2025/2026s from the Northeast on the rise in MLS Next

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the start of the first MLS Next event only a week away, there is a renewed emphasis on scouting in that league prior to the first games from Indio, California. The winter event is a showcase for scouts of every level to look at the next wave of talent from the league.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the U16/2007 age group, the Northeast has a number of teams that have enjoyed strong starts to the season. Those squads will face a big challenge in Southern California as they are paired against some of the best squads in the country.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From the league play this season, a few new names have been influential to their team's success this season. Check out the players to know from those squads below.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["64396"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The right center back for New York Soccer Club has been a standout in MLS Next play this season. He is a good distributor, comfortable on the ball. He has good vision, and does well in finding outlet passes on the wing. With strong technique in ball-striking, Samson is a center back that is key to his side's style of play. Defensively, he has good size. He is physical in the tackle and uses his body well. The 2026 prospect will be one to watch during the Showcase as New York SC will be tested with a touch slate of games against Strikers, St. Louis City SC, and Solar.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["64397"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"When New York SC is at their best, they are playing through Akinboboye. The defensive midfielder is an smooth on the ball. He is comfortable playing under pressure. He can cover a ton of ground - and he has the pace to escape his mark in tight spaces. Akinboboye has the qualities to be a difference-maker at the highest level. He is a 2025 prospect that should be on the radar for scouts.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["64408"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe center back for FC Boston Bolts is a quick riser among the 2025 class. Makar has been impressive for the Bolts this season. He has quick reactions and flies into challenges. He has good technique in slide tackles and comes out with the ball cleanly. He has the versatility to play as either a left or right center back. Makar is excellent in one-v-one duels and should be on the radar for his ability to shut down center forwards.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-637d279d4453f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17976139/6376dcb602b2a6041887defc' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-637d279d445c7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["64407"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"There is a lot to like about Pereira's game. He is a standout from the futsal court and that skill has translated to the larger playing surface. He is an active forward who has been productive this season in MLS Next. He comes into the Showcase with three goals in the final game before the event. Pereira is a hard worker and created some chances with his defensive work-rate. Bolts face Breakers FC, Weston FC, and Barca Academy during the event.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["64409"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Da Silva is another forward who comes into this event in red-hot form. The striker scored three goals against Seacoast United in the final game before the event. He is a ruthless finisher around the box. He is quick to spring into action and does not make mistakes with his easy chances - which is a credit to this teammates to providing him with these chances. Intercontinental FA is one a four-game unbeaten run heading into the event in Indio.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-637d279d44639"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->