FRISCO, Texas — The experts will have their say next week, but this is your chance to vote on the best 22 players under the age of 22 in MLS. Throughout the next few days, we'll be highlighting our players who were named to the shortlist and why you should vote for them. Up first, Reggie Cannon,John Nelson and Ricardo Pepi!
Why you should vote for Reggie: This could be Cannon’s second-straight year on the 22 Under 22 list after coming in at No. 7 in 2018. The FC Dallas right back has seen a meteoric rise in his game within the past 12 months. He’s continued to be reliable on the back line for FC Dallas, and he created a name for himself during this past summer’s Gold Cup, where he shined in the tournament and in the final against Mexico. Cannon is continuing to make significant strides in his game on the international level — frankly, a no-brainer to be included in the 22 Under 22 List for 2019.
Why you should vote for Johnny: A top-10 pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, Nelson made his MLS debut against the Columbus Crew — in front of his family and friends in his home state of Ohio. He would go on to start four games in nine appearances before injuries hampered his rookie season. While making his way back from injury, Nelson got to play for USL-League One side, North Texas SC. He was a crucial part in the team’s championship run, and he’s seen as the long-term solution at left back for FC Dallas.
Why you should vote for Ricardo: The 2019 campaign was nothing short of a transformative year for Ricardo Pepi. After scoring a game-winning penalty against Forward Madison in his second game, Pepi departed for the Concacaf U-17 Championships with the U.S. where he scored two goals en route to the final. In USL One play, Pepi scored 11 goals in 13 games (including a brace in the semifinal) and was ranked No. 6 in USL’s 20 Players Under 20 list. After signing a Homegrown contract with FC Dallas in June, Pepi made seven substitute appearances and racked up 71 MLS minutes. The forward also started both the club’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games and delivered an assist to Michael Barrios against the OKC Energy. Pepi closed out 2019 with two appearances for the USMNT in the U-17 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The 2019 season proved to be an incredible debut campaign for the precocious teenager and he showed he has all the talent, work-ethic and ambition to become a standout player in MLS or beyond.
