After 8 weeks of play in the 2022 MLS season, we’ve seen a lot of consistency at the top of this list. Cade Cowell continues to move up the list after his first assist of the season, becoming the second American U21 to have multiple score contributions. The other being Ben Bender. Gaga and the Chicago Fire recorded another shutout and Jaziel Orozco got his third start at CB. Caleb Wiley had an impressive start as the 2004 class continues to emerge. On the flip side, a lot of the big name 2003s continue to have quiet seasons, most notably Paxten Aaronson, Caden Clark and Moses Nyeman. Paxten and Reed Baker-Whiting drop from the top 25 and Bryce Duke and Josh Atencio join the list for the first time this year.
Gaga recorded his league leading 5th clean sheet this past weekend and continues to be very solid. Chicago’s field players deserve a ton of credit for Gaga’s incredible 0.29 goals against per 90 stat. The entire squad has been so sound. We are yet to see Gaga come under too much fire this season, but all he can do is save what comes at him and he has done that very well.
Ben has not had a goal contribution in a few weeks, but he continues to start and continues to create chances for Charlotte. He leads all American U21s in assists (3) and shot creating actions (20).
John has played every minute for NYRB. His durability and defensive play has been fantastic. He is still looking for his first score contribution, but it’s coming, he is almost up to an expected goal for the year, so it’s coming.
Nathan Harriel’s underlying stats continue to be very good for Philly. He’s started every match at RB since week 2 and he had three shot creating actions in week 8.
It looks as though George is the preferred starting CB alongside Miles Robinson when everyone is available and that is really fantastic news. George continues to be inconsistent with his decision making, but he continues to pepper very nice long balls and has a lot of shot creating actions for a CB. He has completed 50 of 71 long balls, very impressive.
Obed has continued to be a part time starter and regular for Seattle and has been very impressive when given the opportunity. He is 16 and playing meaningful minutes for a top MLS club.
Caleb Wiley was the story of week 8. After not receiving a ton of time in the last several weeks he got the start at LW, not his natural LB position and he was very impressive. He created the chance that led to a penalty after a very nice dribble and run into the end line before cutting it back for a striker. He was 3/3 on dribbles, had six (!) shot creating actions and 0.7 expected assists in one match, that’s a lot of danger. I expect this performance will lead to more opportunities. Caleb has the look of a top 5 prospect in the 2004 class.
Jaziel has started the last three matches at RCB for Real Salt Lake and has continued to climb this list. Breaking through at CB is really hard to do at a young age. He is the first CB from the 2004 age group to do so. He was given the opportunity because of an injury, but if he seizes this moment, he may not give the spot back. He had a really strong second start in week 7. He was poised and showed some good ball playing ability. Week 8 was rough for all of RSL. They lost 6-0 to a pissed off NYCFC club coming off of a CCL defeat. Orozco wasn’t great. He committed a foul that led to a penalty, but the whole match was out of hand. He’s young, he’ll rebound.
I projected in previous week reports that Wolff’s minutes were likely to go down as Atlanta players regained health and fitness. That has unfortunately come to fruition as he did not see any time in the last two weeks.
Noah has played as a sub in the last two matches and has been respectable. No big offensive contributions but he is in the rotation and has been reliable.
Cameron Duke has had a few starts but has mainly had a role off the bench. He’s gotten into some dangerous positions as evidence by his 0.5 expected goals, but has not capitalized yet.
Tayvon is back in the starting lineup for NYCFC after being out with a muscle injury for a few weeks. He, along with pretty much everyone on NYCFC, played well in a 6-0 win over Real Salt Lake. He didn’t have any score contributions but was solid defensively and had some moments in the attack.
Moses seems to be out of the midfield rotation with Chris Durkin back to DC. Moses even found himself with Loudoun United recently, DCs USL affiliate. The trajectory isn’t looking great for Moses. It’s now up to him to show the staff in training that he is worthy of another opportunity.
Bryce Duke transferred from LAFC this offseason and was expected to play a key role in Inter Miami’s midfield, but that impact was delayed because of injuries. Bryce has now played in the last matches and may be nearing his first start for Inter Miami. He’s played well in limited minutes.