Today we unveil a rankings update for the Grande Sports TeamRank Top 25, the comprehensive ranking system for elite club soccer teams nationwide, taking a look at 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.

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New No. 1 at U16

The climb continues for Real Salt Lake-AZ, New York Red Bulls, and Atlanta United, who lead their respective divisions and take over the top three spots in this month’s update. Of the three, Atlanta United makes the biggest climb, up four spots to No. 2. Leading scorer James Brighton scored the lone goal on October 23 to earn a draw with No. 14 Orlando City and keep his team undefeated.

Oakwood SC enters the top ten at No. 8 after a 4-0-1 record in the month of October to remain undefeated and on top of the Development Academy Northeast Division standings. Oakwood has yet to face No. 17 NYCFC or No. 11 Montreal Impact in conference action, but did earn a 2-2 draw against No. 19 BW Gottschee on October 29.

More:  Commitments

SoCal bump at U17

West Coast FC 00 Armour climbs two spots to No. 4 on the heels of a 7-0 run in SCDSL play in the month of October. WCFC toppled league leader Strikers FC – South Bay Gold on October 8, and ended the month with a record of 9-1.

With three matches left in the Coast Soccer League season, Santa Monica United sits on top of the standings, one point ahead of Santa Barbara SC White, and enters our rankings at No. 23.

New No. 1 at U18

As the only team in the Development Academy to keep a perfect record at this age group, New York Red Bulls take over the top spot in the Grande Sports TeamRank Top 25. Class of 2017 top 25 Omir Fernandez added four goals in October to extend his season total to 10 and his team’s record to 9-0-0.

Lonestar takes a big jump into the top ten, climbing seven spots to No. 7. Lonestar continues its undefeated run in the Frontier Division, but No. 3 FC Dallas will be a tough test on November 12, and the outcome will likely determine who leads the division heading into the December showcase.

Next Thursday: U16, U17, and U18 Girls

Grande Sports 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.