Around the League: MLS NEXT January 2026
A league-wide look at MLS NEXT in January 2026, including top performers, power ranking movement, and key trends across U13–U19.
This MLS NEXT January 2026 recap breaks down league-wide trends, top performers, power ranking movement, and standout matches across the U13–U19 age groups. From explosive attacking displays in younger divisions to tighter, more tactical battles at the top levels, January set the tone for the 2026 season.
Across the league, 272 matches produced 1,199 goals, averaging 4.41 goals per match. Several clubs asserted themselves early, while others made significant jumps in the power rankings following statement performances.
League-Wide Trends
Strikers FC emerged as the most dominant organization in January, posting perfect or near-perfect runs across multiple age groups.
The Southwest Division once again led the league in offensive output and high-scoring matches.
Goal scoring decreased with age, reflecting increased tactical discipline in U17 and U19.
Multiple teams recorded double-digit jumps in the power rankings after decisive wins.
U13 MLS NEXT Recap: Offense on Full Display
| Metric | Value |
| Matches Played | 39 |
| Total Goals | 210 |
| Goals Per Match | 5.38 |
The U13 division delivered the highest-scoring action of any age group, with wide-open play and dominant attacking performances.
Player Spotlight Andre Herrera (Strikers FC) led all scorers with 10 goals in just 3 matches, accounting for nearly half of his team's January output.
Team to Watch Strikers FC finished January 3–0–0 with a +18 goal differential, highlighted by a 12–1 victory over Ventura County Fusion.
Around the League
- Weston FC climbed to #1 in the U13 power rankings
- Multiple matches reached double-digit goal totals
- Southwest clubs consistently topped offensive metrics
U14 MLS NEXT Recap: Balance Meets Firepower
| Metric | Value |
| Matches Played | 38 |
| Total Goals | 182 |
| Goals Per Match | 4.79 |
U14 play showed greater defensive structure while still producing elite attacking moments.
Player Spotlight Nicholas Joca (Strikers FC) recorded 9 goals in 3 matches, continuing the club's dominant run across age groups.
Team to Watch Strikers FC posted another perfect month, while LA Galaxy allowed zero goals throughout January.
Around the League
- Weston FC jumped 10 spots in the power rankings
- Four of the five highest-scoring matches involved Southwest teams
- Defensive consistency began separating the top tier
U15 MLS NEXT Recap: Statement Wins and Rising Contenders
| Metric | Value |
| Matches Played | 40 |
| Total Goals | 169 |
| Goals Per Match | 4.22 |
The U15 division featured decisive wins from both established clubs and emerging challengers.
Player Spotlight Brenden Nguyen (City SC San Diego) led all U15 scorers with 5 goals in 2 matches.
Team to Watch Strikers FC completed a third straight perfect month, while RSL Arizona posted a standout 14 goals scored, 0 conceded.
Around the League
- Chula Vista FC recorded the biggest win (10–0)
- Southwest remained the most volatile division
- Defensive efficiency increasingly defined top performers
U16 MLS NEXT Recap: Competitive Depth Across Divisions
| Metric | Value |
| Matches Played | 50 |
| Total Goals | 212 |
| Goals Per Match | 4.24 |
U16 was the most active age group, with competitive balance spread across regions.
Player Spotlight Cade Mault (Santa Barbara Soccer Club) delivered one of January's top individual performances with 4 goals in a single match.
Team to Watch Total Futbol Academy maintained the #1 overall ranking, finishing January with a +13 goal differential, highlighted by a 9–0 victory.
Around the League
- Clean sheets from multiple top contenders
- Major ranking jumps from South Florida Football Academy and SoCal Reds FC
- Balanced competition across divisions
U17 MLS NEXT Recap: Tactical Battles and Big Movers
| Metric | Value |
| Matches Played | 53 |
| Total Goals | 205 |
| Goals Per Match | 3.87 |
U17 featured the lowest scoring rate, reflecting increased tactical discipline and defensive organization.
Player Spotlight Adrian Raygoza (Strikers FC) led the division with 5 goals in 2 matches.
Team to Watch Weston FC went 3–0–0, jumping seven spots into the top 20 of the power rankings.
Around the League
- Seattle Sounders FC posted the month's largest win (12–0)
- San Jose Earthquakes surged 19 spots in the rankings
- Defensive structure defined successful teams
U19 MLS NEXT Recap: MLS Academies Set the Standard
| Metric | Value |
| Matches Played | 52 |
| Total Goals | 221 |
| Goals Per Match | 4.25 |
U19 delivered high-level, competitive matches with MLS Academy programs leading the way.
Player Spotlight Dylan Mair (Strikers FC) and Xavier Cisneros (Barca Residency Academy) tied for the scoring lead with 5 goals each.
Team to Watch Orlando City SC finished January 3–0–0, retaining the #1 power ranking with a +12 goal differential.
Around the League
- MLS Academy teams dominated the top of the table
- ALBION SC Los Angeles recorded the biggest win (9–1)
- Several teams allowed just one goal all month
What This Means Going Forward
January's MLS NEXT action revealed early separation among elite clubs, rising contenders making rapid gains, and clear stylistic differences across age groups. Offensive freedom defined younger divisions, while structure and discipline shaped results at U17 and U19.
Around the League will continue tracking key performances, ranking movement, player spotlights, and league trends as the MLS NEXT season unfolds.
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