Minnesota United and MLS NEXT today announced that MNUFC Academy defender Carlos Leatherman is one of the 45 players selected to the inaugural MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate. Additionally, MNUFC2 assistant coach Jeremy Hall has been selected to manage the West Team.

Leatherman, a 17-year-old defender, is the sole representative from Minnesota United’s Academy system, where he appeared in 11 matches and scored two goals this past MLS NEXT season. He has also seen significant action in 2022 with MNUFC2. So far this season for the MLS Next Pro side, Leatherman has made 12 appearances (11 starts) on the back line and has seen 967 minutes on the pitch for the Loons to-date.

“It’s a great chance to get to represent the amazing club that I’ve been a part of the last six years,” said Leatherman about being selected for the MLS NEXT All-Star Game. “It’s really just a great opportunity to showcase my skills and is a testament to all the hard work I’ve put in with the teams throughout the years. It’s a really cool way to finish off the [MLS NEXT] year.”

Leading the West squad will be MLS great Jeremy Hall, who played 127 games for five MLS teams during his playing career and is currently in his first year as an assistant coach for MNUFC2.

“In such a short time, I feel like I’ve been able to form such a good relationship with Jeremy [Hall] and I feel like him already knowing me, it’s definitely a benefit. I know his play style, so it’ll be helpful for me when we play the game,” said Leatherman about playing on Hall’s West Team.

Two teams will compete in an East vs. West format at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn. on the day of the MLS All-Star Game, Wednesday, August 10. Twenty-eight of the 29 MLS academies had at least one player selected to the inaugural rosters. Below are the full rosters of selected MLS NEXT players on their respective teams:

The 45 players were chosen by the MLS NEXT Player Selection Committee, which is made up of key MLS Player Development department personnel, following the conclusion of the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and Showcase. Players must have been U-18 (born in 2004 or earlier) and have competed in one of the MLS NEXT national showcase events this season, including MLS NEXT Fest, MLS NEXT Flex, Generation adidas Cup, and MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and Showcase.

The match will be streamed live and further tune-in details will be available at a later date. Admission to the MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate at the National Sports Center is free of cost.