MVP presented by adidas, Goal of the Year presented by Allstate, and Sportsmanship Award presented by DoorDash announced for each of the four age groups (U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-19)
NEW YORK (Thursday, July 6, 2023) – MLS NEXT today announced the winners of the MVP presented by adidas, Goal of the Year presented by Allstate, and Sportsmanship Award presented by DoorDash for the 2022-23 MLS NEXT regular season. Players and teams from each of the four age groups (U-15, U-16, U-17, U-19) were selected based on their performances over the 2022-23 MLS NEXT regular season.
The four MLS NEXT '22-'23 MVPs presented by adidas were selected by MLS NEXT personnel. Each MLS NEXT '22-'23 Goal of the Year presented by Allstate was chosen by fans, who participated in a social media vote to select the best goal of the season from each of the four age groups. The '22-'23 Sportsmanship Award presented by DoorDash was awarded to teams based off a disciplinary point system that considered players and staff yellow card and red card totals, which were then adjusted for the number of games played by that club. All 2023 Generation adidas Cup matches were excluded from the point system.
2022-23 U-15 MLS NEXT Awards
U-15 MLS NEXT '22-'23 MVP presented by adidas – Liam Lambert (LAFC)
Lambert was the captain and star midfielder for an LAFC team that went undefeated in the regular season and at MLS NEXT Flex. The U.S. Youth International played the second-most minutes on the team and scored seven goals throughout the season. Overall, LAFC’s U-15 side went 14-0-0 in the regular season, outscoring opponents by a remarkable 34-4 margin. Lambert’s exceptional creative play in the midfield and overall leadership helped him take home the MLS NEXT '22-'23 MVP presented by adidas.
U-15 MLS NEXT '22-'23 Goal of the Year presented by Allstate – Sam Goldstein (St. Louis Scott Gallagher) – **WATCH**
U-15 MLS NEXT '22-'23 Sportsmanship Award presented by DoorDash – PA Classics
2022-23 U-16 MLS NEXT Awards
U-16 MLS NEXT '22-'23 MVP presented by adidas – Maxim Scordo (Strikers FC)
The top scorer in all of MLS NEXT over the 2022-23 season, Scordo served as the clinical forward for Strikers FC, who finished as the top seed entering the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. In 32 starts on the season, Scordo scored 52 times and played over 2,000 regular season minutes. He also played a key role at MLS NEXT Flex, scoring three times in as many starts. Overall, Scordo was the most prolific striker in all of MLS NEXT during 2022-23 en route to being named the MLS NEXT '22-'23 MVP presented by adidas.
U-16 MLS NEXT '22-'23 Goal of the Year presented by Allstate – Maxim Scordo (Strikers FC) – **WATCH**
U-16 MLS NEXT '22-'23 Sportsmanship Award presented by DoorDash – Rochester New York FC
2022-23 U-17 MLS NEXT Awards
U-17 MLS NEXT '22-'23 MVP presented by adidas – Olger Escobar (New England Revolution)
The Revolution’s Olger Escobar’s stellar 2022-23 season earned him the first MLS NEXT '22-'23 MVP presented by adidas honor in New England history. A dynamic winger, Escobar produced 15 goals in 17 starts over the course of the 2022-23 season. He also elevated his play at MLS NEXT Flex (three goals) and MLS NEXT Fest (two goals), guiding the Revolution to a top-10 seed in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. Escobar also excelled on the international stage with Guatemala at the U-17 CONCACAF Championship, where he tied for the fourth most goals (four) while leading his country to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2013.
U-17 MLS NEXT '22-'23 Goal of the Year presented by Allstate – Maxx Eichenbaum (Cedar Stars Academy - Monmouth) – **WATCH**
U-17 MLS NEXT '22-'23 Sportsmanship Award presented by DoorDash – Real Colorado
2022-23 U-19 MLS NEXT Awards
U-19 MLS NEXT '22-'23 MVP presented by adidas – Ryder Mills (FC Cincinnati)
Mills was dominant in the U-19 age group during the 2022-23 regular season, scoring 27 goals in 22 starts for FC Cincinnati. The forward played an instrumental role in FC Cincinnati winning 19 of their 27 regular season and qualification games during the season, which helped them earn the seventh seed at the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. Mills, who is committed to play at Yale University, has also seen action in MLS NEXT Pro in 2023, scoring twice in 11 appearances.
U-19 MLS NEXT '22-'23 Goal of the Year presented by Allstate – Luke Walsh (Beachside Soccer Club) – **WATCH**
U-19 MLS NEXT '22-'23 Sportsmanship Award presented by DoorDash – Bethesda Soccer Club
About MLS NEXT
MLS NEXT is a new paradigm for player development, launched in 2020 to transform youth soccer in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT players have access to the highest level of competition, training and personal development opportunities that will prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Membership for the 2022-23 season includes 137 clubs, 628 teams and over 13,000 players across the U.S. and Canada. Official partners of MLS NEXT include adidas, Allstate, and DoorDash. For more information about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.
