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.

(scroll down for system details)

Perfect Showcase 

FC Dallas jumps up to the top spot after a perfect record from the Development Academy Showcase in December. FC Dallas beat New York City 2-0, Crossfire Premier 2-0, and Montreal Impact 4-0. The MLS Academy is back in action on Feb. 11 against Texas Rush. 

Vardar also made a big jump in the past month with a strong showing from the national event in Florida in December. Vardar picked up impressive wins against Montreal Impact, Weston FC, and Real Colorado. The Michigan club is on break until March. 

Rush to the Top 

Delaware Rush had a great month in December with four wins from four games. Rush defeated Houstonians 4-1, BRYC 3-0, TSC Hurricane 3-1, and Tennessee SC 1-0. Rush sits in second place in the Red Division of the National League with a 4-0-0 record. 

Raiders FC (IL) leads the division and still retains the top spot in the Grande Sports TeamRank Top 25 for the U17 boys age group. Raiders also went 4-0 in December. Raiders will meet up with Delaware Rush in March in National League play. 

 

New No. 1 at U18

Atlanta United FC takes over the No. 1 spot in the Boys U18 rankings. Atlanta United is undefeated on the season with an 11-0-3 record and sits in second place in the playoff standings for the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. The MLS Academy is averaging nearly three goals per game as they rip through the Southeast Division. 

Following a loss to Nomads to start the year, Real Salt Lake AZ U18 slips down to No. 5 in the Grande Sports TeamRank Top 25. Real Salt Lake AZ is 14-3-2 on the season and sitting in fifth place in the Playoff Pool for the Development Academy. 

Indiana Fire jumps into the Top 25 after winning all three games at the Development Academy Showcase in December. The Mid-America Division squad is 8-5-1 on the season, but does not return to action until March. 

Next Friday: 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.