareness he is a player worth keeping an eye on.

Locker, a first year U-17, came off the bench for St Louis and consistently caught my eye. He was always around the ball and provided a spark to his team. He showed he had quick feet and was not afraid to let a shot fly. His first touch was solid often putting him in a place to succeed with his second. What stood out most was how he was as a teammate. Despite being a younger player we full of energy encouraging his teammates and providing positive energy. After St Louis FC lost on PK’s to Real Colorado, it was Locker who was one of the first players to go and console his goalkeeper.

One of a trio of 09 Midfielders who stood out for the New York Red Bulls as they captured the U-15 title. Playing up a year Cadigan is a hard nosed midfielder who can play as an 8 or a 6. Cadigan split time as a starter and off the bench but brought a tenacity and grit to the Red Bulls Midfield. Cadigan throws his body around and has old fashion destroyer mentality in the midfield. He is also a solid ball mover keeping the game simple and not over complicating things. He has a bright future and will have the chance to step up as a leader of what should be another title contending U-15 Red Bulls squad next season.

Sokoloff was the spark for the this New York Red Bulls team. Another 09 Sokoloff would come off the bench and consistently be a threat playing as an attacking mid. He is a good dribbler and does a very good job finding pockets to receive the ball. He is quick to turn and drive forward. Like Cadigan he should be a leader on the team next season.

Mehmeti was a consistent starter for the New York Red Bulls U-15’s playing every minute. It was his probing ball over the top to Julian Hall Julian Hall F State NJ that kick started the comeback for the Red Bulls in the final. Defensively he covers ground well and does not shy away from the pressing and bite needed to succeed as a Red Bull midfielder. On the ball he dictated the tempo from his holding midfield spot. He can spray the ball around or connect with quick combos. Further forward he was a threat to strike it on rebounds and got a deserved goal on a beautiful volley in the semi finals vs LAFC. Mehmeti already has minutes with the U-17’s he is someone that is likely on the fast track.