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

By Matt Coles | Oct 19, 2019

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) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 15: Jefferson Savarino #7 of Real Salt Lake dribbles the ball in the first half against Minnesota United during the game at Allianz Field on September 15, 2019 in St Paul, Minnesota. United defeated Salt Lake 3-1. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

4. Jefferson Savarino

Real Salt Lake will know that the Portland Timbers have had the upper hand over them in recent times, having not tasted victory over the Timbers since September 2017. They will be keen to right the recent wrongs. And if they are to do so, young winger Jefferson Savarino will surely play a part.

Savarino has been a key part of Salt Lake’s success throughout the last two campaigns. He plays mainly on the right-wing but is versatile and can fit in anywhere in an attacking sense. He has the ability to dart forward on either foot, which makes him extremely difficult to contain defensively.

And it has played out throughout the season. Only two RSL players — Albert Rusnak (10) and Sam Johnson (9) — scored more goals than the Venezuelan’s eight goals during the regular season. Portland, then, will need to be aware of the youngster’s quality. And if Savarino can get up to speed early, he could be handful throughout the playoffs.

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