MLS NEXT Awards 2022
MLS Next is a youth soccer league that is organized, managed and controlled by the MLS. It was introduced in 2020 as a level up to the soccer development in the United States. Specifically, it covers the under-13 to under-19 age and it includes 590 teams currently.
The MLS NEXT awards is mainly to recognize and encourage young players to keep their candles burning. Players and teams from each of the four age groups (U15, U16, U17, and U19) are selected for their performances over the season. The players and teams are nominated for the Most valuable Player (MVP), Sportsmanship awards as well as the goal of the year.
Four players were nominated by the MLS NEXT Player Selection Committee for the MLS NEXT MVP award which was presented by Adidas. Also the Goal of the year award which is a voting category was presented by Allstate. likewise the Sportsmanship awards presented by DoorDash is given to teams based off a disciplinary point system. The sportsmanship award takes into account the players and staff yellow card and red card records for the season. However, first and second runner ups were applauded for their outstanding performances during the season.
2021/2022 MLS NEXT Awards U15
Most Valuable Player (MVP) by Adidas – Ruben Ramos jr. – LA Galaxy
Ramos was sensational for the Galaxy scoring 24 goals in the season. His double hattrick saw his team qualify for the 2022 MLS NEXT cup playoffs. Amidst other amazing statistics, he is the second LA Galaxy player to win the U15 MLS NEXT MVP awards alongside Paulo Rudisill who won it last season.
Goal of the Year presented by Allstate – Sebastian Gomex – Seattle Sounders FC (watch)
Sebastian’s stunner from outside the box eighteen won the goal of the year.
Sportsmanship Awards presented by DoorDash – PA Classics
- First Runner-Up : Rochester New York Fc Youth
- Second Runner-Up : ALBION SC San Diego
2021/2022 MLS NEXT Awards U16
Most Valuable Player (MVP) by Adidas – Roka Tsunehara – De Anza Force
Roka was phenomenal this season for De Anza Force, He scored 25 goals in 24 games this season also averaging over four goals in a game. Roka’s consistency throughout the season didn’t go unnoticed. His innate ability to find the net saw his team to the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs semifinals after scoring a game winning penalty in the 90th minute.
Goal of the Year presented by Allstate – Alessandro Maldonado – D.C. United (watch)
Sportsmanship Awards presented by DoorDash – Sockers FC
- First Runner-Up : PA Classics
- Second Runner-Up : Michigan Wolves
2021/2022 MLS NEXT Awards U17
Most Valuable Player (MVP) presented by Adidas – Bryan Moyado – Los Angeles FC
Moyado was the midfield engine behind one of the country’s best U17 teams and orchestrated both sides of the ball for LAFC. He appeared in all 24 games during the year, scoring three goals for a side that advanced to the 2022 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs semifinals.
Goal of the Year presented by Allstate – Juan Hurtado – Weston Fc (watch)
Sportsmanship Awards presented by DoorDash – PA Classics
- First Runner-Up : Rochester New York FC Youth
- Second Runner-Up : Phoenix Rising Fc
2021/2022 MLS NEXT Awards U19
Most Valuable Player (MVP) presented by Adidas – Colin Griffith – Players Development Academy (PDA)
Colin is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous strikers in MLS NEXT this season. He scored 28 goals in just 18 games this season and saw his team to the quarter finals of the MLSNEXT Playoffs scoring 3 goals. Also he appeared at the 2019 CONCACAF boys under-15 Championship and has represented his state.
Goal of the Year presented by Allstate – Mitchell Ferguson – Portland Timbers (watch)
Sportsmanship Awards presented by DoorDash – PA Classics
- First Runner-Up : Queen City Mutiny
- Second Runner-Up : Sporting Kansas City
