MLS NEXT Pro announced today that former UMBC Retriever
Taylor Calheira of New York City FC II was selected to the Best XI in his first year as a professional. Calheira is the third-leading scorer on the circuit with 14 goals and five assists in 24 appearances this season. NYC FC II is the reserve team and minor league affiliate of New York City FC, and plays in MLS Next Pro, the third tier of the United States soccer league system.
"It's an honor to be named to the Best XI team," stated Calheira. "This is a team accomplishment, as my teammates and coaches have been extremely supportive throughout the season. I've had to get used to a different playing style, and the speed of play has been a challenge, but my first season as a professional has been a great experience for me."
The Best XI awards were voted on by the Head Coaches and Chief Soccer Officers at MLS NEXT Pro Clubs, as well as League broadcasters and content team. The Match Officials were determined by FairWhistle rankings.
2024 MLS NEXT PRO BEST XI: Every player, including those named as Honorable Mention, was selected to the League's Best XI for the first time. The 11 players represent eight Clubs in MLS NEXT Pro, 10 of whom will participate in the
2024 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs beginning this weekend with the Conference Quarterfinals. Calheira and his teammates will take on Philadelphia on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.
"It's been a season of ups and downs for our team, but we are looking forward to advancing in the playoffs this weekend," Calheira added.
Goalkeeper (1):
Michael Collodi – North Texas SC
Honorable Mention: Brady Scott – Ventura County FC
Defenders (3):
Nico Gordon – North Texas SC
Michael Wentzel – St Louis CITY2
Francis Westfield – Philadelphia Union II
Honorable Mention: Brian Schaefer – FC Cincinnati 2*
Midfielders (4):
Diego Gonzalez – Houston Dynamo 2
Aron John – Crown Legacy FC
CJ Olney – Philadelphia Union II
David Poreba – Chicago Fire FC II
Honorable Mention: Facundo Canete – Carolina Core FC
Forwards (3):
Taylor Calheira – New York City FC II
Mykhi Joyner – St Louis CITY2
Mehdi Ouamri – Chattanooga FC
Honorable Mention: Yutaro Tsukada – Orlando City B
In his senior season, Calheira was named to the College Soccer News All-American 3rd Team. Calheira was the 66th player taken overall and the eighth selection in the draft's final round. The Baltimore native was one of only two selections by the 10-year-old franchise.
After being drafted into the MLS by NYC FC, Calheira, a two-time America East Striker of the Year, signed a professional contract with NYC FC II last spring.
Calheira's achievements as a Retriever were not just impressive, they were rare. He earned America East Striker of the Year honors in 2022 and 2023, and after earning All-Rookie Team honors in the spring of 2020, he was selected to the America East First Team over this final three fall campaigns. That made him the first Retriever since
Pete Caringi III (2011-13) to earn three consecutive top honors.
He completed his tenure in eighth place on the Retrievers' all-time goals list with 32, a feat that speaks volumes about his talent and dedication.
Calheira became the ninth Retriever drafted since 2010 and the first since Jon Bell was selected by the San Jose Earthquakes in 2019.
