MLS: Top 5 youngsters to look out for in First Round

1 of 5

ATLANTA, GA OCTOBER 06: Atlanta’s Ezequiel Barco (8) prepares to take a free kick during the MLS match between the New England Revolution and Atlanta United FC on October 6th, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The 2019 MLS Cup playoffs begin this weekend. But who are the young players to keep an eye out for? Here are the top five who could shine in the First Round of the MLS Playoffs.

The 2019 Major League Soccer playoffs begin on Saturday, with 12 out of the 14 teams taking part in the first round over the course of the weekend. Los Angeles FC and New York City FC have the first-round bye thanks to winning their respective conferences, with the former taking the Supporters’ Shield crown with plenty of time to spare. NYCFC, on the other hand, took the Eastern Conference title with a game to go, and then defeated Philadelphia on the final day to further cement their place at the top.

That leaves six in the West and six in the East who will battle it out for the semi-final places in both Conferences, with Atlanta United and Seattle Sounders the highest seeds playing. It is not just the major stars who will be among to give their sides a boost in the first round of the playoffs, with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Nicolas Lodeiro, Jozy Altidore and more in action. What about the youngsters, though? There have been some wonderful talents coming through into the league in 2019 and some of those will feature in the postseason.

Related Story. MLS: Best East and West underdogs to win MLS Cup. light

We have picked out five of the best young stars in the league to keep an eye out for in the first round of the playoffs this weekend.

PORTLAND, OR – AUGUST 10: Portland Timbers forward Jeremy Ebobisse scores the thrid and final goal of the Portland Timbers 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps at Providence Park on August 10, 2019, in Portland, OR (Photo by Diego Diaz/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). /

5. Jeremy Ebobisse

The Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake will face each other in the MLS Cup playoffs for the second time as they go head-to-head at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday evening. And one player to keep a close eye on is Timbers attacker Jeremy Ebobisse.

Ebobisse was the number four pick for the Timbers in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft and he helped spearhead their run into the MLS Cup a year later, where they missed out on a second title in four seasons after losing to Atlanta United.

Ever since, Ebobisse has gone on to become Portland’s main number nine. He provided 11 goals for them in the regular season as they made it into the postseason once more. And even with Brian Rodriguez’s increased involvement as the season has progressed, Ebobisse has still remained relevant, impacting matches from out wide, especially on the counter-attack.

Despite being the visitors, the Timbers may feel like they are the favourites going in, considering their recent record against RSL. And if they can control the midfield and spring counter-attacks, they can get Ebobisse rolling. If that is the case, expect a goal or two from Portland’s main striking option.

Home/MLS News