FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (July 6, 2023) – MLS NEXT has named New England Revolution Academy forward Olger Escobar (2006 – Malden, Mass.) the Under-17 MLS NEXT MVP presented by adidas, earning the national recognition following his exceptional performance throughout the 2022-23 MLS NEXT season.

“We are incredibly proud of Olger and all of the hard work he’s put in throughout his time in our Academy,” Director of Youth Development Rob Becerra said. “Olger has a bright future ahead of him, and we’re thrilled to see him earn this recognition.”  

Escobar’s stellar 2022-23 season earned him the first MLS NEXT MVP honor in New England history. A dynamic winger, Escobar produced 15 goals in 17 starts over the course of the 2022-23 season. He also elevated his play at MLS NEXT Flex (three goals) and MLS NEXT Fest (two goals), guiding the Revolution to a top-10 seed in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.

“Olger is very deserving of this honor, and we’re excited for his continued growth in our organization,” Technical Director Curt Onalfo stated. “This accomplishment is a testament of the incredible energy we as an organization are putting into our pro player pathway system and we’re tremendously proud of this upward trajectory.”

The forward also excelled on the international stage with Guatemala at the U-17 CONCACAF Championship, where he tied for the fourth most goals (four) while leading his country to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2013. Escobar will represent the Revolution at the 2022-23 MLS NEXT All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 19 at 10:30 a.m. ET at the Naval Academy’s Glenn Warner Soccer Facility in Annapolis, Maryland. 

“I want to thank everyone at the Revolution, all of my teammates, coaches, especially Rob Becerra, BJ Noble, and Curt Onalfo,” Escobar said. “This is really special. It’s been a long journey and I’m really proud of this achievement.”

About MLS NEXT

MLS NEXT is a new paradigm for player development, launched in 2020 to transform youth soccer in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT players have access to the highest level of competition, training and personal development opportunities that will prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Membership for the 2022-23 season includes 137 clubs, 628 teams and over 13,000 players across the U.S. and Canada. Official partners of MLS NEXT include adidas, Allstate, and DoorDash. For more information about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.