5 Players Under 23 to Look out for in MLS this Season

The Major League Soccer season kicks off next weekend and with so many young, up and coming players, we take a look at five under the age of 23 that could make a big impact for their respective clubs:

1. Wil Trapp, Columbus Crew – With how much we have heard about him, sometimes it’s hard to remember that Wil Trapp just turned 23. Usually slotting into the central or central defensive midfield for the Crew, Trapp’s biggest issue is staying on the field. Trapp’s biggest strength is his long passing from deep areas of the pitch. He has the vision and awareness to pick out players in good positions which is very important on a team with playmakers like the Crew. If the Crew are to return to the MLS Cup, Trapp will play a very large role in their run. Look for this to be the season that Trapp goes from being a legit prospect to bonafide star.

2. Diego Fagúndez, New England Revolution – He’s already a player to watch for the Revolution but at 21  Fagúndez keeps raising the bar for himself. Fagúndez was named the MVP for the Revolution in 2013 but with proper service it wouldn’t be to outlandish for him to be the MLS MVP. Fagúndez was New England’s first Homegrown signing and boy did they hit on that one. He provides everything you want from a winger with vision, ball movement and an eye for goal. Look out league because Diego Fagúndez is coming in 2016.

3. Brandon Vincent, Chicago Fire – No list of U-23 players would be complete without a rookie, and what better rookie than Brandon Vincent? My pick for MLS rookie of the year, Vincent will be tasked with anchoring the new look Fire back line. Coming from Stanford University, Vincent was listed as the most MLS ready prospect in the draft, and he has done nothing to change those beliefs. Vincent should solid at left back for the fire providing defensive solidity and assists from the back. Vincent should be on the shortlist of front runners for rookie of the year along with Jordan Morris.

4. Kellyn Acosta, FC Dallas – Notice that minus the Fire most of these guys play on winning teams? Well the 20 year old Acosta is no exception. FC Dallas expect to challenge for the MLS Cup and supporters shield and the midfielder/defender Acosta will be a big part of that. Acosta took of as a player near the end of last season, his third in MLS and he’s expected to take his play to new heights this year. If anything familiarity will play a huge part in Acosta’s development with the sheer amount of Homegrown players that FC Dallas puts in their starting XI’s.

5. Cyle Larin, Orlando City FC – Just because Larin is the reigning rookie of the year doesn’t mean that he’s not worth watching out for. Larin broke the MLS rookie scoring record with 17 goals and is poised to contribute even more now that Orlando is building a complete team behind him. Larin has an interesting mix of speed and strength that makes him a nightmare for opposing backlines to prepare against. Larin may not equal his goal total from last year but his overall impact to the Orlando team will be felt.

Feel that I’ve left any players out? Don’t hesitate to chat about it in the comments below.