While the Premier Development League Top Prospects list and Top College Prospects highlight those players nearing the jump to the professional level, many young athletes compete in the PDL in the early stages of their careers, seeking to establish themselves as top up-and-coming talents.

The PDL Top Under-20 Players lists will highlight those players at each position who have shown themselves to be among the league’s rising stars. Over four days, the top goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards under the age of 20 (as of July 15, 2018) will be honored.

Monday, Aug. 27: Goalkeepers
Tuesday, Aug. 28: Defenders
Wednesday, Aug. 29: Midfielders
Thursday, Aug. 30: Forwards
Friday, Aug. 31: Recap

A hugely productive group, the top forwards under the age of 20 emerged as an incredibly talented class - with 14 in particular standing out as crucial parts of their clubs’ attacks.

Nine of the 14 players named to this list appeared in 10 or more matches, totaling 145 matches between them all. Four of those athletes scored eight or more goals in the 2018 PDL season, with the New York Red Bulls U23’s Brian Saramago leading all comers with 11 tallies, as well as one assist recorded. His productivity helped the Red Bulls U23 as one of the league’s most potent attacks, carrying all the way to the Eastern Conference Championship match.

Another three forwards hit the eight goal mark in 2018, two of which also hail from playoff teams. Colorado Rapids U23 forward Griffin Dorsey tallied eight goals and three assists in the team’s Mountain Division-winning campaign, appearing in all 14 matches totaling 1,103 minutes. Ocean City Nor’easters forward Alex Rose joins him, scoring eight with one assist in 11 matches as the club just missed the playoffs this season. They were both matched by the youngest player on the list, Black Rock FC forward Jacob Shaffelburg, who struck eight times and recorded three assists in seven matches during the club’s inaugural, Northeast Division-winning season.

Here’s a look at 14 young forwards who impressed in the 2018 PDL season.

Check back tomorrow for the full recap of the Top U20 Players.

FULL TOP U20 PLAYERS LIST