Every year, MLSsoccer.com rates the top 24 players aged 24 years old and younger in the annual 24 Under 24 series.
For the second straight year, forward Joao Plata made the top 10 in the list, landing at No. 9 in a hotly contested battle this year. After being rated No. 7 last year the Ecuadorian remains high on the list despite missing RSL’s first 11 matches to a fractured foot suffered in the first training session of preseason.
Now back in action, Plata showed he is back by netting three goals and three assists in four matches from July 11-August 1. Since then he has cooled off statistically, but has remained a constant threat in RSL’s multi-pronged attack out of the 4-3-3 formation.
“When you miss a full preseason - when you miss four months of playing soccer when you can’t jog and do things – we’re still just starting to get to see the best of Joao,” RSL Head Coach Jeff Cassar said. “He created a ton of opportunities. He created opportunities for other players. I’m excited for him to get his opportunity and put it in the back of the net.”
Plata is one of three players to rank among the top 10 in each of the last two years, joining top-rated FC Dallas forward Fabian Castillo, who was No. 3 last year, and Columbus Crew SC midfielder Wil Trapp, who moved up from No. 9 in 2014 to No. 4 this year.
He showed a lot of promise in 2013 when he had four goals and eight assists in his first season with the Claret-and-Cobalt, then enjoyed a breakout season in 2014 with 13 goals and six assists for RSL. Though his action has been limited this season, he still has three goals and four assists with five matches to play.
To see MLSsoccer.com’s profile on Plata, click here. For the full list of the 24 Under 24, click here.
