Each week during the 2024 MLS season, Soccer America is selecting the three young American stars of the week, under-23 players (born on or after Jan. 1, 2001) who stood out over the previous week.
Week April 15-21:
1. Gavin Beavers (Real Salt Lake), 5 pts. Chicho Arango was again the star of RSL’s 4-0 win over Chicago with two goals and two assists, but Beavers, 18, made five saves to record his first shutout in eight MLS starts.
2. CJ Fodrey (Austin FC), 3 pts. Fodrey’s flick header set up Emiliano Rigoni’s goal late in the second half to decide the Verde & Black’s 1-0 win at Houston. The 20-year-old forward was making his first appearance of the 2024 season after starting the year on the reigning MLS Next Pro champion Austin FC II.
3. Devin Padelford (Minnesota United), 1 pt. The 21-year-old Padelford started his fifth straight game — his first five starts in three MLS seasons — in the Loons’ 3-0 win at Charlotte FC. The back three of Michael Boxall, Kervin Arriaga and Padelford limited Charlotte FC to one shot on target.