Rankings Analysis: Outside backs rule 2024 in WA

<p class="p1">The Washington boys class of 2024 features a number of players on the professional pathway at this point, thanks to the success of the Sounders Academy in international competitions. The players have not signed contracts yet though. The rumored next addition to the Sounders professional ranks, [player_tooltip player_id="18318" first="Stuart" last="Hawkins"], is actually part of the 2025 class.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">The current sophomores still have plenty of top prospects among the ranks including a quartet of standouts from the recent Generation Adidas Cup action in Dallas. Reminder of the PrepSoccer State rankings requirements: amateur players only are considered in the rankings and the location of the player's club is used for the state classification.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">[player_tooltip player_id="43793" first="Jayson" last="Castillo"] is the No. 1 player in the state for the current sophomores. The outside back has versatility but mainly features as a right back. He partnered well with [player_tooltip player_id="17606" first="Angel" last="Martinez"] during the Sounders U17 run to the GA Cup Championship in April. Castillo's play this season earned him an invite to the U.S. U17 Men's National Team. Fellow Sounders outside back [player_tooltip player_id="43700" first="Gabe" last="Fernandez"] also pops up in the top five in this class. Fernandez had some standout moments in April that secured his place on the list. He is listed as a 2024 graduate and part of the Guam U16 National Team. He is a left back with good skill who likes to get forward and join the attack. He is a competitive player who does well in duels and is not afraid to put in a tackle in space.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Alex Hall and [player_tooltip player_id="17716" first="Christopher" last="Aquino"] are two players who really impressed during the GA Cup and earned high rankings in this initial class rank for Washington. Hall had some moments during the GA Cup when he was unstoppable against some of the best competition in the US and from around the world in this age group.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">[player_tooltip player_id="18045" first="Kaloyan" last="Iliev"], a forward from Crossfire Premier, is the top ranked player from outside of an MLS academy in the Washington rankings for the class of 2024. Iliev was an ECNL All-American last season for his play at the club level. The physical target forward continues to impress as he was one of the standouts at Dallas Cup in April.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">[player_tooltip player_id="17742" first="Cooper" last="Haley"] is one of the top prospects from Seattle United. Haley plays as either a defensive midfielder or a center back. He is a player that every coach wants in the spine of the team. He is lethal on set-pieces - he can bury a chance from with 25 yards and he can also provide a perfect service on dead ball situations when farther out from goal. From the run of play, he is an excellent passer. His right foot can hit an accurate pass over 50 yards with ease. Haley has a lot of the qualities that scouts look for from center backs at the next level.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Alex Bazia is one of the most interesting players from the area. He is a 5-foot-10 midfielder with good skill. He is impossible to knock off the ball, with incredible body control. He moves on the field like a dancer - there is a flow to how he runs and changes direction. But then he will run through you like a bulldozer. Bazia plays with his head up and is excellent at playing passes into space for his teammates. He is a player to watch for the upcoming season as he continues to round out his game.</p> <p class="p1">Check out the <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/Washington/rankings/boys/2024-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Washington rankings for the boys class of 2024</a>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>