MLS U21 Impact Rankings
2025 Season
The 2025 MLS season was a strong one for young Americans. In terms of overall impact, it was on par with — if not better than — recent years. On an individual level, this was the year of Alex Freeman, who went from second-team standout to arguably the best right-back in Major League Soccer. He posted the highest G+ rating of any American U-21 player on record and turned that breakout into a regular role with the USMNT.
Owen Wolff also had a monster season, recording seven goals and seven assists in the regular season and becoming Austin FC’s most influential player. His underlying metrics weren’t as elite as Freeman’s, but his impact was undeniable.
Among younger prospects, two top 2007-born players stood out: Peyton Miller and Zavier Gozo. Miller, still just 17, was the youngest player on this list. Gozo won a starting job early in the season — rare for a young MLS attacker, given where clubs spend their roster budgets — and while there were growing pains, he improved dramatically and now looks like a major export candidate.
From a team perspective, it was all about San Diego FC. SDFC won the West in their inaugural season, powered by a core of young American players. They already look like the club for American talent moving forward — a hugely exciting development.
#1
Alex Freeman
Orlando City
2004
Minutes: 2453
G+: +5.19
Goals: 6
Assists: 3
GA / 90: 0.33
xGA / 90: 0.38
#2
Owen Wolff
Austin FC
2004
Minutes: 2585
G+: -0.31
Goals: 7
Assists: 7
GA / 90: 0.49
xGA / 90: 0.33
1. RB, Alex Freeman, Orlando City (2004)
A massive impact, huge numbers, and a bright future. Freeman and Orlando City face a big decision in January. He’s been heavily linked with Villarreal — will an offer arrive that Orlando can’t refuse? And if so, will Freeman take the gamble of moving clubs right before the World Cup? It’s one of the most compelling offseason storylines for USMNT fans.
2. CM, Owen Wolff, Austin FC (2004)
Wolff’s breakout was more predictable, having flashed this level in prior seasons. This time, though, he became the guy. Despite his club success, he hasn’t yet earned a USMNT call-up — perhaps that changes in November or January. A January camp invite seems likely. Wolff was linked with Ligue 1 side Stade Brestois over the summer, and after a red-hot finish to the season, more European interest should follow. How much would it take for Austin FC to sell?
#3
Chris Brady
Chicago Fire
2004
Minutes: 2465
G+: +4.50
Goals Against/90: 1.86
PSxG+/-: +1.5
#4
Quinn Sullivan
Philadelphia Union
2004
Minutes: 1967
G+: +0.93
Goals: 2
Assists: 7
GA / 90: 0.41
xGA / 90: 0.45
3. GK, Chris Brady, Chicago Fire (2004)
After a sophomore slump, Brady bounced back with numbers on par with his debut season. He again showcased elite shot-stopping and improved distribution, aided by a more stable defense. He earned multiple USMNT camp invites but is still awaiting his first cap. A January debut feels plausible. A move away from Chicago seems unlikely this winter.
4. AM, Quinn Sullivan, Philadelphia Union (2004)
Sullivan was having another productive campaign — tying Wolff for the most assists (7) among American U-21s — before tearing his ACL late in the season.
#5
Peyton Miller
New England Revolution
2007
Minutes: 2079
G+: +0.66
Goals: 2
Assists: 2
GA / 90: 0.17
xGA / 90: 0.21
#6
Luca Bombino
San Diego FC
2006
Minutes: 2122
G+: +0.51
Goals: 1
Assists: 2
GA / 90: 0.13
xGA / 90: 0.16
5. LB, Peyton Miller, New England Revolution (2007)
Miller picked up where he left off last season, becoming the New England Revolution’s starting left-back and the youngest regular starter in MLS. He had natural ups and downs, but overall performed impressively for his age. Now that he’s eligible for a European move, the big question is whether he departs in January or stays to build more MLS experience.
6. LB, Luca Bombino, San Diego FC (2006)
Perhaps the surprise of the season, Bombino joined San Diego FC on loan from LAFC and became the starting left-back for the top team in the West. His growth was immense, and he’s now being tracked by European clubs. SDFC is expected to make the loan permanent, with another MLS season likely before an eventual move abroad.
#7
Frankie Westfield
Philadelphia Union
2005
Minutes: 1728
G+: +0.31
Goals: 1
Assists: 3
GA / 90: 0.21
xGA / 90: 0.21
#8
Zavier Gozo
Real Salt Lake
2007
Minutes: 1810
G+: -0.85
Goals: 4
Assists: 3
GA / 90: 0.35
xGA / 90: 0.35
7. RB, Frankie Westfield, Philadelphia Union (2005)
Another pleasant surprise, Westfield took advantage of early-season minutes to show he’s ready for first-team football. Though his playing time dipped late in the year, he impressed at the U-20 World Cup and could get a senior-team look in January. Ideally, he logs 2,500+ MLS minutes next season.
