Patton previously played for Real Colorado. He joined Austin FC last season and was a key player for the U15 team that won the GA Cup in the Spring. He is back with Austin FC for this season, and the top player at the club in this age group. He is an 08 birthday so he misses out on some of the accolades of the 09s in this class, but he has the club hardware to back-up a lofty ranking. He played as the right center back for the Austin FC U15 MLS Next team last season. Patton impressed me with his defending instincts. As such a young player, there is usually a reliance on physical attributes when defending, but he’s been well-coached over the years. He has a feel for the game that is different than most center backs in this class. The way he anticipates when to step off the center forward and when to play tight as he reads both the body language of the attacker and the runs of support from the opposition is pretty advanced. He is fiercely competitive and loves the challenge of playing against the best. Patton has a bright future and it’s easy to see why Austin FC prioritized his arrival at the club. He could be a fast track to opportunities against older competition in the near future.

Arguably one of the top performers in the 08 age group during the fall, Patton has made a name for himself in MLS Next during this season. The right center back for Real Colorado is one of the least enjoyable players for forwards to play against. He is rock solid and everywhere. He is part of a defense that did not allow a goal in November. Patton, and his platinum blonde hair, is easy to spot on the field. He immediately makes an impact in most games – either with a tackle to set the tone or a key pass. He is frequently looking for a decisive pass and a direct route to goal. He is a top center back from Colorado in recent years. He has previous experience training in Europe, and it’s easy to see that as a possible avenue for him in the future given the quality he has shown in MLS Next this season.