Seven names emerged from two sessions, but they did so in seven different ways—from controlling midfield to protecting the goal and changing the attack.
How impact was recognized
Seven players received standout recognition across the two Talent ID sessions. In Session 1, Jacob Caldas was named MVP and Best Midfielder and received an MLS NEXT Homegrown invitation. Amir Doumba was Best Goalkeeper and received a Homegrown invitation. Keanu Lazo was Best Defender and received an Academy Division invitation.
In Session 2, Kelthon Ortiz was MVP and Best Defender and received a Homegrown invitation. Teniola Egbeneye was Best Attacker, while Thiago Galeano and Anthony Mensah Jr were each named Best Midfielder. All three received Academy Division invitations.
The seven standouts were part of a wider result: 20 players received official offers and more than 15 received invitations. Awards record one strong day; the opportunities created the next test. Each player still had to enter a new environment and keep proving himself.
The award marks the performance. The opportunity asks the player to produce it again.
An invitation begins the next test
The awards recognized goalkeeping, defending, midfield control and attacking impact, rather than rewarding only the most visible goalscorer or dribbler.
An invitation is a next evaluation step, not the end of development. Each player still had to carry the same intensity into a new environment.
Every named standout also depended on strong opponents. The seven earned recognition, while the entire group created the level that made it credible.
Seven different kinds of influence
The list worked because it did not ask every player to dominate in the same way. A goalkeeper could own the box, a defender could erase danger, a midfielder could control rhythm and an attacker could change the shape of the match. Talent identification becomes sharper when evaluators recognize how each position leaves its mark on a game.