You’ve seen the name popping up in local tournament brackets and high school scouting reports across California lately. Adan Vargas. It’s one of those names that sounds like it should belong to a seasoned pro, yet if you’re looking for him on the roster of the Seattle Sounders or the Mexican National Team, you’re actually looking for his brother, Obed.
Honestly, the confusion is understandable. The Vargas family has basically turned into a soccer factory out of Anchorage, Alaska, and now their footprint is all over the West Coast. While Obed is the one grabbing headlines in MLS and international friendlies, Adan Vargas is carving out a very specific, high-ceiling path in the California youth and high school scene that a lot of people are completely sleeping on.
The Local Legend vs. The National Spotlight
Most people searching for "Adan Vargas boys soccer" are usually trying to find the "next big thing" or they’ve simply mixed him up with the pro in the family. Let’s set the record straight: Adan isn't playing for El Tri yet. He’s currently a standout at Highland High School in Bakersfield, California.
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If you’ve ever watched a Highland game, you know the vibe. It’s gritty. It’s fast. Adan is a class of 2027 prospect, which means he’s right in that sweet spot where college scouts start hovering around the sidelines with clipboards. He’s listed around 5'11" and 185 lbs—which, for a high school soccer player, is a bit of a tank. He doesn't just play soccer; he’s also a heavy hitter on the football field as a linebacker and halfback.
That multi-sport background changes everything about how he moves on the pitch. Most youth soccer players are "lean and light." Adan is built differently. When he’s tracking back in the midfield or fighting for a ball in the air, he’s using that linebacker leverage to just physically erase opponents. It’s a style that’s becoming increasingly rare as the game moves toward a more technical, "non-contact" feel.
Why the Highland Connection Matters
Highland High isn't just some random school; it’s a competitive environment in the Central Section of California. Playing there means Adan is constantly tested against high-level talent from the San Joaquin Valley.
- Physicality: He brings a level of aggression that most 16-year-olds simply don't have.
- Versatility: You’ll see him listed as a midfielder and forward, but his defensive instincts from football make him a nightmare for opposing playmakers.
- The Family Blueprint: He’s following the same developmental arc that took his brothers from Alaska to the lower 48 to find better competition.
There is a weird phenomenon in soccer recruiting where we ignore the "late bloomers" or the kids who aren't in a pro academy by age 12. Adan is kind of the antithesis of the "academy drone." He’s a raw, powerful athlete who is still refining his technical touch. Honestly, that’s a lot more exciting to some coaches than a kid who has been over-coached in a sterile environment since he could walk.
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Breaking Down the Stats (The Real Ones)
If you look at the recent MaxPreps data, Adan is a cornerstone for the Scots. In the 2024-2025 seasons, his presence on the varsity squad has been about more than just goals. It’s about "presence."
- Defensive Contributions: He leads by example in the press.
- Dual-Sport Stamina: Playing football and soccer in the same cycle requires a level of fitness that most "soccer-only" kids struggle with.
- Class of 2027 Rankings: He’s currently moving up the ladder as a "Player to Watch" in the Bakersfield area.
The "Obed Shadow" and the Alaska Roots
It’s impossible to talk about Adan without mentioning the Vargas family legacy. Their dad, Obed Sr., played in the youth academy of Atlético Morelia in Mexico. He’s the one who moved the family to Alaska, which, let’s be real, isn't exactly a soccer mecca.
But that’s where the "Vargas style" was born. They played on frozen fields. They played in gyms. They played in the yard where it was "kill or be killed," as the family often says. Adan carries that same chip on his shoulder. He’s not just playing for a win; he’s playing to prove that the kid from the "frozen north" belongs on the sunny pitches of Southern California.
People often ask: "Is he as good as Obed?"
That’s the wrong question. They are different players. Obed is a silky, pass-first midfielder who controls the tempo of an MLS game. Adan is a disruptor. He’s the guy who wins the ball back and starts the counter-attack by sheer force of will. If Obed is the conductor, Adan is the engine room.
What scouts are actually looking for in 2026
The landscape of boys' soccer recruiting has shifted. It’s no longer just about who can do the most step-overs. Scouts are looking for "transition monsters"—players who can flip the field in three seconds.
Adan fits this mold perfectly. Because he understands defensive gaps from his time as a linebacker, he sees the field differently. He knows where the "hole" is before the opposing midfielder even makes the pass. This "soccer IQ" combined with his physical frame makes him a prime candidate for a D1 program or even a late-entry into an MLS Next Pro side if he keeps this trajectory.
Common Misconceptions
- "He's just a football player playing soccer." Wrong. His footwork in tight spaces is surprisingly refined. You don't play varsity soccer in California just because you're big.
- "He’s only known because of his brother." While the name gets him in the door, his tape keeps people in the room. He’s earning his own minutes at Highland.
- "Alaska players can't compete." This myth was officially busted about three years ago. If anything, it proves they have more "dog" in them because they had to work twice as hard for half the scouts.
The Road to 2027
As Adan enters his senior years at Highland, the pressure is going to ramp up. He’s going to be the focal point of every scouting report in the district. Teams are going to double-team him. They’re going to try to get under his skin.
But that’s where the "Vargas DNA" kicks in. These kids don't rattle. Whether it's playing in front of 30,000 people in Seattle or 300 people in Bakersfield, the intensity remains the same.
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If you are a coach looking for a player who can play 90 minutes, win every 50/50 ball, and then go hit a 300-pound sled in the weight room the next morning, Adan is your guy. He’s basically the prototype for the modern, athletic American soccer player.
How to Follow His Progress
If you want to keep tabs on Adan's journey, don't just look at the scoreboards. Look at the "intangibles."
- Watch the transition play: Notice how fast he moves from a defensive shape to an attacking one.
- Check the regional rankings: Keep an eye on the Central Section "All-Area" lists.
- Look for the "Vargas" switch: His brother made a federation switch to Mexico; it’ll be interesting to see if Adan follows that path or stays in the USYNT conversation as he develops.
The kid is a force. He’s making sure that when people say "Vargas," they have to ask, "Which one?" because both are making a serious case for greatness.
To see how Adan’s stats compare to other top recruits in the Central Section, check out the latest updates on the Highland High varsity page or follow the regional high school soccer rankings on MaxPreps.