Sergey Balatsko: Our 2007 Goalkeeper Selected for MLS NEXT All-Star Game

We are thrilled to announce that Sergey Balatsko, our talented 2007 BW Gottschee goalkeeper, has been selected to participate in the prestigious MLS NEXT All-Star Game. Sergey is one of only three players from non-MLS clubs on the East Coast to earn this honor, highlighting his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. This achievement also marks the second consecutive year that a BW Gottschee player has been chosen for this elite event, following in the footsteps of Charlie Demarco, our 2005 goalkeeper, who made the All-Star roster last year.

The All-Star Game

The MLS NEXT All-Star Game will feature an East vs. West format and is set to take place at the historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, July 23, the day before the MLS All-Star Game. This highly anticipated event will showcase the best young talent in the country, with nine clubs having multiple selections. Among them, the LA Galaxy leads with three players from their U17 side that recently won the MLS NEXT Cup in 2024.

Representing Elite Academies

For the first time in the game’s history, six different MLS NEXT Elite Academies will be represented in Columbus. This includes Albion SC Los Angeles, Barca Residency Academy, BW Gottschee, FC Delco, Players Development Academy, and Strikers FC. Only BW Gottschee and FC Delco can boast having selections in two back-to-back years. Sergey’s selection underscores the strength and quality of training at BW Gottschee, further cementing our reputation as a premier soccer academy.

Coaching Staff

The East team, which will include Sergey, will be led by Columbus Crew’s director of player development, Dan Lock. Lock has played a pivotal role in the Crew’s successful player development pathway, contributing to their 2023 MLS Cup victory and 2022 MLS NEXT Pro Cup win. Before joining Columbus, Lock served as the academy manager and U17 head coach for Charlotte FC and held various coaching roles with Seattle Sounders FC.

The West team will be coached by LA Galaxy U17 head coach Shaun Tsakiris, who recently became the first coach to win the U17 age group of the MLS NEXT Cup twice. Tsakiris has been instrumental in developing young talents at the Galaxy and has also served as the U.S. U16 Youth National Team head coach and is currently an assistant for the U.S. U20 Youth National Team.

Celebrating Sergey’s Achievement

Sergey’s selection for the MLS NEXT All-Star Game is a testament to his hard work, talent, and the excellent coaching he has received at BW Gottschee. His journey from our academy to the national spotlight serves as an inspiration to all our players. We are incredibly proud of Sergey and excited to see him represent BW Gottschee on such a prestigious platform.

Looking Ahead

As Sergey prepares to compete against the best young players in the country, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to him. We encourage all our supporters to tune in and cheer for Sergey as he showcases his skills on the national stage. This is a significant milestone for Sergey and BW Gottschee, and we look forward to celebrating many more such achievements in the future.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us in supporting Sergey Balatsko as he takes on the best at the MLS NEXT All-Star Game. Go Gottschee!