These days, if a highly regarded club prospect makes it to college soccer, coaches count their blessings. If he’s an MLS Homegrown prospect? All the more reason to make merry on campus.

The reality is that only six of the top 25 recruits in the 2016 class are still sticking with their pledges, and even that number might get smaller by the end of August when games start. So when MLS academy grads find their way to a school - any school - those programs are more than happy to welcome them into their tactical embrace.