The 2021 MLS Cup will face the Portland Timbers and New York City FC this Saturday at Providence Park.
These playoffs have been anything but predictable, as contending teams eliminated league favorites, and normally underrated players took center stage.
Players like Cristhian Paredes and Saintago Rodríguez surprised the public with their contributions, showing that when it comes to the playoffs, age is just a number.
These are the top 5 young talents in Major League Soccer who will play in the grand final:
Club: New York City FC
Age: twenty-one
Gray rises to the occasion in the MLS playoffs and becomes a badge of his team.
The 19-year-old has started all three games this postseason. The United States youth team may have gone unnoticed during the regular season, but that was no longer the case in the final stages. NYCFC coach Ronny Deila trusted him commanding the defense, propelling the team to the Eastern Conference title.
The talented youth continues to be a footballer to watch as he continues to raise his level and strides towards his full potential.
Club: New York City FC
Age: twenty-one
Rodriguez may be not so flashy in profile, but the winger’s work was key in the NYCFC’s tying goal and their subsequent victory over the Philadelphia Union.
Rodríguez became the necessary complement for Maxi Moralez and Valentin Castellanos to shine. He scored three goals and had one assist in 21 regular-season games, prompting Ronny Deila to incorporate him into the NYCFC attack from the start. A generous footballer, who works to support the figures of his team with strategic passes and dynamic movements in attack.
His name probably won’t top the headlines yet, but you can rest easy knowing his input has led NYCFC to their first MLS Cup final.
Club: New York City FC
Age: twenty-one
Sands has become a NYCFC midfield figure in the 2021 MLS Playoffs.
His quiet but effective tactical ability has inspired the New York team to stay alive this postseason and advance in the fight for the MLS Cup title this Saturday against the Portland Timbers.
He propelled the team to end its title drought by lifting the Eastern Conference champions trophy, thus securing its first final of the tournament. His path in these playoffs has not been easy, but Sands continues to be a true rock in his team’s midfield.
Club: Portland Timbers
Age: twenty-one
Moreno has been a surprise star for the Portland Timbers in their quest for the Major League Soccer title.
The offensive midfielder surprised the public in the Western Conference final against Real Salt Lake, being dangerous in attack before scoring the second goal that sentenced his team’s victory and kept the dream of winning the title alive.
The signed from the “Under 22 Initiative” looked comfortable in the spotlight and will reach the MLS Cup final with four accumulated postseason starts. He has always been a stable and reliable player for the Timbers but Moreno has really proved his worth during the 2021 season playoffs.
Club: Portland Timbers
Age: 23
Regarded as one of the most underrated midfielders in the league, Paredes demonstrated all the ways he can impact the game during the Timbers’ win over Real Salt Lake.
He fought in attack and advanced with the ball across the field of play as if it were glued to his feet. The rivals could never match their pace of play.
The midfielder had three goals and three assists in 20 regular season games, but his work during these playoffs is what has him a place on the list. He is not a player who shrinks from a major challenge, giving his coach, Giovanni Savarese, the confidence that Paredes will leave his heart on the field during the MLS Cup final.
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