Postseason play takes over the Grande Sports TeamRank Top 25 as we release the latest standings for U16, U17 and U18 Boys. Next week, we will update the older age groups on the Girls side. We will update our National Top 25 for each age group at least once per month.

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FC Dallas remains on top at U16

Since our last update, postseason play has whittled this age group down to just four teams in the top 25 that are still in the hunt for a title. FC Dallas, LA Galaxy, Real Colorado, and Chicago Fire all won quarterfinal matches on Wednesday night, advancing to the Development Academy semifinals on July 14, and are respectively ranked Nos. 1 through 4. The Fire is the most unlikely of these, having finished the regular season third in the Mid-America Division. But they defeated a New York Red Bulls squad that had just one loss on the season to win their group, then topped Southeast Division winner Weston in the quarterfinals to advance to the final weekend.

Real So Cal was another unlikely team in the playoffs, though its wealth of So Cal talent picked the right time to come together. Defenders Richie Hrncir and Joseph Alas have been singled out by opposing coaches as some of the best 2017 graduating class. RSC beat LA Galaxy in its final regular season match to finish third in conference and advance to the DA playoffs, where it won its group, but had to face LA Galaxy again on Wednesday night. The Galaxy prevailed in the rematch, but Real So Cal gets a spot in our rankings at No. 17.

More: Commitments | Development Academy Playoff coverage

Regional champions climb at U17

The top four of Solar Chelsea Red, Baltimore Celtic, Loudoun 98 Red, and Sporting St. Croix will have some stiff competition when USYS Nationals begin July 26. Regional champions Seattle United Copa, CASL 98 Red, Pipeline FC Black, and Challenger Crew Jrs. Gold have all the momentum, having fought through drawn out state and regional competition to earn their spots. Seattle is the highest ranked of the national championship newcomers at No. 5, and will get a chance to do better than its sixth place divisional finish during National League play.

Nomads advance at U18

There is a rematch in the works between Nomads and RSL-AZ which takes place Thursday night, the winner getting a spot in the Development Academy semifinals. RSL and Nomads last played on June 5, with RSL gaining the momentum, albeit by a narrow 1-0 score, heading into the playoffs. Both teams then won their playoff group, with RSL-AZ climbing to No. 5, and Nomads to No. 10 in the process.

Next Thursday: U16, U17, and U18 Girls

Grande Sports TeamRank is the comprehensive team-ranking system devised by TopDrawerSoccer.com to provide an objective and common-sense approach to determining which elite youth soccer teams are the best in the nation.

The rankings, updated monthly, are primarily results-based, with a nod toward the league and championship competitions that emulate how excellence is determined in leading soccer nations around the world.

Tournaments are also included but at a reduced value due to the many mitigating factors involving such events, including attrition and guest players.

A final layer of executive evaluation is provided to account for variables that often impact results, thus ensuring that the monthly lists are not subjective, but are not purely mechanical.

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