Seven Goals in Five Games: Zidane Yáñez Makes His Move

Zidane Yáñez is making up for lost time. After spending an extended period on the sidelines with an injury, the forward has found his rhythm at Huntsville City FC, turning a change of scenery into an impressive run of form in MLS NEXT Pro.

The numbers underline just how strong his recent performances have been. Yáñez has recorded nine goals and two assists in 12 appearances this season, but his current stretch has been particularly impressive: seven goals and one assist in his last five matches. That recent production accounts for the vast majority of his season total and reflects a player who has found his confidence and attacking instincts again.

His scoring run has included a brace against New England Revolution II on August 30, another goal against Chattanooga FC on September 10, and two more against Inter Miami II on September 13. He also scored and provided an assist against New York Red Bulls II on September 20, continuing a stretch in which he has consistently made an impact in the final third.

The move to Huntsville has played an important role in that resurgence. Yáñez joined the MLS NEXT Pro side on loan from New York City FC in May, seeking an opportunity to get back on the field and rebuild momentum after his injury setback. The change has given him a platform to show the qualities that made him an intriguing prospect in the first place: his instinct around goal, ability to find scoring positions, and capacity to influence games in the attacking third.

His development has also attracted attention at the international level. In September, Yáñez received an invitation to join Chile’s senior national team setup during its North American tour. Although he was invited to train rather than included among the squad’s officially selected players, the opportunity represented a significant milestone for the young forward and recognition of his progress.

Yáñez previously represented Chile at youth level, including at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. His senior-team invitation adds another chapter to an international journey that continues to develop alongside his club career.

At 18, Yáñez still has plenty of development ahead of him. His immediate priority is to maintain his fitness, build on his recent production and continue adapting to the demands of professional football. The move to Huntsville has given him a setting in which to play more regularly, and his performances suggest he is making the most of that opportunity.

For Chile, his invitation offers a closer look at a forward who has already progressed through the country’s youth pathway. For Nashville, his scoring run provides encouraging evidence of his potential within the club’s development structure. And for Yáñez himself, the past few months have been about getting back on the field and showing what he can do.

After an injury setback and limited opportunities at NYCFC, the forward has found renewed momentum at Huntsville City FC. Seven goals and one assist in five games marked a defining stretch of his season, while the invitation to Chile’s senior setup added another milestone. His next challenge is to make this resurgence the beginning of a sustained upward trajectory.