David Ochoa Listed As 18th Best Player In Major League Soccer 22 Under 22 Ranking

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake’s David Ochoa has been listed as the 18th most talented player under the age of 22, as voted on by an expert panel consisting of MLSsoccer.com analysts, MLS Player Department staff and external media members.

“Ochoa announced himself on the national stage at the onset of the 2021 season when launching the ball into the “Wonderwall” following a Real Salt Lake win at Minnesota United FC. Disrespectful? Entertaining? Whatever your view, it showed that he has an edge that’s possessed by top-end goalkeepers. Since then, Ochoa has proven that he’s far more than just bluster with multiple standout performances to help RSL stay in the thick of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs race. He’s also swapped the US for Mexico, declaring his international future in a moving letter.”

He's just getting better and better 📈 https://t.co/GleGOQtSBi

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) October 12, 2021

At 20 years of age, Ochoa ranks as the highest goalkeeper on the list. To no surprise, FC Dallas prodigy Ricardo Pepi is listed as the most talented player under the age of 22, while Orlando City striker Daryl Dike is listed as second.

No other Real Salt Lake member is credited on the list. From the Real Salt Lake list of players that receive meaningful minutes, nobody under the age of 22 is warranted a spot on the list. Pablo Ruiz and Noah Powder are 22 years of age and are not eligible for the recognition.

However, over the coming years, Real Salt Lake has a good opportunity to showcase the influx of talent it has currently at its academy. Axel Kei, 13, became the youngest player ever in the United States to debut in a professional game when he came off the bench for the Real Monarchs in their 0-0 draw against Colorado Switchbacks. Jaziel Orozco, 17, has trained with the Mexican National Team and is poised to see first-team minutes sooner rather than later. The list goes on, the RSL Academy has talent at its disposal.

Best of the best. The sky is the limit for this group. 🚀#22U22: https://t.co/vvBwYWwPUf pic.twitter.com/G1IW4RFAq3

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 12, 2021

Next RSL Match

The next fixture will occur this Saturday (October 16) when Real Salt Lake hosts Colorado Rapids in a game that will determine the winner of the Rocky Mountain Cup.

Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. and will be available to stream via the KSL Sports & KSL 5 TV apps or on KSL Sports dot com.