Rising Boys in an Evolving Youth Soccer Landscape
As pathways shift and competition rises, standing out requires more clarity, more data, and more initiative.
The boys’ pathway is shifting rapidly. MLS NEXT continues to expand, MLS academies are becoming more selective and data-driven, ECNL Boys is growing stronger each year, and high-level showcases are more competitive than ever — making the climb to the next level require far more than raw ability.
To stand out, players increasingly look toward objective context — data that complements what they show on the field. That’s where the COPA Score and COPA Talent ID pathways have become powerful tools. Through standardized testing, advanced measurement technology, and a benchmark database including collegiate, professional academies, and professional-level players, the COPA Score provides an evidence-based snapshot of where a player is today and how they compare to higher levels of play.
Not as a recruiting shortcut.
Not as a guarantee.
But as a scientific, transparent benchmark that helps players understand their strengths, target their training, and demonstrate long-term growth in a crowded and competitive pipeline.
Below are five boys who exemplify the growing generation of Bay Area players adapting to the demands of a modern pathway — and leveraging both performance and objective insight to guide their development.
Following their assessments, each was recognized as a Top Performer in COPA’s database — meaning their objective outputs stood out among peers with similar aspirations and levels of play.
Definition & Data Interpretation: A percentile ranking shows how a player’s performance compares to others in the database. For example, a player in the 90th percentile performed better than 90% of the active college female players who have taken the COPA Score.
Maddax Johnson – The Town Academy
Reference Group: MLS U18 Academy
A prolific MLS NEXT winger/forward for The Town Academy, Maddax pairs relentless energy with strong playmaking instincts. His top-tier reaction time and agility mirror his ability to create in tight spaces and unbalance defenders. With over 160 goal contributions and international opportunities, he’s tracking toward high potential pathways.
Drew Byrnes – Woodside Crush SC
Reference Group: NCAA Male Soccer Players
A creative Woodside Crush SC midfielder, Drew excels in playmaking and controlling rhythm. His high cognitive and technical metrics align with his on-field vision and passing precision. With national-level results against MLS academies and standout performance in front of 6 MLS scouts during COPA’s Summer Talent ID Day, he’s becoming one of Northern California’s most promising midfielders.
Lucas Lee – Ballistic United / Indonesia NT
Reference Group: NCAA Male Soccer Players
A dynamic Ballistic MLS NEXT midfielder and Indonesia U17 international, Lucas shows maturity beyond his age. His strong Cube Rating and quick decision-making data match his ability to handle high-intensity matches. Most recently playing at the U17 World Cup in November 2025, Lucas’s future is bright and highlights the talent pool coming from Northern California.
DJ Gray – Bay Area Surf
Reference Group: NorCal PDP U13 Boys
An intelligent midfielder for Bay Area Surf MLS NEXT, DJ thrives on vision, timing, and technical precision. His 95th-percentile cognitive and technical metrics align with his ability to create chances and control tempo. Already a Top XI performer at COPA’s Talent ID Day, and getting selection for NorCal PDP through COPA’s Objective Player Pathway he’s rapidly rising in the Northern California soccer landscape.
Breslan Ivory – Napa United
Reference Group: NorCal PDP U13 Boys
A technically gifted Napa United midfielder, Breslan’s creativity and touch stand out — backed by 99th-percentile Cube Accuracy metrics that match his reputation as a precision passer. Recently scouted by the San Jose Earthquakes U14s, he continues to rise within one of Northern California’s strongest talent pools.
A Pathway Built for the Modern Game
Today’s players need more than standout club performances. They need exposure, development clarity, benchmarks, and feedback loops that help them understand where they are — and where they need to go.
Tools like the COPA Score and Talent ID events offer families and athletes science-backed insight into development, bringing transparency to a process that is often unclear and inconsistent.
As the college landscape continues to evolve, objective measurement has become an important complement to traditional scouting. And for athletes willing to do the work, this combination of on-field performance + validated data is becoming one of the most powerful ways to stand out.