Footy Access officially announced today the U-15 and U-17 Best XI of the 2023-24 MLS NEXT season. This recognition highlights the best players in the league at each position, as determined by coaches, scouts, and Footy Access team members. The selected players include those who have stood out throughout the season and in various MLS NEXT events, as well as those who have had outstanding performances with the national youth team.

Best XI MLS NEXT U-15

James Donaldson // Goalkeeper // Atlanta United: James Donaldson has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers during the 2023-2024 season, showcasing leadership and top-level technical skills. With Atlanta United, he reached the quarterfinals of the Generation Adidas Cup and the MLS NEXT Cup. His performance earned him a call-up to the U-15 US national team, where he participated in the UEFA Development Tournament and the Vlatko Markovic Tournament, winning both trophies and playing in four matches.

Alex Gomez // Defender // New York Red Bulls: Although the New York Red Bulls did not advance past the round of 32, Gomez showed remarkable improvement in all aspects of his game throughout the season. He is a versatile player who can play as a right-back or center-back, noted for his leadership on and off the field. Additionally, his increased height suggests even greater potential.

Mateo McLean // Defender // LA Galaxy: McLean flew under the radar all season but did not go unnoticed by USSF, which called him up to the latest U-15 US national team camp. A center-back with excellent aerial skills and defensive solidity, McLean has been one of the season's great revelations.

Stefan Kapor // Defender // Toronto FC: Kapor is a modern center-back who excels with the ball and shows excellent technical and tactical abilities. He has been a key player for Toronto FC this season, leading them to the semifinals of the Generation Adidas Cup.

Prince Forfor // Defender // Columbus Crew: Forfor joined last December from the Minnesota United academy and was converted to a left-back, where his potential has become evident. Forfor is an offensive left-back who constantly seeks to create danger in the final third and has improved his positioning and defensive work. His performances earned him a call-up to the U-15 US national team, where he won the Vlatko Markovic Tournament.

Kaedren Spivey // Midfielder // San Jose Earthquakes: Although San Jose Earthquakes did not advance to the playoffs, KK Spivey's season has been impressive. A box-to-box midfielder who can recover the ball in defense and transition to offense with excellent technical skills and exceptional athleticism. He is considered an elite prospect by both San Jose Earthquakes and USSF.

Ignacio Suarez // Midfielder // Atlanta United: Suarez is another player who flies under the radar, but his influence on the field is crucial. A very intelligent midfielder with great passing ability, Suarez has shown excellent technical skills for his age and has been a key player for Atlanta United this season.

Robert Turdean // Midfielder // Chicago Fire: Turdean is the youngest player on the list and one of the most promising talents in the US youth system. At just 14 years old, he has been the most impactful player for Chicago Fire and one of the main contributors to their title win. His close control, dribbling, and finishing ability make Robert Turdean one of the most exciting prospects in the nation.

Darris Hyte // Forward // Chicago Fire: The Hyte-Turdean duo has been one of the best this season in MLS NEXT U-15. Hyte has been a key player for the team, not only in the final but throughout the season. A fast winger with excellent ball skills and a direct approach to the game, Hyte has proven to be a highly notable prospect in 2023-2024.

Jakob Garcia // Forward // Orlando City: Garcia has been one of the most impressive players this season, scoring a total of 28 goals and being a key player in Orlando City's offense. His ability to dribble in one-on-one situations, ball handling, and contribution to goals and assists place Jakob Garcia among the best players of the season.

Malik Jakupovic // Forward // Philadelphia Union: Jakupovic has had an exceptional season. A center-forward with excellent instincts and a prolific goal scorer inside the box, he scored 32 goals this season, making a significant impact on Philadelphia Union's offense.

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Best XI MLS NEXT U-17 

Owen Pratt // Goalkeeper // LA Galaxy: Owen Pratt's development continues to rise. A goalkeeper with an impressive physical profile and consistent performance, Pratt has been instrumental in LA Galaxy reaching the Generation Adidas Cup final and winning the MLS NEXT Cup. He has also shown to be a good penalty stopper, making him one of the most complete youth goalkeepers today.

Ian James // Defender // Sporting Kansas City: James has emerged this season as one of the best center-backs at the U-17 level. With a good physical profile, mobility, one-on-one defensive ability, and consistent passing, he is a very complete defender. His excellent performances earned him minutes with Sporting Kansas City's second team, and he recently joined the U-16 US national team.

Neil Pierre // Defender // Philadelphia Union: Neil Pierre is a defensive powerhouse, likely the best center-back of the season. Not only is he excellent in one-on-one situations, but he also excels in aerial play, game reading, and passing.

Jose Magaña // Defender // LA Galaxy: Magaña has been the revelation of the season. A tall center-back with good defensive instincts, he dominates in various game situations. His outstanding performances earned him a call-up to the U-17 US national team.

Jordan Griffin // Defender // Philadelphia Union: Griffin started the season with the U-16 Philadelphia Union team but was promoted to the U-17 team due to his outstanding performances. His potential is top-tier; he is a very good left-back in both offensive and defensive phases, and he has been very consistent with the ball, making him one of the best left-backs of the season.

Gabriel Arnold // Midfielder // LA Galaxy: Arnold has been another great revelation of the season. A small but highly intelligent and technically skilled defensive midfielder, Arnold has been the brain of LA Galaxy, controlling the game's tempo in every situation.

Luca Moisa // Midfielder // Real Salt Lake: Moisa played a crucial role for Real Salt Lake this season, mainly as a box-to-box midfielder. He has a great work rate and very good technical skills.

Jamir Johnson // Midfielder // Philadelphia Union: Johnson has been impressive this season. A fast, electric, and versatile player, Johnson is not only skilled with the ball but also makes smart decisions in the final third.

Diego Rocio // Forward // Philadelphia Union: Rocio's season has been impressive. He was a key player in Philadelphia Union's Generation Adidas Cup win, scoring a brace against Flamengo and a goal in the final against LA Galaxy. Throughout the season, he has shown top-level skills as a center-forward, with a great ability to score goals in various ways.

Dempsey Resich // Forward // LAFC: Resich had an outstanding season, being the top scorer for LAFC and one of the most impactful players on the team. His ability to score and his excellent technique in striking the ball have been very impressive, leading his team to the MLS NEXT Cup semifinals.

Stefan Chirila // Forward // FC Cincinnati: Chirila has been a goal-scoring machine, breaking records and playing a crucial role in FC Cincinnati's run to the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs. He joined this season from Philadelphia Union and has shown notable growth. His excellent performance earned him his first professional contract, and he has already scored several goals in MLS NEXT Pro, confirming his enormous potential.