Former Indiana men’s soccer forward Sam Sarver was named the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Most Valuable Player presented by adidas on Wednesday, according to a North Texas SC release. The regular season awards were voted on by the head coaches and chief soccer officers at MLS NEXT Pro Clubs and league content and broadcast teams.
Sarver was drafted 41st overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas, following a productive four-year career with the Hoosiers. He scored 24 goals and recorded 22 assists in his tenure in Bloomington, helping Indiana to four consecutive Sweet 16 appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
Sarver signed his first professional contract with North Texas SC on Jan. 26 — a reserve team of FC Dallas.
In his first season with North Texas SC, he was named the team captain and made an appearance in 25 of North Texas’ 30 total games. He led the team in goals with 19, which broke the previous club-record of 16 in a season. Sarver also tallied four assists and recorded the first four-goal game in the club history.
On July 24, the Chesterland, Ohio, native signed with FC Dallas following his season with North Texas SC in MLS NEXT Pro.
Sarver made his debut for Dallas FC on July 19, becoming the 37th player to feature for both the professional and affiliate team. He has contributed two assists in his six appearances — which includes one start — for Dallas FC.
Follow reporters Elakai Anela (@elakai_anela and eanela@iu.edu) and Mateo Fuentes-Rohwer (@mateo_frohwer and matfuent@iu.edu) for updates throughout the Indiana men's soccer season.
