AM — Eddie Niles, St. Louis City (#12 ranked in 2010 class)
Niles was one of the hottest names at MLS Next Fest after three strong performances in which he consistently contributed to goals. His skill on the ball, vision, and creativity stand out, and he has a knack for influencing games in the attacking half. There are still questions about how his physical profile will translate against elite athletes, but he has an “it” factor that’s difficult to ignore.
CF — Landon Lucero, Seattle Sounders (#13 ranked in 2010 class)
Lucero played up with the 2011s last year and looked more than capable, but within his own age group this season he has clearly emerged as the focal point. He’s scoring goals at a high rate and asserting himself as the guy rather than a complementary piece. A first USYNT camp feels close.
CF/W — Easton Wilson, Real Salt Lake (#15 ranked in 2010 class)
Wilson, like Lucero, played up last year and was often used effectively as a super sub. This season he’s being relied on far more heavily and has responded well. He’s most effective as a nine at the moment, but has been spending increasing time on the left wing. Another player who looks ready for USYNT exposure.
W/AM — Tamba Hallie II, FC Dallas (#19 ranked in 2010 class)
Hallie showed flashes during his U-15 season, but this year he’s adding more consistent end product and danger. His ability to influence games is becoming more tangible rather than sporadic. He’s another player waiting on a deserved first USYNT opportunity.
GK — Jackson Dale, Seattle Sounders
Dale was one of the 2010s who played up with older age groups last year. While his minutes were limited, he showed very strong shot-stopping ability. At the moment, he sits as my number three goalkeeper in this class, with room to climb as he gains experience.
CB — Joshua Brown, Atlanta United
Born late in November, Brown is extremely young for the class and has effectively been playing a year up. His range, composure, and passing ability are intriguing, especially given his age. Additional physical growth would raise his ceiling further, but he’s already earned his first USYNT camp.
W — Deshneck Nkeh, Orlando City
Nkeh flashed moments last season, but this year those moments are coming with more frequency and impact. He plays with energy and aggression, constantly looking to attack defenders 1v1. He’s another player still awaiting his first USYNT call.
CB — Landon Born, FC Cincinnati
Born may not possess an obvious elite standout trait, but he does many things well, particularly on the ball. His composure and reliability have caught attention, including from scouts tied to German academies. He’s a steady riser rather than a flashy one.
CB — Slate Collins, LAFC
Collins hit a growth spurt this year, which has helped solidify his profile. While he may not project as physically elite, the added size complements an already sound all-around game and gives more margin for error as he continues to develop.
CB — Titus Watson, FC Dallas
Watson is new to FC Dallas and already stands comfortably around 6’2”–6’3”. He has an interesting physical and technical profile, showing encouraging ability on the ball for a player of his size. If his development continues on its current path, he has clear USYNT potential.
W — Deandre Beckford, Chicago Fire
Another very young 2010, Beckford was born late in December and is effectively playing a year up. He flashes quality tools on the ball and is a fluid athlete, but the consistent substance isn’t quite there yet. Very much a player to monitor.
CM — Adam Crawford, Charlotte FC
Crawford moved to Charlotte from a small local club and is being brought along patiently as he adjusts to the increased speed of play. He’s tall, technically clean, and likely projects as a deep-lying playmaker long term. A longer-term developmental bet with upside.
GK — Levi Williams, Inter Miami
Inter Miami’s 2010 group has taken a hit with recent departures, but Williams gives them a strong foundation in goal. Physically, he has elite tools that translate into excellent shot stopping. He remains raw, but the ceiling is very high.
CB — Antoni James, Beadling
James has been one of the most sought-after non-academy players this year. He’s an athletic, left-footed center back with good size and comfort on the ball — a rare combination. Based in an open territory in Pittsburgh, he’s drawing attention from multiple academies, and a move feels imminent.
