MLS Next Northwest Division 2010 Pre-Season First Team

U-15 Age Group has become a tricky one to navigate for MLS Academies as the years they are required to have is now U-16 and U-18. Some clubs choose to have teams at every age group. Others are choosing to only carry the 2. The San Jose Earthquakes elected to keep their U-15 program which I believe to be very wise as they have a ton of talent that they should not let walk. They dominate this team with 6 of the 11. There's plenty of talent elsewhere however, that other MLS Academies should have on their radar.    Could this be the next JT Marcinowski at the Quakes? Castro is an up and comer looking to be just that. To be a keeper at the Quakes you must be very good with your feet as they are a highly possession based club. He pairs that with great shot stopping ability and good communication skills.     RB:   Very high upside and works his tail off. Good feet in tight spaces and gets on the ball a lot for an outside back. His team seems to tailor their offense down his side.     CB:   The Valley produces so many good soccer players. Lopez could be one of the next in line to continue that rich heritage. He puts out a ton of fires for his team defensively. He has a knack for where the ball is going to be. Starts attacks well and isn't scared of a great long ball over the top to one of his teammates. MLS Academies should be keeping an eye on this kid.     CB:   Physical specimen who can cover ground quickly. He will bully attackers all game and seems to really relish his ability to do that. He knows that he's bigger, faster and stronger than 99% of his opponents. Being on a very heavy possession oriented team his offensive proficiency will continue to develop with time and you can't deny the physical gifts he possesses.     LB:   Sanchez has a very high soccer IQ. He has the ability to wait for plays to develop when he's on the ball which not a lot of kids his age have. He scores goals, takes set pieces and penalties for his team. His athletic development will be key for him to make the jump to an MLS Academy next year. Clubs should put this young left back on their list to watch for this season.     CDM (c):   Wachs is the fulcrum of this San Jose Earthquakes squad. He is the conductor, quarterback, and point guard. Positive attacks flow through him. His comfort on the ball is unmatched for anyone I've seen at this age group. He manages games with professional like competence. He was chosen to compete at Chula Vista with the Youth National team for good reason. Big things are loading for this young prospect.     CM:   I believe this SJ Earthquakes team has the best midfield in the country. Mahteme is one of the players that helps support my claim. He's up and down, sharp in the tackle, and consistent on the ball. He can drive forward on the dribble and slip his teammates in for quality chances.     CAM:   Really slippery player. He's exceptional at find gaps in opposing defenses and has the quality on the ball to deliver goals and create chances. He will run in behind the wide channels and take players on 1 v 1 and succeeds while doing it.     CF:   Although he is mostly trains with the first team he does occasionally play in his own age group so it would be impossible to keep him off this list. The youngest ever professional athlete in the USA at around 13 years and 5 months when he first signed is a man amongst boys. He has speed to burn and physically looks like he's 20. Sac Republic have made a significant statement signing such a young player. It will be fascinating to see how this young star's trajectory goes moving forward.     LW:   This little guy is a special talent. Absolutely magic on the ball. His first step and ball manipulation skills give him the ability to beat defenders with ease. You never know where he is going to pop up in the offense as he seems to have license from his coaches to roam and make different plays. His ability to cut inside to his left foot when he's on the right wing is dangerous for teams he's playing against. When he develops physically the Earthquakes will seriously consider signing him to a homegrown I'm sure.     RW:   MLS Academies should be eager to watch this young player. He has the profile to be a really special player. Physically gifted, technically sound, and tactically aware. It would not surprise me if this young gun is the top scorer in this league this season.

U-15 Age Group has become a tricky one to navigate for MLS Academies as the years they are required to have is now U-16 and U-18. Some clubs choose to have teams at every age group. Others are choosing to only carry the 2. The San Jose Earthquakes elected to keep their U-15 program which I believe to be very wise as they have a ton of talent that they should not let walk. They dominate this team with 6 of the 11. There's plenty of talent elsewhere however, that other MLS Academies should have on their radar.