YNT-Eligible MLS Players, 2026 In-Season Thread

No value showing. They might be waiting for him to feature before assigning a value

 

Yeah, I found zero estimates for him.

 

Do they value guys whose only minutes are in youth leagues? I'm not sure they do.

 

I just checked Arsenal youth team and the only ones with values have made first team appearances

 

Another start and another goal from Aiden Hezarkhani. Still 3 thread-eligible players in the XI for RSL (Hezarkhani, Gozo, Moisa).

RSL is shifting formation a bit for this one, and Gozo hasn't always looked comfortable in an unfamiliar wingback role. Moisa likewise doesn't look totally settled. But, RSL is still up 2-0 early.

 

RSL youngsters are balling. Challenging NY for best young american core. Gozo Golazo

 

Gozo gets exposed a little defensively on an Atlanta goal, but quickly redeems himself with a spectacular individual goal.

He's not always comfortable defending as a wingback, but going forward he's absolutely ripping the Atlanta backline to shreds.

 

Moisa subbed at half - his performance was mixed and he did have a yellow, but it still feels like a quick hook to me.

 

Kenneth Hoban, 16 years old, starts at right back for El Paso Locomotive in the season opener.

 

Eric Izoita had an awesome goal. Lots of youth action yesterday. Yapi who might not be thread eligible had a goal and an assist.

RSL and Red Bull remind me of Dallas several years ago where at one point they had 5-6 youth players on the field at the same time.

 

Probably because he's mostly (always?) been a winger!

That individual goal was fantastic. If he can do that even semi-reliably, he'll be gone in a beat. What a weapons -- and looked a heckuva lot like Yamal's goal yesterday as well.

 

One of the things about this current youngest generation that is a clear skill upgrade from prior generations is the distance shooting. I liken it somewhat to watching post-Curry generations come into the NBA, but even unknown players seem to be hitting more and more bangers, and I suspect it has a lot to do with kids practicing them a lot after seeing them on the socials, etc.

I've never even heard of Izoita, and while that didn't have a lot of power ... it was super well placed. Gozo has some work to do on his dribble and ball control at times, but that was a heckuva shot. Hezarkhani has two goals on the year and a combined xG of about .04 or something -- he's not really creating much but has hit two outside shots with authority.

It's especially interesting to me because while some of the "MLS defending" memes are overblown, one of the things that was materially different between MLS and some of the better or more skilled leagues, is that the centerbacks and defenders rarely had to press out on players outside the box. The number of guys who were deadly from out there was relatively low. This made defending much easier not just because of those shots but because they could sit back more and not rush out on someone, creating easy lanes to drive in.

When Messi first got here, he exploited the hell out of that. It took a bit of time to adjust.

But with this wave of young kids, I think we're getting closer to having enough players on the field who are dangerous there that you really won't be able to pick and choose who you come out on as much, which is a big step forward for the league.

 

Ferree making two key saves to save the game for SDFC:

https://www.reddit.com/r/ussoccer/c...assive_saves_from_duran_ferree_19_to_win_the/

 

Not a good day for the NYRB. Mehmeti and Hall didn’t look as good as they did the first 2 games. The other 17yr old looked better in my opinion. It seemed like Mehmeti was followed around a lot. Good learning experience though.

 

David Vasquez just scored vs Toluca. They look great down a man

edit: A brace, I thought the first was pelligrino

 

Thought the NYRB youngsters played well. They each show a lot of potential, but a bit of inconsistency that will only get better with experience. If Foresberg had his finishing boots on they easily could have won.

 

Luca Bombino, Pedro Soma, and David Vasquez start for San Diego FC against FC Dallas.

Luca Bombino (‘06), David Vazquez (‘06), and Pedro Soma (‘06) start for San Diego FC tonight against FC Dallas while Duran Ferree (‘06) and Oscar Verhoeven (‘06) are on the bench https://t.co/LhImXbThS7

— American Ultras Talk (@usmntaut) March 14, 2026

 

Gozo obviously is having a breakout [breakout x2] season, and I’d say he start for most Bundesliga teams right now, but Herzarkhani I see him as a similar level as a esmir bajraktarevic, who is now playing for PSV.

 

watching DC United Chicago Fire....what a sloppy game

Jackson Hopkins seems too good for this level....but the type of player who will waste away if he never leaves MLS...really good passer out of midfield on the wing imo

 

Jackson Hopkins is a lot of things but I don't think I've ever heard someone describe him as too good for this level. Not to be flippant but he's not really close to the level and hasn't been in his 5(!) years in the league.

 

He seemed on track to be a decent MLS player a few years ago, but I agree he didn’t look anything special. Plus he was the one at fault for one or both of the penalties.

 

Gets the start! Hopefully one of many. If he needs to get pulled at 60min because of labor laws until the summer that’s still better than coming off the bench.

 

Lots of talent in that RSL and San Diego game. Gozo was lively as usual, had some great moments but had a couple misses that he should do better with as he gets more experience and composure.

 

Gozo looks really good. He's not a complete player but he has certain skills that translate to goals.

Luna also looked really great in his first 15-20 minutes on then faded. Could have had two assists. Just needs to get back up to fitness.

 

Gozo with a golazo and assist. I would call him up to the World cup.