Major League soccer is courting U.S. under-17 star Junior Flores, who was raised in Manassas Park. (John McDonnell/THE WASHINGTON POST)
The 15-year-old led Manassas Park High School to a Virginia state championship as a freshman last spring, and had a goal and three assists for the U.S. under-17s in the Nike International Friendlies held Nov. 30 to Dec. 4, leading them to the tournament championship. He has been courted heavily by MLS and was offered a lucrative Generation Adidas contract by the league this morning, his father, Oscar Flores, said.
Seattle, San Jose, Dallas and Chicago have shown initial interest in the playmaking central midfielder, Oscar Flores said.
Flores was featured in a Post story about players who face a decision when they are courted by both the U.S. soccer federation and that of their parents’ home country.
The contract would consist of a low base salary of $33,000 with around $100,000 in guaranteed money, which is typical of GA contracts. Last season, D.C. United rookie Perry Kitchen made a base salary of $62,000 but had guaranteed compensation totaling $148,000, while top overall draft pick Omar Salgado had a base contract of $80,000 with a guaranteed total of $122,000.
The family is continuing negotiations through its agent, Oscar Flores said, but with interest from teams overseas, including German club Borussia Dortmund, it is not assured that Junior Flores will sign with MLS. Flores may also elect to remain in the residency program instead of signing a professional contract.
Should he sign the contract, Junior Flores would be eligible for the MLS SuperDraft next Thursday.
Though Junior Flores was raised in Manassas, he is not eligible for a D.C. United homegrown contract because he never played for United’s Academy team. Flores played much of his youth ball with a local club team and later affiliated with the McLean Academy due to the travel time to Washington.
