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USL 20 Under 20 Trio Tipped for MLS Breakout

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 02/23/17, 12:07PM EST

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FourFourTwo.com spotlights Adams, Davies, Da Silva ahead of new season

The New York Red Bulls’ Tyler Adams, Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s Alphonso Davies and Orlando City SC’s Pierre Da Silva were all featured in the 2016 edition of the USL 20 Under 20, and now the trio is being tipped for big things in the upcoming MLS season.

FourFourTwo.com’s Paul Tenorio named the three players – all of whom began their careers in the USL prior to signing MLS Homegrown Player contracts – in his look at potential breakout players for the upcoming MLS season.

Adams – who is part of the U.S. U20 National Team squad in Costa Rica currently for the 2017 CONCACAF U20 Championship – was the first signing in New York Red Bulls II history in 2015. Last season the 18-year-old helped the side claim both the USL Cup and USL Regular Season Championship, and was named as the No. 5 player in the 20 Under 20 countdown.

Davies became the youngest player – and subsequently the youngest goal-scorer – in USL history when he signed with Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 ahead of the 2016 season. He quickly broke through with WFC2, took the No. 8 spot on the USL 20 Under 20, and in short order was signed to a Homegrown Player contract midway through last season. Davies is now knocking on the door of the first team, last night making the start in Vancouver’s CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal against the Red Bulls.

Da Silva was one of the first signings for Orlando City B ahead of its first season in the USL last year, and shone as the side reached the USL Cup Playoffs. The No. 15 selection on the USL 20 Under 20 as he recorded a team-high five assists and two goals in 23 appearances for OCB, and this offseason was signed to the club’s MLS squad. The U.S. U19 international is the youngest player on the Lions’ roster as it enters the new season.

Also named in the seven players featured by Tenorio is Real Salt Lake’s Omar Holness, who spent time on loan with Real Monarchs SLC this past season. The Jamaican international made seven appearances for the Monarchs, and has enjoyed a solid preseason with RSL ahead of his second professional year.

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