Ranking Analysis: Goalkeepers and defense rule WA

The PrepSoccer Washington Boys Rankings for the class of 2023 was updated recently with over 20 players from the state ranked. The top prospects from the junior class include a number of players from the Seattle Sounders academy as well as standouts from Boys ECNL and the high school game. Reminder of the qualifications for the PrepSoccer state rankings: The PrepSoccer Player Rankings include amateur players only, once a player has signed a professional contract, he is removed from the rankings and listed on the Watch List for previously ranked players. The state used for the PrepSoccer Player Rankings is based on the player's current club. [player_tooltip player_id="18380" first="Wyatt" last="Nelson"] is the No. 1 player in the state for the junior class. The Sounders goalkeeper was recently named the Generation Adidas Cup U17 Golden Gloves winner (best goalkeeper). Nelson was outstanding for his club team on the way to winning the tournament. The Washington-native previously played for Seattle United. His play at the recent tournament earned him a late invitation to the U.S. U19 Men's National Team camp. Nelson has that rare ability to instill confidence in his team that he will come up with the clutch save when needed - he is the eraser of mistakes. Nelson, 6-foot-2, has the physical presence at the youth level to make a major difference in goal. Nelson will have his pick of suitors at the college level, but the professional pathway is on the table as he has really grown into a top level prospect in the past 12 months. [player_tooltip player_id="17606" first="Angel" last="Martinez"] is the No. 2 player in the class. Martinez is a center back for Sounders Academy who has been a standout at the club level for some time. Martinez has developed into a leader for his club team. He is a physical defender who likes to put in a challenge and wins most of the duels. Martinez was a key player for the Sounders Academy during the GA Cup. [player_tooltip player_id="17736" first="Connor" last="Lofy"] is the top player from outside of the Sounders organization. The Crossfire midfielder was the Boys ECNL NW Conference Player of the Year last season. The six-foot tall midfielder has the physical tools to be a standout at the college level. He is right-footed but capable with both feet. He is a talented passer who understands the significance of the weight of the pass. He is a two-way midfielder who could be a No. 8 or No. 6 at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="17698" first="Chad" last="Sovde"] is a standout for Pac NW SC in the Boys ECNL. Sovde is a versatile attacking talent who could be a midfielder or a forward at the next level. His play off the ball is one of his best attributes. He reads the game really well and knows how to time his runs. He had a strong club season for the Pac NW SC U19 team this season while competing against some of the best from the 2022 class in the region. [player_tooltip player_id="18302" first="Sheehan" last="Ganguly"] is a verbal commit for Washington for the class of 2023. He is a member of Eastside FC at the club level. He is a dangerous winger who is very skilled on the ball. Ganguly is one of the most skilled players in the region. He is a crafty player who offers a difference quality for the attacking third. [player_tooltip player_id="43767" first="Azavier" last="Coppin"] is a player to watch moving forward in this class. He has a rare combination of skill and speed from an attack. Coppin impressed so much last season as a sophomore that he was named The Herald's Boys Soccer Player of the Year as a sophomore. The right winger is great in space and will run away from defenders when he gets behind the defense. He can finish with either foot, but will smash the net off the goal with his right foot. He has the ability to be a difference-maker in the game at the next level. Check out<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/Washington/rankings/boys/2023-rankings/"> the Washington Boys Rankings for the Class of 2023.</a>