New Jersey player becomes youngest MLS talent-search winner at 14

Alexander Soto, a 14-year-old forward from Elizabeth, N.J., won Major League Soccer’s Sueño MLS youth talent search Sunday, becoming the youngest winner in the competition’s eight-year history.

Luis Aranzazu, a 17-year-old from Pembroke Pines, Fla., was selected top goalkeeper.

Both players, discovered at open tryouts with MLS team D.C. United, have been invited to join an MLS club Academy Team.

“I’m very proud and will keep chasing my dream of becoming a professional soccer player,” Soto said. “I would like to dedicate this award to my family and those that have inspired me and continue to do so.”

The two winners were among 18 national finalists, including 15 field players and three goalkeepers, who were in Southern California for four days of competition and mentoring by top soccer legends, including former Colombian World Cup playmaker Carlos Valderrama and former U.S. national team defender Jeff Agoos.

The finalists were chosen from the nearly 3,000 players who registered for the open trials held by D.C. United, Colorado Rapids and LA Galaxy (see video above).

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