Paul Sokoloff’s Path Is Set With New York

New York Red Bulls II are continuing to invest in their long-term vision, officially signing 16-year-old midfielder Paul Sokoloff to a two-year MLS NEXT Pro contract through the 2027 season. The deal comes with a clear next step already mapped out: beginning in 2028, Sokoloff will join the New York Red Bulls first team as a Homegrown Player, remaining under contract through the 2030 MLS season.

The move reflects the club’s strong belief in Sokoloff’s development and consistency within the Red Bulls system. Head of Sport Julian de Guzman highlighted his quality and growth, with Red Bulls II once again showcasing their ability to prepare homegrown talent for the highest level through a structured professional pathway.

Sokoloff’s rise has been years in the making. He first entered the Red Bulls ecosystem in 2017 at just eight years old, progressing through the Regional Development School and every major academy age group from U-12 to U-18. A defining moment came in 2023, when he helped the Red Bulls’ U-15 side win the MLS NEXT Cup, contributing within a deep, balanced squad built to compete on the biggest youth stage.

Now already stepping into the pro game, Sokoloff made his MLS NEXT Pro debut on August 15 against New England Revolution II, marking his transition from elite youth soccer to the professional level. Internationally, he’s made his mark with the U.S. Youth National Teams, scoring key goals at both the U-15 and U-16 levels, captaining the U-15s to victory at the 2024 Vlatko Markovic Tournament, and most recently earning a call-up to the U-17 USYNT training camp in Dubai.

Sokoloff’s signing is bigger than one contract. It reinforces MLS NEXT Pro as a legitimate bridge to first-team minutes and shows young American players that staying in a well-defined domestic pathway can still lead directly to the top. For the Red Bulls, it’s another clear win for an academy model built on patience, development, and long-term belief.

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Brandon Dayes’ Window To Europe

Louisville City continues to prove they’re one of the most reliable development environments in the USL Championship, and Brandon Dayes’ rapid rise is the latest example. The 17-year-old defender has already signed with the club and is beginning to attract international attention thanks to his smooth transition into the professional game and a level of physical and tactical maturity that stands out for his age.

Dayes fits the profile of a modern right back — athletic, defensively disciplined, and comfortable in high-tempo situations. He’s already logged 10+ first-team appearances this season, earning minutes through consistent performances rather than opportunity alone, as trust from the coaching staff continues to grow.

That progress has now led to an important step abroad. Dayes is set to train with AFC Bournemouth U21s for a two-week stint, gaining exposure to a Premier League environment and testing himself against elite standards. He’s already featured in friendlies against Crystal Palace and Brighton, showing he can compete both physically and tactically against top-level opposition.

For Louisville City, Dayes’ opportunity reinforces the club’s reputation as a true launchpad for young players with European potential. For Dayes, this is a key checkpoint in his development—proof that strong performances in the USL Championship can still open doors overseas. At just 17, he’s firmly emerging as a name to watch in the American defensive pipeline.

Abad Vargas Set for Preseason with Atlético San Luis

The Vargas name continues to carry weight in North American soccer, and now Abad Vargas is starting to chart his own course. The younger brother of Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas, Abad is set to join Atlético San Luis for preseason as he explores the next step in his professional career. While his development began in Seattle, his future could now take shape in Liga MX.

Like his brother, Vargas came through the Seattle Sounders system, a proven pipeline for technically sharp and tactically intelligent players. Unlike Obed’s direct rise to the Sounders’ first team, Abad’s pathway appears to be diverging—one that could see him continue his growth in Mexico’s top flight and adapt to a different competitive environment.

A young forward with Mexico youth national team experience, Vargas has already tested himself against high-level opposition. Those international minutes have helped refine his movement, decision-making, and attacking instincts, traits that align well with the intensity and demands of Mexican football.

Vargas’ preseason opportunity highlights the increasing fluidity between MLS academies and Liga MX pathways. As more young dual-national players explore development options beyond traditional routes, moves like this underline how North American talent is becoming more comfortable—and more valued—across borders. For Abad Vargas, this could be a defining step toward establishing his own identity at the professional level.