Loradana is the youngest player in the squad, competing two age groups up. She’s also one of a select few girls playing in MLS NEXT with New York City FC. Despite her age, she was a strong addition to the attack. Most notably, she scored a volley in the 62nd minute against Haiti. She made the most of her minutes, bringing energy and a sharp eye for goal in the final third.

It’s not every day that you see a girl playing for an MLS Academy let alone start. Paletta did both for NYSC today. She earned her right to be out there with an excellent performance. She always wants the ball, constantly calling for it and making things happen. Technically she was one of the best players on the field she has incredible touch, vision and dribbling ability. I was very impressed.

Paletta is making history. She’s the first girl to earn a spot on an MLS Academy team – all of the others who have done it previously in MLS Next played for clubs not affiliated with an MLS franchise. 

She’s playing meaningful minutes and has a consistent role with her team – on top of that prominent role, New York City FC is one of the best teams in the country. In different terms, the club’s staff has decided to give her a spot on the team even though she won’t play for the first because she is that good. 

Paletta’s play at the club level has earned her invites to the US Women’s Youth National Team. She played up two age groups at the U15 level last summer. There’s plenty of reason to believe she is one of the top talents to ever play at the youth level in the US. 

The game film backs it up. She’s a technically gifted player who is capable of playing at a faster pace than most in the youth game. Her skill on the ball combined with her soccer smarts makes her a top midfielder in MLS Next at the U14 level.