Today we unveil our latest update to Grande Sports Academy TeamRank, the comprehensive ranking system for elite club soccer teams nationwide, releasing the latest standings for U16, U17 and U18 Boys. Next week, we will update the older age groups on the Girls side. We will update our National Top 25 for each age group at least once per month.

(scroll down for system details)

Red Bulls reclaim top spot at U16

Well it didn’t take long for the Red Bulls to reclaim the No. 1 ranking in the Grande Sports Academy TeamRank Top 25. Previously perfect Philadelphia Union fell to NYRB by a 3-1 margin, then got tripped up for a second time at the Development Academy showcase by No. 13 San Jose Earthquakes, falling to No. 3 in the process. The Red Bulls remain the only team in the Academy without a loss, and their win over Philadelphia plus the draw with now No. 2 Vancouver Whitecaps puts them back on top.

Climbing three spots this month to No. 8 is Mid-America Division leader Crew Soccer Academy Wolves. The Wolves are 11-1-2 on the season, with a 3-0 record at the showcase, not an easy feat against three ranked (or previously ranked) opponents. Midfielder Daniel Wright leads the Wolves with 13 goals, including game winners against the Rush and Montreal at the Showcase.

More:  IMG Academy 150 rankings | Academy Showcase Recaps | Showcase Best XI

League winners highlight at U17

With the opening weekend of the US Youth Soccer National League literally minutes away, we concentrate this update on teams not participating in games in Raleigh.

Two teams finished on top of their respective fall leagues and both move a few spots as a result. West Coast FC Kirsch finished the season undefeated and on top of the Flight 1 standings in the SCDSL and climb three spots to No. 13.

Solar Chelsea 98B won the Region III Premier League West division and finished just behind No. 19 FC Dallas Youth Premier in the Chamber Classic League standings, climbing three spots as well to No. 20.

Showcase success at U18

Shattuck St. Mary’s had a good showing at the Development Academy showcase, earning two draws (against No. 20 Texas Rush and No. 22 Weston FC) and a win against No. 4 Montreal Impact. Though SSM suffered its first loss to No. 13 Indiana Fire last month, its 6-1-6 overall record is good enough for the top spot in the Mid-America Conference, and a No. 5 ranking in the Grande Sports Academy TeamRank Top 25.

Capital Area Railhawks-CASL also fared well at the showcase, giving No. 3 Real Salt Lake-AZ a tough time of it before eventually falling 1-0 to the MLS Academy side. Couple that with an undefeated record in conference play for two months running (their last defeat was September 27), and CASL climbs into the top 20 at No. 19.

Next Thursday: U16, U17, and U18 Girls

Grande Sports Academy TeamRank is the comprehensive team-ranking system devised by TopDrawerSoccer.com to provide an objective and common-sense approach to determining which elite youth soccer teams are the best in the nation.

The rankings, updated monthly, are primarily results-based, with a nod toward the league and championship competitions that emulate how excellence is determined in leading soccer nations around the world.

Tournaments are also included but at a reduced value due to the many mitigating factors involving such events, including attrition and guest players.

A final layer of executive evaluation is provided to account for variables that often impact results, thus ensuring that the monthly lists are not subjective, but are not purely mechanical.