Ranking Analysis: UM vs MSU for in-state stars
The Michigan talent pool is deep, but MLS academies have been trying to pry away some of the top talent from the state over the years. For clarity, the PrepSoccer state rankings use the players club as the state, rather…
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Continue ReadingThe Michigan talent pool is deep, but MLS academies have been trying to pry away some of the top talent from the state over the years. For clarity, the PrepSoccer state rankings use the players club as the state, rather than hometown.
Players that have left the state to play for Crew SC and Real Salt Lake academies are not in these rankings. Rather, the players still playing for the clubs in-state are included in the rankings.
The top juniors from Michigan including players from all levels of the club game. There are a few top talents from MLS Next, some Boys ECNL stars, and high school all-state contributors. The recruiting battle in the state is just starting to heat up as Michigan and Michigan State battle over the top prospects among the 2023 class.
Carson Ballagh Carson Ballagh 5'11" | M State #53 Nation MI is the No. 1 player in the Michigan rankings for the class of 2023. Ballagh is a defensive midfielder for Vardar Academy in MLS Next. His play at the MLS Next level earned the attention of scouts and he received an invite to the U.S. Soccer Regional Identification event for the 2004 and 2005 age groups last year. He is an excellent passer for his position. He can spray the ball around the field with his right foot. He is a physical presence in the center of the field and has good lower body strength to win duels. He has excellent tactical understanding of the game, and should comfortably fit into a starting role at the next level early on in his career.
Kyle Pierson Kyle Pierson 5'7" | M Detroit Catholic Central | 2023 State #83 Nation MI is the No. 2 player in the class. The Michigan Wolves prospect is a versatile option at the club level, which should translate well at the Division I level. He is a verbal commitment for the Michigan class. A fierce competitor with a high work-rate, Pierson has been a standout in the MLS Next U19 age bracket this season.
Andrew Darakdijan has been one of the breakout players in club soccer this season for the 2023 class. The midfielder has every tool in his kit to be an influential player at the next level and beyond. He is a weapon in the attack with his finishing ability, as he can score with either foot and has the burst to get past the defense. His vision in seeing passing lanes is exceptional for a youth player, and is one of the leaders at the youth level in key passes per game. Although he tends to play in a more advanced role, he is a two-way player who is more than capable of putting in a tackle in the center of the field. Darakdijan has the athleticism and physical presence to be a key player at the next level.
Richie Ludwig Richie Ludwig F Clarkston | 2023 State #27 Nation MI is a player to watch during the rest of this season. The Nationals launched a USPL team this year to challenge some of the players looking to make the jump to the next level. Ludwig is one of those players. He had the assist on the first goal in club history last month. He played on the wing and delivered in a wonderful cross with his left foot from the end line. Ludwig is a verbal commit for the Michigan State class of 2023.
Trevor Hammond Trevor Hammond GK State MI is the top rated goalkeeper from the class. Hammond is active off his line and a good ball hunter with quick instincts. Hammond has good skill with his feet and is a good option in the build-up for teams playing that style.
Check out the Michigan rankings for the Boys Class of 2023.