It's that time of year again: In just a couple weeks time, MLSsoccer.com will be announcing who made the cut for the annual 22 Under 22 rankings of the top young players in Major League Soccer.
I've been writing the league's Young Players of the Week column this year, so as I filled out my ballot, I felt like I actually had better insight than most on which players have separated themselves as the no-doubt inclusions in 2025. Here's who stuck out from this year's pool, which I thought was the strongest in the last few years.
Obed Vargas
With the acknowledgement that I'm biased on the matter, I had pretty much no hesitation putting Seattle's 20-year-old do-everything midfielder in this year's No. 1 spot. These rankings always bring up the debate as to how much future potential should be weighed compared to proven production. In Vargas's case, he's already played over 100 MLS games and been a key contributor to two major trophies. But it's very possible he's got more untapped upside, as we've seen from the improvements he's made to his game this season. Fortunately, the national pundits have actually universally recognized this, so I think Vargas is a virtual lock to finish in the top two, and he's arguably the frontrunner for the top spot.
Alex Freeman
If there's one player I would have the least issue with if he finished No. 1 over Vargas, it's Orlando City's breakout right back. Freeman entered the season as an intriguing, if relatively unknown MLS NEXT Pro prospect. He'll end it as arguably the best attacking fullback in the entire league, regardless of age. He's also breaking into the USMNT mix, and seemingly has a decent chance at making the 2026 World Cup roster.
Idan Toklomati
When Charlotte FC transferred Patrick Ageymang to Derby County, there was a real question as to how they'd replace his goal production up top. As it turns out, they actually upgraded by handing the reins to their Israeli U22 Initiative striker. Toklomati's been one of the best No. 9s in the league for a few months now, with 11g/4a in 17 starts on the season. This is the exact profile of player Seattle should be looking for if they're still planning on filling a U22 spot with a striker. Guys like this are really hard to find, but Charlotte FC showed that it can be done.
Olwethu Makhanya
An underrated reason the Philadelphia Union are in a prime position to win the Supporters' Shield is the play of their 21-year-old South African center back, who was the first U22 Initiative player the club ever signed back in 2023. He's started 21 games this year, and has been a beast for a Philly side that was at or near the top of the league all year. He's still not a widely known name, but Makhanya is well on his way to becoming one.
Luca Bombino
He doesn't get talked about as much as Freeman, but I'm a big fan of San Diego FC's 19-year-old left back, who has emerged as an every-week starter for Mikey Varas. Anders Dreyer and Chucky Lozano deservedly get the headlines for the expansion side, but Bombino's acquisition on loan from LAFC is an example of the type of savvy move that helped San Diego hit the ground running like they did in their debut MLS season. He's also got the best name of any eligible player, which moved him up a few slots in my rankings.
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Catching up on Sounder at Heart
Here's what you missed on the site this week.
Sounders
Next match: Saturday, Oct. 4 vs. Portland Timbers | 7:30 pm PT | MLS Season Pass
- Cascadian equality: Sounders and Whitecaps finish even
- Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff: Sounders set for another massive Cascadia derby
- Realio’s Ratings: Snap back to reality
- Postgame Pontifications: It’s the little things
- Sounders vs. Whitecaps: Highlights, stats, quotes
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Reign
Next match: Sunday, Oct. 5 at Gotham FC | 1:00 pm PT | Fox 13+ / NWSL+
- Reign fight back for 2-1 win over North Carolina
- The Cooler Guild: Loss in KC, playoff push still on
- Reign vs. Courage: Highlights, stats, quotes
- Valkyratings: Defeated, whatever else may be true
Defiance
Next match: Sunday, Oct. 5 vs. Houston Dynamo 2 | 1:00 pm PT | MLS Season Pass
Looking back at the news
Everything else you need to know
Dembélé's Ballon d'Or win feels like the dawn of a new era (ESPN)
Minnesota Lynx's Cheryl Reeve, Knox, invest in Minnesota Aurora (ESPN)
Inside the mind of Jesper Sorensen, whose blueprint has made the Vancouver Whitecaps a trophy threat (Backheeled)
Construction begins on new Greenville Triumph and Greenville Liberty stadium (FOX Carolina)
World Cup 2026 – what we’re hearing: FIFA alerted to 145 human rights concerns at Club World Cup (The Athletic)
22 Under 22: Who are the top young players in MLS? (MLSsoccer)
Head Coach James Riley Stepping Away to Pursue new Opportunities, Leaving Ballard FC (Ballard FC)
SSFC Spotlight: Sam Meza provides energy and skill in the midfield (Stars and Stripes FC)
My 22 Under 22 vote: The guys who just missed the cut (Tactics Free Zone)
Trump suggests moving 2026 FIFA World Cup matches out of Seattle (Seattle Times)
Explaining Trump’s threat to relocate World Cup games: What can he actually do? (The Athletic)
Sixth Street Exec Wolff Takes Over Bay FC Operations on Interim Basis (Sportico)
Black Women’s Player Collective to host showcase to identify and nurture Black talent in soccer (The Athletic)
Mariners playoff run could alter two Seahawks start times, including one Monday Night Football game (Awful Announcing)
Jesús Ferreira finds his stride with Sounders, reaches historic MLS milestone (SoundersFC.com)
NWSL Week 22 Recap - Gotham batter Portland, Orlando get one, and a Spirit statement (The East Stand)
