The 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season has been defined by high-level performances from unexpected contributors and blooming stars.
Many of the top players coming out of academies have taken major steps forward this season. Top performers such as MyKhi Joyner, Stefan Chirila, Aron John, and Chase Adams have inked first-team contracts in the process. They headline a crop of young stars leading their MLS NEXT Pro sides while also charting a path upward to their first team.
Check out the top players from MLS academies to keep an eye on in 2024 and beyond:
Cavan Sullivan - Philadelphia Union II
Amid huge fanfare, Cavan Sullivan signed a first-team deal for the Philadelphia Union to become the fifth-youngest player to sign an MLS contract in league history. Sullivan debuted in MLS this season, becoming the youngest player to appear in a match in league history.
While Sullivan continues to fight for first-team opportunities, he's impressed in his first professional season in MLS NEXT Pro. He's already reached more than 800 minutes with Union II, highlighted by a now-viral finish that earned him Goal of Matchweek 24 honors.
Eddy Davis - Philadelphia Union II
Eddy Davis has provided consistent scoring, speed, and excellent vision from the beginning of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season. He currently leads Union II with 12 goals on the year and has played more than 1,500 minutes. He has been named MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Month for March and April.
Davis has played a huge part in a successful 2024 campaign for Union II and will continue to be a factor in the squad's fight for the top spot in the Eastern Conference heading into the playoffs.
Stefan Chirila - FC Cincinnati 2
Early on in Stefan Chirila's time at the FC Cincinnati academy, he switched positions from midfielder to striker. That move fueled a breakout 2024 season up top. Chirila excelled to start the MLS NEXT Pro season, leading to his signing a first-team deal and becoming the second-youngest FC Cincinnati player to sign to the first-team.
Chirila most recently helped FC Cincinnati 2 lock up a playoff appearance with a 2-1 win over Columbus Crew 2. The 18-year-old has scored six goals and added two assists for FCC2 this season.
Patrick Los - Chicago Fire FC II
Patrick Los appears to be next in line as a star goalkeeper from the Chicago Fire academy, following the likes of Chris Brady and Gabriel Slonina. Los, MLS NEXT Pro's Goalkeeper of the Month for June, has played 32 matches for Fire II this season and helped the squad secure five shootout wins. At only 17 years old, he has already become a key leader for Fire II.
Aron John - Crown Legacy FC
Aron John graduated to the MLS NEXT Pro ranks following an outstanding year with the Charlotte FC academy in which he was named the academy's Player of the Year. He picked up right where he left off as a pro, supplying goals and assists for a team that replaced many key contributors following 2023's success.
John scored eight goals and added assists in 23 appearances so far in 2024. He controls the midfield well, completing 88.9% of his passes. He is just one assist away from setting the regular season record for assists in MLS NEXT Pro history.
Chase Adams - Columbus Crew 2
One of the youngest players in MLS NEXT Pro this season, 16-year-old Chase Adams is lighting it up for Crew 2 with nine goals and one assist. He has earned two Rising Star of the Matchweek awards and received the Rising Star of the Month nod for July.
Adams signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Crew 2 in August. He continues a strong tradition of academy players moving into the pro ranks for Crew 2, with teammates Anthony Alaouieh, Brent Adu-Gyamfi, Christopher Rogers, Giorgio Di Libera, and Stas Lapkes also coming up through the academy.
MyKhi Joyner - St Louis CITY2
MyKhi Joyner's emergence has made a massive difference for St Louis CITY2 in 2024. His 15 goals and three assists have lifted CITY2 to second in the Western Conference and into a battle with North Texas SC for the top spot.
Joyner earned the midseason MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star award and two Rising Star of the Matchweek awards. Since then, the 18-year-old signed a first-team Homegrown deal and played 45 minutes for the CITY first team in his MLS debut.
Adrian Wibowo - Los Angeles Football Club 2
Adrian Wibowo is the latest LAFC academy player to make the jump to the first team, signing his new contract on Sept. 13. Wibowo leads LAFC2 with 10 goals and four assists. He has played within the LAFC academy since the U-13 level. Wibowo has been much more involved for LAFC2 this season, playing 1,628 minutes and starting 19 games.
Alejandro Flores de la Paz - Inter Miami II
Inter Miami II is one of the most improved teams in MLS NEXT Pro in 2024, sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference. Production from academy standout Alejandro Flores de la Paz is a major factor in that resurgence. Flores de la Paz has six goals and four assists in 2024. His team has won all but one game in which he has scored.
Christopher Olney Jr. - Philadelphia Union II
Christopher "CJ" Olney is yet another outstanding prospect from the Union's academy. The 17-year-old has five goals and seven assists in MLS NEXT Pro play in 2024 and is in his second year as a key contributor for Union II.
Olney signed a Homegrown contract with the Union on Aug. 6, completing his journey from the academy to an MLS NEXT Pro contract to a first-team spot. He made his Union first-team debut on June 22, playing 18 minutes.
Alex Freeman - Orlando City B
Alex Freeman signed a Homegrown contract with Orlando City in 2022, and has been a key player for Orlando City B in MLS NEXT Pro for three years. A strong, fast fullback, Freeman provides energy going forward for OCB. In 2024 he is having his best season to date, with seven goals and seven assists as he leads the squad heading into the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro playoffs.
