This year's 24 Under 24, presented by adidas -- our annual ranking of the top players in MLS under 24 -- was released on Thursday, and it was loaded with most of the expected names. But a few names one might expect to be there weren't.
For example, Philadelphia Union winger Andrew Wenger (6G, 4A) and FC Dallas holding midfielder Victor Ulloa (1A, 22 starts) both missed the cut.
But, in truth, neither of them was even close, based on the ballots submitted by the MLSsoccer.com editorial staff and the external media panel.
Here are the seven players who were on the cusp of breaking into the Top 24.
Dillon Serna
, Colorado Rapids. The 20-year-old is quick, technical, and capable of fantastic strikes that win
AT&T Goal of the Week honors
and make news the world over. Hard to imagine Serna
not
being in the 24 Under 24 next year.
- WATCH: Serna volley golazo
Maximiliano Urruti, Portland Timbers. Despite not being a regular starter, the Argentine has pumped in 9 goals, tied for most on the Timbers this season. And the club owner loves him.
- WATCH: Urruti goes top shelf
Jonathan Osorio
, Toronto FC. The young Canadian international has thrived this year within TFC's revamped midfield. At least when he's healthy. His assists are up (4), but his goals are down (1).
Erik Hurtado
, Vancouver Whitecaps. The spiked-mohawk is the window dressing, but the second-year bulldog has definitely up his game, notching 5 goals and 2 assists on the year.
Jack McInerney
, Montreal Impact. He was #4 in last year's rankings, but his midseason trade to Montreal seems to have put him out of many observers' minds. Even still, he's delivered the goods: 8 goals on the season, 7 since the trade, which makes him top scorer on the Impact.
Felipe Martins
, Montreal Impact. Perhaps no player has been affected by the Impact's difficult year as much as the Brazilian Felipe. He's still a good box-to-box guy, but he hasn't had the same influence or production as his first two seasons.
Kellyn Acosta
, FC Dallas. Injuries have hampered his contributions this season, but when he's healthy, the Homegrown has been invaluable for FCD, equally adept at lining up at right back or a holding midfield.
