This week marked the conclusion of the Jezec Cup in the Czech Republic, where the USA U17s faced off against Germany, Slovakia, and the tournament’s host nation. It is important to note, that although The States brought a roster of U17s, the tournament was organised as an U18 tournament, meaning that The States were largely competing against players one year their senior. Vitaliy Hlyut was named as one of twenty players on the roster for the tournament as they prepare for the Concacaf U17 Championship, taking place next year. Hlyut has been a mainstay in the US Youth National Team, receiving multiple call-ups to the U16s and now moving into the U17s.

Hlyut appeared in all three matches at the Jezec Cup for The States, including a start against Germany in a 1-0 loss (61’). Facing off against a very strong U18 side of the European giants, Germany, Hlyut played on the left wing and eventually made way for Mathis Albert in the second half. Hlyut made an appearance off the bench in the following match of the tournament, against Czech in the USA’s 4-0 win (28’) and a second start against Slovakia in a 1-1 draw (45’). 

Hlyut’s success at the national team level follows his impressive displays with the Chicago Fire in MLS Next Pro. Still just 16 years old, Hlyut has made 13 appearances so far this season for the Chicago Fire II including 5 starts. He has largely featured on the wing, most often on the left side, where he frequently finds himself drifting into central spaces to create and finish scoring opportunities. In his 13 appearances so far this season, he has tallied one goal and one assist in addition to the goal that he scored in the US Open Cup. 

Focusing on Vitaliy’s threat in attacking positions, he has created eight goal-scoring opportunities this season while maintaining a 78.5% passing accuracy throughout his 13 appearances for Chicago Fire II. 

Vitaliy was recognized by MLS for his performances at the academy level and with Chicago Fire II by being selected to the MLS Next All-Star match which took place in July.

Having now played in the Jezec Cup, Vitaliy has been exposed to the demands and standards of top European nations. Countless eyes were watching the USA U17s compete and Vitaliy could prove to be a very interesting prospect for European clubs to keep tabs on. 

Despite Vitaliy’s success at the club level in MLS Next Pro and now with the Youth National Team, Vitaliy remains bound to his club on an Academy Contract. With strong performances at the senior level, Vitaliy will be eager to push on and take steps to progress his career forward.