The Under-17 squads kick off play at MLS NEXT Flex on Saturday, as they'll play Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.

For the players born in 2007, several 2025 graduates will look to impress against college coaches as they chase a spot in MLS NEXT Cup.

Check out one U17 player from each group to watch.

Yuichiro Ota, St. Louis City SC – A 2009 that’s played up with this age group of late, Ota is a quality attacking midfielder that is worth watching, even if he’s back with his regular U15 age group. 

Sebastien Udell Joseph, CF Montreal – The Haitian/Canadian winger enters this week’s MLS NEXT Flex fresh off a hat trick against Atlanta United at the end of April. Joseph played at the Generation adidas Cup earlier this year and will look to make a similar impact at the SoccerPlex.

Ricardo Moreno, LA Galaxy – LA should be heavy favorites to win its group, taking on FC Westchester, Hoover-Vestavia and what should be an enticing clash against Sacramento Republic. Moreno was excellent at the Generation adidas Cup and will look to replicate that form on the East Coast.

Mohamed Kallon, Springfield SYC – A winger from the Washington, D.C. area, Kallon is committed to Boston College and will look to play a big role for Springfield as it competes close to home.

Pipeloore Olanrewaju, New York Red Bulls – While it’s hard to know which prospects will get the chance to play up an age group, Olanrewaju seems likely to lead the line this weekend. Red Bulls face a pair of familiar opponents at the event, with games against Cedar Stars Academy-Bergen, New York City FC and IMG Academy.

Maxwell Mobray, TSF Academy NJ – Formerly of the Red Bulls Academy, Maxwell and his brother Austin typically lock down the right side of the TSF Academy back line. The weekend is a big test, but also plenty of opportunity to match up versus quality attackers from Barca Academy, Orlando City and Toronto FC.

Luciano Larrea, BW Gottschee – It’s been quite the season for BW Gottschee so far, posting a 21-0-2 record (the only loss this season occurred at the MLS NEXT Fest). A playoff spot is locked up, but games against Strikers FC, Houston Dynamo FC and Athletum FC provide a tuneup. Larrea’s one of the players that makes an attacking impact in the final third.

Rohan Rajagopal, San Jose Earthquakes – A fixture of the Earthquakes Academy, Rajagopal is a solid and steady central midfield contributor for the Under-17 squad. He’s earned a couple of looks in MLS NEXT Pro as well, and could be on the cusp of signing a pro contract. 

D'kaprio Tejeda, Portland Timbers – A breakout player from the Timbers Academy this season, Tejeda moved to a wing back role this season, where he emerged as a regular threat in the final third while offering cover at the back.

William Wnek, Baltimore Armour – The central midfielder from the Maryland powerhouse has established himself as a top recruit from outside a pro academy for the class of 2026. He’s a 2008 birth year that’s been playing up regularly with the Under-17 team, where he’s likely to do the same close to home in Maryland.

Aiden Zarate, D.C. United – Zarate’s technical and tactical quality makes him a valuable member of a D.C. team battling for a spot in MLS NEXT Cup. He can play in central midfield or as a connecting player out wide. D.C. faces a tough group up against Inter Miami CF, Vancouver Whitecaps and Global Football Innovation Academy.

Avian Gonzalez-Flores, Total Futbol Academy – A center back from Southern California, Gonzalez-Flores is one of the top players from outside the pro setups. He’s plenty competent with the ball and reads the game well.

Elie Bodner, Silicon Valley SA – A goalkeeper from Northern California, Bodner shows good size and athleticism between the posts.

Evan Lim, NYCFC – With the majority of MLS Academies not fielding Under-16 teams, Lim has played up as a highly-regarded 08. He was recently in Under-16 national team camp and remains a fixture of the NYCFC U17 in central midfield.

Ishan Singh, De Anza Force – Captain of the Force and a quality outside back, Singh has a big chance to make an impression against high-level opposition. De Anza faces Atlanta United, Sporting KC and Ventura County Fusion.

John Brislin, SC Del Sol – Winning Group 16 will be a tough task, as SC del Sol faces Austin FC and Real Salt Lake, with a Wake FC clash also in there. Brislin, a big center back that looks the part, can put himself on the map in the 2025 with a strong showing.