Here are some players that I am excited to follow in the 2025 season. The only parameter that I gave myself for this list is that the players must either be new to the league or new to their team. This will be a mix of some obvious names and less obvious names. No real rhyme or reason to this list, just players I’m excited about for various reasons. Hopefully this list will be unique to other players to watch lists.

Jack McGlynn - Houston Dynamo

I am really surprised that the Philadelphia Union have decided to part ways with their young homegrown star. McGlynn, still only 21, started 25 of his 30 appearances for the Union during the 2024 MLS season, contributing four goals and five assists according to Transfermarkt. He also had a successful January camp with the United States Men’s National Team, where he scored his first goal for the senior team. It wouldn’t surprise me if McGlynn makes a move to Europe in the near future, and the Dynamo are sure to receive a decently sized fee for the lefty. In the meantime, look for some long-range McGlynn goals and for McGlynn to be a standout in the Dynamo midfield.

JT Marcinkowski - LA Galaxy

I’ve thought that Marcinkowski was a talented goalkeeper since his Georgetown days and I don’t think he deserved to sit on the bench as much as he did at the San Jose Earthquakes. I tend to think a lot of people in soccer are bad talent evaluators when it comes to goalkeepers, and I feel like the goalkeepers that started ahead of Marcinkowski are another example of bad goalkeeper evaluation in the professional game. Although he will likely be the third-string behind Novak Mićović and JJ McCarthy, it will be good to see him get action with the reserve team or in cup games after coming back from an injury he sustained while with the Earthquakes.¹

Jeremy Ebobisse - LAFC

I guess Bruce Arena decided to clean house at the Earthquakes, and LAFC are one of the teams who have decided to capitalize on their castoffs.² Ebobisse, who previously played at both the Portland Timbers and the Earthquakes, has had some successful scoring seasons in the past with a down year in 2024. Ebobisse’s past performances have shown he has the tools to be a successful striker for a competent team in MLS, so it comes as no surprise that he scored during his first MLS appearance for LAFC. With the right tools around him, expect Ebobisse to find his form once again this season.

Quincy McMahon - San Diego Wave

One of the easiest names to include on this list. A National Champion with UCLA in 2022, McMahon had a very successful collegiate career. McMahon would likely have been a top-5 pick if there would have been a draft this year, and I bet there were many times in the NWSL and in Europe vying for her signature. Typically a left-back at UCLA, McMahon had to move into a more attacking role this past season due to injuries, and she still found success, even garnering the Most Outstanding Player award during the Big10 Tournament. McMahon’s work rate and versatility will make her an important asset to the Wave this season.

Scottie Antonucci - NRI for Angel City

Ok so Antonucci isn’t yet signed to an NWSL team to my knowledge, but someone should sign her. She’s really good, and that is an understatement. I saw her play with her club team Legends in the spring of 2024, and it was immediately clear she would be a star. She is one of those players that makes everyone around them look better. Her technical ability, vision on the field, and work rate make Antonucci a player every team should want to sign. She was a Non-Roster Invitee for Angel City’s preseason, and even scored a goal to win the match against the Portland Thorns. If Antonucci decides to play college soccer this year instead of turning pro, look for the school she chooses to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. (Correction: Antonucci is in the class of 2026, so would not be playing college soccer this year)

Michael Collodi - FC Dallas

I actually have seen Collodi play the most out of everyone on this list. I was working on my MA at Columbia during his junior season there, and was able to see most of the Columbia Men’s Soccer home games. While the team wasn’t that successful that year, Collodi kept games close, and it was clear he had the talent to play at better college soccer programs. While Collodi may be a bit undersized for a professional goalkeeper standing at 6’0”, he is a really smart goalkeeper and has a great understanding of his boundaries. He was really aggressive off his line in the games I watched, coming out for high balls or acting as a sweeper, which helped to take some pressure off his backline. He has perhaps taken a bit of an unusual route to MLS, first playing four years of Ivy League college soccer before signing for North Texas SC and winning the MLS Next Pro Championship. He earned Best XI honors last season, and was rewarded with a homegrown contract with FC Dallas. I’m not sure how much playing time Collodi will get this season, but be prepared for a show when he does get his opportunity.

Jaedyn Shaw - NC Courage

The easiest inclusion on this list, I thought Shaw and San Diego would be a long-term partnership, but Shaw wanted a move away. Shaw is one of the best young American attackers and will find success anywhere she plays. I am most excited to see her pair up with Ashley Sanchez and dice up players across the country. Looking forward to another highlight-reel season from Shaw.

Pietra Tordin - Portland Thorns

Tordin had a great college career at Princeton, leaving a year early to sign with the Thorns. She garnered various league honors during her three seasons there and also spent time with the US youth national teams. Last year at the U-20 World Cup, she was even the leading scorer on a team that included Ally Sentnor. I think she will get a decent amount of playing time due to injuries on the Thorns roster, and expect her to be in the running for NWSL Rookie of the Year this season.

Honorable Mentions

Eryk Williamson and Wilfried Zaha with Charlotte. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting with the New York Red Bulls. Madi Curry with Seattle. Ryan Campbell and Sofia Cook with Gotham FC. Indiana Vassilev with the Union. Brooklyn Courtnall with the Courage.

1  Interestingly, two-time MLS Cup champion McCarthy did not start for the Galaxy during their opening day loss to San Diego, despite serving mostly as their starter in 2024.

2  Very early on in this MLS season, the Earthquakes have been successful, but we will see if this continues.