Young MLS Talents to Watch: Bogert’s Potential Breakout Players
Every year, Major League Soccer (MLS) showcases the brightest young talents in the league. These up-and-coming players have the potential to make a significant impact on their teams and solidify their status as future stars. In a preseason tournament held in Coachella Valley, several young players stood out and proved that they are ready to take the league by storm. Let’s take a closer look at some of these potential breakout players.
Owen Wolff – A Midfield Dynamo
Owen Wolff, a 19-year-old midfielder for Austin FC, is a prime example of a young talent who has already made a name for himself. Last year, Wolff secured a starting spot in Austin FC’s midfield, displacing designated player Alex Ring. Despite the club’s disappointing season, Wolff shone brightly with an impressive 83.7% passing accuracy throughout the regular season. He made 31 appearances across all competitions and even represented the United States at the U-20 World Cup. With such a promising track record, Wolff is expected to continue his stellar performances in the upcoming season and may even secure a move to Europe in the near future.
Nimfasha Berchimas – A Rising Star
Another young talent to keep an eye on is Nimfasha Berchimas, a 16-year-old winger for Charlotte FC. Berchimas gained recognition after his breakout performance at the 2023 U-17 World Cup, where he scored three goals, including a brace in the opening game against Korea Republic. Despite his young age, Berchimas showcased his skills and maturity during Charlotte FC’s friendly against San Jose in preseason. Playing alongside adult professionals, he seamlessly blended in and even found the back of the net with a goal. The coaching staff is impressed with his progression and expects him to make his first-team debut this year. Furthermore, European giants Bayern Munich have expressed interest in the talented winger, highlighting his immense potential.
Nikola Petković – A Defensive Midfield Force
Nikola Petković, a 20-year-old Serbian defensive midfielder, is another young player who made waves during the preseason tournament. After making his senior national team debut against the U.S., Petković was signed by Charlotte FC in a $3 million deal. In the previous year, he played with the second team but has proven that he is ready for MLS-level competition. With his excellent cameo appearance against San Jose in preseason, Petković demonstrated his defensive prowess and added much-needed youth and tenacity to Charlotte FC’s midfield. Expectations are high for Petković, and he is poised to play a significant role for his team this season.
Christian McFarlane – A Promising Left Back
Christian McFarlane, a 17-year-old left back for NYCFC, is already making strides in his young career. As an England youth international, McFarlane has consistently impressed scouts with his athleticism and physical tools. Despite his tender age, he has been slated as a backup left back for NYCFC and is expected to gain valuable minutes behind starter Kevin O’Toole. Many English teams have already taken notice of McFarlane’s talent, further solidifying his potential as a future star.
Julian Hall and Serge Ngoma – Youth International Talents
Two young talents from the New York Red Bulls, Julian Hall and Serge Ngoma, are also worth mentioning. Hall, a 15-year-old U.S. youth international, made his first-team debut last year and is looking to secure more minutes this season. In preseason, Hall showcased his skills by winning a penalty that resulted in a goal. Ngoma, on the other hand, broke into the first team at just 16 years old in 2022 but was unable to make a regular season appearance due to injury. Now 18, Ngoma is back in preseason and is expected to have ample opportunities to prove himself in the Red Bulls’ attack. With their talent and potential, both Hall and Ngoma could become key contributors for their respective teams.
Kimani Stewart-Baynes – A Rapid Rise
Kimani Stewart-Baynes, a 19-year-old winger for the Colorado Rapids, is making a strong case for a place in the team’s rotation. Selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, Stewart-Baynes has already made an impact with two goals and an assist in three preseason appearances. His performances have earned him a call-up to Canada’s U-20 squad, further highlighting his potential as a rising star.
Esmir Bajraktarevic – From Senior National Team Debut to Preseason Excellence
Esmir Bajraktarevic, an 18-year-old winger for the New England Revolution, has had an eventful winter. After making his senior U.S. national team debut, Bajraktarevic has continued to impress during preseason with the Revolution. Head coach Caleb Porter has already named him as the team’s starting right winger, showcasing his confidence in the young talent. With his skills and the opportunity presented by Dylan Borrero’s absence, Bajraktarevic is poised to have a breakout season and establish himself as a key player for the Revolution.
Conclusion
The MLS preseason tournament in Coachella Valley provided a platform for young talents to showcase their skills and potential. Players like Owen Wolff, Nimfasha Berchimas, Nikola Petković, Christian McFarlane, Julian Hall, Serge Ngoma, Kimani Stewart-Baynes, and Esmir Bajraktarevic have already caught the attention of fans and experts alike. These players have the ability to make a significant impact on their teams and the league as a whole. As they continue to develop and grow, it will be exciting to see how they progress throughout the upcoming MLS season.