Today we unveil our latest update to 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.

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New York Red Bulls new #1 at U16

New York Red Bulls and DC United have identical records, each with only one loss on the season, and both are first in their respective divisions. Since they haven’t played each other, how do we choose one over the other for #1? The Red Bulls have a goal differential of +41, only 5 goals-against all season, and have shut out all but 4 opponents, so due to their virtually impenetrable defense, we have to tab them the new #1.

Real So Cal started the season a dismal 0-3, but has gone on a 10-1-2 run since October 28, and climbs from #22 to #18 in our standings. The test for them will be a match with divisional leader Real Salt Lake AZ on March 9.

Concorde Fire breaks into the top 25 this month with recent wins over conference foes Orlando City and Georgia United as well as a 5-4 goal fest against rival South Carolina United Battery in which Concorde scored 3 goals in the first 10 minutes of the match.

Down time for U17s

Penn Fusion 95 was on the cusp of breaking into the top 25 with our last update, but starting the Region I Premier League with wins over formerly-ranked Bethesda SC Revolution and Loudoun SC 95 Red was what put them at #25 this month. Undefeated weekends at the Disney Showcase and the PDA Showcase back in November helped boost their ranking as well.

With regional spring leagues just getting started, in addition to the culmination of the U.S. Youth Soccer National League with national championship bids on the line, our next update is likely to be an interesting one.

Real So Cal proving itself at U18

Real So Cal as a whole is having a great season in the Development Academy, and the 18s in particular keep climbing the ranks, this month from #21 to #16, with the aid of Stanford(m) commits forward Mark Verso (10 goals) and goalkeeper Nico Corti. But, just like the squad’s younger counterparts, Real So Cal will be tested this Saturday as they face conference leader and current #3 Real Salt Lake AZ.

New York Red Bulls, it almost goes without saying, are literally unstoppable, continue as the only unbeaten team in the entire USSDA, and remain #1 in our rankings.

Next Thursday: U16, U17, and U18 Girls

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.