The change of the calendar year offers new opportunities for MLS clubs to sign Homegrown players, as the MLS contract runs until Dec. 31. MLS have not wasted much time in 2014 as 13 players have been signed since the last day of the year.

The baker's dozen of new faces bring some exciting possibilities to MLS franchises looking for the next DeAndre Yedlin or Gyasi Zardes. TopDrawerSoccer.com ranks the 13 new professionals based on potential and impact in 2014.

1. F Tommy Thompson, San Jose Earthquakes – The former Indiana Hoosier is only 18 years old, but there are some big expectations for him at the MLS level in 2014. Thompson is one of the few Homegrowns with a shot at the Rookie of the Year award this season. He is the dynamic attacking talent that a franchise could build its future around. His college bio listed him at 5-7 so size might be a concern in the early days, but he is a real menace in space if the Quakes can find the right spots to deploy him.

2. D/M Jordan Allen, Real Salt Lake – There’s plenty that Allen brings to the table, and he’ll be competing for minutes in 2014 should he stay healthy. An athlete with a good soccer brain, Allen can man the right flank in either the midfielder or as an outside back. He'll start out as a depth option for RSL early on in the season, but could climb the depth chart as he adapts and excels in MLS.

3. D Jalen Robinson, D.C. United – The second best prospect in the D.C. Academy behind the already-signed Collin Martin, Robinson projects most likely as a right back for D.C. this season. While a stint in Richmond seems on the cards (the Kickers are D.C.’s USL affiliate) don’t be surprised to see the defender pop into the 18 from time to time, and even see some minutes at the tail end of the upcoming season as United enters CONCACAF Champions League play.

4. M Raul Mendiola, LA Galaxy – It’s been a long time in the making for Mendiola to get under contract with the Galaxy, but Arena said that the deal is done at the draft, though the club has yet to put out an official release. The expectation is the midfielder will be on the Galaxy roster and ready for preseason. He is the most talented player in this crop with the ball on his feet. For Galaxy, he will likely be deployed on the wing, but could also feature in the midfield or up front.

5. D Bryan Gallego, Portland Timbers – Gallego made headlines a little more than a year and a half ago when the Timbers acquired his homegrown rights from the New York Red Bulls. He’ll reunite in Portland with Caleb Porter, who coached him for two seasons at Akron prior to 2013. Now, he’ll bring his ball-winning abilities to the Rose City, where he adds to Portland’s depth at the back. There is a debate on Gallego’s best position at the pro level, as he would be slightly undersized at 5-foot-10 for a center back. Expect to see him at either a right back spot or as a defensive-minded midfielder.