Today we unveil our latest update to the Grande Sports TeamRank Top 25, the comprehensive ranking system for elite club soccer teams nationwide, and we release 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)

Top ten adjustments at U16

FC Golden State continues its climb, extending its three-loss season for another month. FCGS earned a draw against No. 15 Real Salt Lake AZ to start the month on a goal by YNT pool member Dorian Morrison, then swept Real So Cal, De Anza Force, and Santa Cruz Breakers Academy to finish February at No. 4.

Real Colorado began the spring with a 3-1 win over Colorado Rush to remain with just one loss on the season, climbing to No. 8. Leading scorer and Class of 2017 top 100-ranked Rhys De Soto increased his total for the year to 16 in just 12 matches.

More:   Commitments

Match Fit wins big at U17

Match Fit Academy 98/99 Black began its club season this month with two wins in the Region I Champions League’s Elite Blue division. One of those was over No. 4 Loudoun 98 Red, who has already qualified for USYS National Championships via an undefeated run in National League play. This division is stacked with powerhouses, though, and Match Fit has yet to take on No. 1 Baltimore Celtic 98/99, which will happen on March 19, but nonetheless climbs to No. 18.

Galaxy, Railhawks rack up wins at U18

10 matches played between these two Grande Sports Top 25 teams, and 10 wins in the month of February has both teams climbing higher in the rankings.

LA Galaxy earned wins over San Diego Surf, Real Salt Lake AZ, Arsenal FC, Santa Cruz Breakers, and De Anza Force to extend its record to 15-3-5, and climbs three spots to No. 11.

Capital Area Railhawks faced Carolina Rapids, Charlotte Soccer Academy, IMG Academy, Chargers, and South Carolina Battery, finishing the month back on top of the Southeast Division after dipping to third in December, and a comfortable three points ahead of Kendall SC with one fewer game played. U16-rostered Class of 2017 standout Lucas Del Rosario plays up with the 18s and scored four goals for the olders in their 5-0 run, helping them climb to No. 17 in our standings.

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.