When student-athletes are given the freedom to train at the highest level without falling behind in the classroom, this is what it looks like. Five members of the SAI Academy community have been selected for the 2026 MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate, earning a spot among the very best young soccer players in North America.

It is one of the most selective honors in youth soccer, and seeing five of our own on the list is a proud moment for the entire SAI family.

What the MLS NEXT All-Star Game Is

Each year, the MLS NEXT All-Star Game brings together the top young talent across the continent in an East vs. West showcase. For 2026, just 44 players were chosen following the conclusion of the 2025-26 regular season and the 2026 MLS NEXT Cup. To even be eligible, players had to compete in the MLS NEXT regular season or in one of its premier events, and the field was narrowed to a select group born between 2009 and 2011.

Reaching this stage means a player has been identified, across an entire continent of academies, as one of the best in their age group. Five of those players study with SAI Academy.

Meet the Five

East All-Stars

Christopher Morales (Chicago Fire FC) earns his place on the East roster, representing one of MLS NEXT’s most respected development programs.

Oscar Avilez (D.C. United) joins the East squad, continuing a strong tradition of talent coming out of the D.C. United academy.

Caleb Trombino (Orlando City) rounds out the East selections, bringing the Orlando City pedigree to the All-Star stage.

West All-Stars

Clayton Glynn (Austin FC) represents the West, one of the standout names to come through the Austin FC pipeline.

Rocky Rommel (San Jose Earthquakes) completes the group on the West roster, flying the flag for the Earthquakes academy.

What makes this group special is not only the talent on the field. It is that each of these athletes is balancing elite-level training with a full academic course load, proving that you do not have to choose between your sport and your education.

This Is the SAI Difference in Action

At SAI Academy, our entire model is built around a simple belief: your sport should never cost you your education. Train in the morning, study when it works for you, and stay on track with an NCAA-approved curriculum designed for the demands of a competitive schedule.

Christopher, Oscar, Caleb, Clayton, and Rocky are living proof of what that flexibility makes possible. While they were preparing for tournaments, traveling for matches, and competing at the highest youth level in the country, they were also keeping their academics moving forward. That balance is the whole point. Champions on the field, prepared for college and life off it.

We are equally proud to partner with the clubs developing these athletes, including Chicago Fire FC, D.C. United, Orlando City, Austin FC, and San Jose Earthquakes, as part of our growing network of club and academy partnerships.

How to Watch

If you want to cheer on our five All-Stars, here is everything you need to know:

• When: Monday, July 27, 7:30 pm ET
• Where: Mecklenburg County Sportsplex, Matthews, North Carolina
• Watch: Streaming live on MLSsoccer.com and the MLS YouTube channel
• Tickets: Free to attend, with fan registration available through MLS

Congratulations to Our All-Stars

To Christopher, Oscar, Caleb, Clayton, and Rocky: congratulations from everyone at SAI Academy. You have earned this, and we cannot wait to watch you represent your clubs, your families, and your school on the national stage.

Moments like this are exactly why SAI Academy exists. If you are a student-athlete (or the parent of one) who wants to pursue your sport at the highest level without putting your education on hold, we would love to show you what is possible.

Apply Today or Connect With Us to learn how SAI Academy can support your journey.