8. W, Zavier Gozo, Real Salt Lake (2007)
No player took bigger steps forward this year. Gozo now looks like one of the most exciting young American attackers. He refined his on-ball play, became more dangerous, and posted seven goal contributions in 1,800 minutes — outstanding production for an 18-year-old. He’s been linked to Belgian side Genk, which would be an excellent next step. One more MLS season wouldn’t hurt, but when the right move comes, it’s hard to pass up.
#9
Tate Johnson
Vancouver Whitecaps
2005
Minutes: 1977
G+: +0.42
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
GA / 90: 0.09
xGA / 90: 0.06
#10
Sergio Oregel Jr
Chicago Fire
2005
Minutes: 2046
G+: -1.49
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
GA / 90: 0.00
xGA / 90: 0.14
9. LB, Tate Johnson, Vancouver Whitecaps (2005)
Johnson’s story is one of perseverance. A former Tampa Bay Rowdies academy player who went to UNC before turning pro, he produced a solid season for one of the league’s best teams — impressive for someone never labeled a top prospect.
10. CM, Sergio Oregel, Chicago Fire (2005)
Oregel’s performances were stronger than his raw numbers suggest. He held a starting role for much of the year before Chicago’s roster additions reduced his minutes. Berhalter clearly rates him, and next year’s focus should be on consistency and end product.
#11
Jacob Bartlett
Sporting KC
2005
Minutes: 1935
G+: -1.89
Goals: 0
Assists: 1
GA / 90: 0.05
xGA / 90: 0.06
#12
Darren Yapi
Colorado Rapids
2004
Minutes: 1430
G+: +0.18
Goals: 8
Assists: 2
GA / 90: 0.63
xGA / 90: 0.40
11. DM, Jacob Bartlett, Sporting Kansas City
Like Johnson, Bartlett benefited from a year of college soccer, emerging physically ready for MLS. He wasn’t spectacular, but he earned a steady role for Sporting KC and looks poised to build on it.
12. CF, Darren Yapi, Colorado Rapids
Yapi’s talent has never been in doubt, but opportunities for young strikers in MLS are rare given club spending patterns. He broke through this year, overperforming his xG and leading all American U-21s with eight goals — finally matching production with potential.
#13
Andrew Rick
Philadelphia Union
2006
Minutes: 1233
G+: +0.65
Goals Against/90: 1.31
PSxG+/-: 1.1
#14
Brooklyn Raines
Houston Dynamos
2005
Minutes: 1695
G+: -1.47
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
GA / 90: 0.00
xGA / 90: 0.03
13. GK, Andrew Rick, Philadelphia Union (2006)
Rick filled in admirably for the often-injured Andre Blake, logging around 1,000 minutes. His solid performances give Philadelphia confidence they have a ready-made successor in place.
14. DM, Brooklyn Raines, Houston Dynamo (2005)
Raines finally earned a starting role in Houston — long overdue — but struggled to fully settle into the system. The ability is clear, and his USYNT performances remain strong. It feels like only a matter of time before it all clicks.
#15
Brandan Craig
CF Montreal
2004
Minutes: 1439
G+: -0.45
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
#16
Benjamin Cremaschi
Inter Miami
2005
Minutes: 1388
G+: -1.60
Goals: 1
Assists: 2
GA / 90: 0.19
xGA / 90: 0.26
15. CB, Brandan Craig, CF Montreal
Craig left Philadelphia for Montreal, a club that gives second chances to young players, and earned a meaningful role on a struggling team. The experience should serve him well.
16. CM, Benjamin Cremaschi, Inter Miami
Cremaschi endured a frustrating season in Miami, often used as a utility player in a crowded squad. After voicing his frustration publicly, he was loaned to Serie A side Parma for the rest of the year.
#17
Jonny Shore
NYCFC
2007
Minutes: 1398
G+: -1.27
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
GA / 90: 0.06
xGA / 90: 0.07
#18
Gerardo Valenzuela
FC Cincinnati
2004
Minutes: 834
G+: -0.24
Goals: 5
Assists: 1
GA / 90: 0.65
xGA / 90: 0.48
17. CM, Jonny Shore, NYCFC (2007)
Thrust into a starting role for NYCFC due to injuries, Shore performed admirably for his age. Once the squad got healthy, his minutes declined, but the experience should pay off next season.
18. AM, Gerardo Valenzuela, FC Cincinnati (2004)
After strong MLS Next Pro seasons, Valenzuela earned a first-team role and delivered six goal contributions in under 1,000 minutes — excellent productivity for a young attacking player.
#19
Oscar Verhoeven
San Diego FC
2006
Minutes: 1008
G+: -0.30
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
GA / 90: 0.00
xGA / 90: 0.12
#20
Noah Cobb
Colorado Rapids
2005
Minutes: 792
G+: -0.39
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
19. RB, Oscar Verhoeven, San Diego FC (2006)
Another San Diego FC loanee, Verhoeven joined from San Jose and impressed until injury cut his season short.
20. CB, Noah Cobb, Colorado Rapids (2005)
Cobb split the season between Atlanta United and Colorado after a mid-year loan, seeing meaningful minutes with both. A solid developmental year overall.
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