SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes and MLS NEXT announced today that Quakes Academy Under-16 defender Rocky Rommel has been selected to the fifth annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate. The match will showcase the future soccer stars of North America in an East vs. West showdown at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews, North Carolina, on Monday, July 27 at 4:30 p.m. PT, streaming live on MLS’ YouTube channel and MLSsoccer.com. With free admission to the game, fans in Charlotte can watch the standouts of MLS NEXT take center stage during MLS All-Star week.
• Fans may register for free tickets by clicking HERE.
“What has impressed me the most about Rocky is his competitive mentality—every game, every training, he’s just focused,” said Quakes Academy Director Luchi Gonzalez. “He's trying to be a great teammate, but also show leadership and lead by example. His determination to compete every day in training and maximize his focus daily is why I think he's earned this opportunity.”
“Selection to the MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the trajectory of these players as they continue to develop on and off the field,” said Luis Robles, General Manager of Sporting Operation for MLS NEXT. “This event brings together some of the top young talent from across North America and provides a platform to celebrate their achievements while highlighting the connectivity of the MLS player pathway. We congratulate all of the players selected and look forward to watching them represent their clubs and communities in Charlotte.”
Rommel, 16, plays as a center back for the Quakes Academy Under-16 squad led by Head Coach Renato Bustamante. In 2026, the Modesto, California, native netted four goals and was named to the Generation Adidas Cup Rising XI. Internationally, he earned his first call-up with the U-16 U.S. Youth National Team for a training camp in Georgia this February. The defender then earned his second national team call-up the following month during a March training camp in Florida.
“I’m super excited,” said Rommel. “I’m proud of where I am right now, and I'm excited to represent the Quakes and myself as a player. Every day at training, the coaches and players always want to get better, so I think it helps push me to my limits and gets me to where I can be as a player. I just want to thank all my coaches for helping me get to where I am, and my parents for being dedicated and helping me get to the Quakes. I'm just thankful to have people around me that support me.”
MLS NEXT and Allstate will provide the players with unique opportunities during MLS All-Star Week, which will include a full slate of programming events. The festivities include team training, the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T on July 28, and the 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime on July 29.
The 44 players were selected following the conclusion of the 2025-26 regular season and 2026 MLS NEXT Cup presented by Allstate. To be eligible for selection, players must have been born between 2009-11 and have competed in either the MLS NEXT regular season or in at least one of MLS NEXT’s premier events – MLS NEXT Fest, MLS NEXT Flex presented by Allstate, Generation adidas Cup, or MLS NEXT Cup presented by Allstate.
The East All-Stars will be led by Charlotte FC U-18 head coach Jordan Melia. Since arriving in Queen City in 2024, Melia has played a key role in guiding the U-18 squad to a runner-up finish in their Conference during the 2025–26 regular season.
The West will be coached by Seattle Sounders FC U-15 head coach Ethan O’Neill and Seattle Sounders FC U-16 head coach Matt Dorman. Dorman joined the academy as the U-16 head coach in Aug 2024 after serving as the Academy & Tacoma Defiance developmental analyst since January 2023. A native of Ireland, O’Neill joined the academy in 2024, bringing a wealth of coaching experience that includes serving as Head Coach of CK United’s U-15 team in the Irish National League and as Head Coach within the Football Association of Ireland’s (FAI) Emerging Talent Program.
MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate
• WHEN: Monday, July 27 | 4:30 pm PT
• WHERE: Mecklenburg County Sportsplex; 2425 Sports Pkwy, Matthews, NC 28105
• Parking will be available in the various surrounding lots
• WATCH: Streaming live on MLS’ YouTube channel and MLSsoccer.com
• Free to attend by clicking HERE.
About MLS NEXT
Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America.
With a commitment to innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the
best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life. For more information
about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.
