Four NorCal 2025 boys players to watch

Northern California does not get the same kind of attention from recruiters that Southern California receives in the boys soccer world, but there are gems throughout the Bay Area. Four players, including three along the I-580 corridor of Richmond, Berkeley and Piedmont, are names that should not be forgotten when college recruiters start plucking from this class in a year’s time. <strong>Andres Araujo, Striker</strong> Araujo can play any of the offensive positions, from a lone striker to a forward to an attacking midfielder. He is a difference-maker wherever you put him, even against top position as he showed during the high school season in some of Richmond’s games against teams such as Torrey Pines. He has an intuitive approach to the game, giving him a sense of what to do in all situations. He is also very thoughtful but does not overthink. He is technically very strong, excellent in 1v1 situations and is very physical, considering his age. <strong>Oliver Adams, Forward</strong> Adams, who made the 2021/2022 Northern California ODP player pool, is an all-around player. He is extremely smart, showing a high soccer IQ and in addition, he is big, athletic and strong. He plays the No. 7 spot, and can really get up and down the pitch, take on defenders physically and get past people. He plays for Berkeley High. <strong>Enzo Bernales, Midfielder</strong> Bernales, who plays his high school soccer at Piedmont High, is a very skilled midfielder. He is very technical and he is a confident player who is unafraid. He shows good skill, showing that he is strong on the ball and is hard to knock off the ball because of his body control and low center of gravity. <strong>Demario McIntosh, Forward</strong> McIntosh is a player who will start popping up and people’s radars very soon. The Mission San Jose High and Newark Football Club player is a secret ... for now. He is a good-sized, athletic player who is in incredible shape, is very fast, quick and is very, very skilled. His best attribute is just what you want it to be from an attacking player as he puts the ball in the net. He is also a high character, respectful young man.