Scoreboard

About the 24 Under 24

 

First launched in 2010, MLSsoccer.com's "24 Under 24" is our annual ranking of the best young players in Major League Soccer. 

Eligible Players (2012)

Players had to be under the age of 24 as of the final day of the 2012 regular season on Oct. 28. This year, there were 186 eligible candidates.

Who voted (2012)

The 2012 "24 Under 24" rankings are computed by compiling ratings from three voting blocs: MLSsoccer.com Editors, Media Panel, and Fan Vote.

The proportion of their votes is as follows.

  • MLSsoccer.com Editors: 10%
  • Media Panel: 80% (each panelist counts for 10% of the final vote)
  • Fan Vote: 10%

MLSsoccer.com Editors
The following staff editors participated in the 24 Under 24 ratings:

  • Greg Lalas, editor in chief
  • Jonah Freedman, managing editor
  • Simon Borg, senior editor
  • Nick Firhcau, senior editor
  • Andrew Wiebe, new media editor
  • Matt Doyle, new media editor
  • Nick Rosano, new media editor
  • Jason Saghini, director of video

Media Panel
The 2012 24 Under 24 Media Panel consisted of the following members of the national soccer media:

  • Jeff Carlisle (ESPN.com)
  • Marc Connolly (ESPN)
  • Jason Davis (KCKRS.com/Best Soccer Show podcast)
  • Steve Davis (NBC Pro Soccer Talk)
  • Adrian Healey (ESPN)
  • Alexi Lalas (ESPN)
  • Kyle McCarthy (MLSsoccer.com / Goal.com / FoxSoccer.com)
  • Taylor Twellman (ESPN)

Fan Vote
This year, for the first time, the fans participated in the final rankings. On a poll on MLSsoccer.com, fans were asked to submit their top 24 players among the 186 eligible players.  

Voting Criteria

MLSsoccer.com staff and media panelists gave a rated eligible players based on the following five criteria:

  • Technical (skills, dribbling, shooting, first touch, heading, etc.)
  • Tactical (positioning, reading game, soccer IQ, etc.)
  • Physical Attributes (speed, endurance, strength, vertical leap, etc.)
  • Personality (marketability, media savvy, quotability, charisma, intangibles, etc.)
  • Potential (upside, national team potential, potential future transfer value, etc.)

Past Winners

2010 Fredy Montero, Seattle Sounders (see complete rankings)

2011 Brek Shea, FC Dallas (see complete rankings)