There’s a well-followed mantra when it comes to developing high-level soccer players that results are secondary. And while that is obviously the case at most levels, there’s nothing wrong with winning games while also developing talent.
With the 2022 MLS season drawing near, one team is an obviously stand out. New York City FC won back-to-back Development Academy titles in 2018 and 2019. The first came in an epic clash against LA Galaxy, in a matchup that featured several pros lining up against one another. In 2019, New York City repeated with a slightly different roster.
Four years removed from the first win, 10 of the 11 starters from the 2018 side are about to turn pro, already have, or are well into successful careers. From the 2019 side, all either turned pro or are currently rostered on DI programs.
Rewind back to those two starting lineups to see where they are now.
