MLSsoccer.com contributor Will Parchman — also of TopDrawSoccer.com, Howler Magazine and other soccer-specific media outlets — produced a list of "Every MLS club's top academy prospect" to serve as a first-look scouting report before the prestigious Generation adidas Cup kicks off next week in Frisco, Texas.
The 2017 GA Cup runs from April 7-15, serving as a showcase tournament for both international clubs and the league’s top Under-17 teams.
Parchman's piece clearly states a few pre-emptive disclaimers before he jumps into the list: "I’m running through the players I consider today to be the top academy stars for every MLS club, whether or not they'll be at GA Cup. ... I’m excluding players who’ve signed pro deals but who might still be getting academy minutes in the interim."
Representing the Crew SC Academy is a player that falls under one of Parchman's caveat's. Daniel Wright is a Under-18 age group player that will not attend the GA Cup this month. Nonetheless, Parchman's praise for one of the "Development Academy's most lethal finishers" rates high:
Columbus Crew SC: Daniel Wright
Columbus Crew SC's affiliation with Crew Academy Wolves in Michigan has been a massive boon to the club’s ability to scout, identify and fold talent into their pro ranks outside their immediate footprint. At least right now, that’s the case with Daniel Wright, who’s currently one of the Development Academy’s most lethal finishers at the U18 age. Wright’s rate of return of 16 goals from 15 games is unmatched, and the Duke commit should have little trouble developing in Durham, the former home of the Portland Timbers' Jeremy Ebobisse.
Check out Parchman's full list of each MLS club's top prospect here.
