Sporting KC II defender Nati Clarke has earned the MLS NEXT Rising Star honor after helping his side shutout the Western Conference leaders Colorado Rapids 2 during their 4-0 victory last Sunday
The 18-year-old showcased his defensive skills against Rapids 2, playing a key role in slowing down one of the league's most potent offenses, winning nearly half his defensive duels and boasting an impressive 80.8% pass completion rate.
The young defender has started all eleven games he’s played in this season for Benny Feilhaber’s squad, accumulating 17 clearances, 5 blocks, and 21 interceptions.Â
Clarke’s calmness on the ball and ability to find his teammates has made him a valuable asset to Sporting KC II's gameplay, earning an accurate passing percentage of 84.5% and a total of 366 successful passes this season.
Hailing from Ethiopia and raised in Topeka, Kansas, Clarke's journey to success is inspiring. He joined the Sporting KC Academy in 2016 and has represented the United States at the U-15 level.
Clarke made his mark in the 2019 UEFA U15 Development Tournament by wearing the captain’s armband in two games and scoring a goal against Poland.
Last July, Clarke signed his first amateur contract with Sporting KC II, starting in five of his nine MLS NEXT Pro appearances in 2022.
Since then Clarke has continued to blossom in MLS NEXT Pro and for Sporting KC II being recently named as one of 44 selected players for the second annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game that took place last July in Washington, D.C.
His hard work, leadership qualities, and dedication to improvement have earned him a significant place in the team and raised hopes for a promising future.
