Already 13 under-20 Americans have played more than 900 minutes in the 2025 MLS season, one more than did for the entire 2024 season.
That’s the good news. The bad news: Few other players are on pace to reach that milestone in 2025, underscoring how difficult it is for players as old as 20 to get regular first-team playing time. And almost all the U-20s playing regularly are in supporting roles, lining up as outside backs and defensive midfielders.
They should form the USA’s nucleus at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile — if they are released this fall. Alaskan Obed Vargas played for the USA at the 2023 Under-20 World Cup but has since filed a one-time switch to play for Mexico.
MLS: 2025 under-20 players (900+ minutes)
1. *Obed Vargas (MF), Seattle (2005), 1,757 minutes, 2 goals, 4 assists
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