D.C. 2022 Preseason All-Metro Boys

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite academy programs skinning top players from the high school game, the high school scene in the D.C. are remains strong -- especially thanks to the depth created in a Metro market of nearly 6.5 million people. Now, to better define the D.C. area, this includes the the public and private schools in D.C. proper, plus the suburban Maryland counties of Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George's and the nearby SMAC schools, along with a handful of fall-playing Northern Virginia schools. Anne Arundel and Howard counties, two strong public school soccer areas, are grouped in the Baltimore Metro area, even though those players are also honored by the D.C. media. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a glance at the top players to watch this fall: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FORWARDS:</strong> <strong>Erick Laffey</strong> of St. John's was the D.C. Gatorade Player of the Year and a first-team Washington Post All-Metro player. He netted 24 goals and added 13 assists. ... <strong>Erick Rodriguez</strong> of Tuscarora is an explosive attacking player and part of the reason Tuscarora is considered a state title contender and likely nationally ranked program. ... <strong>Kareem Davis</strong> of perennial power Bowie is returning after scoring 18 goals, racking up 15 assists during a Washington Post All-Met first team showing. ... <strong>Bardia Hormozi</strong>, a Washington Post All-Metro first-team pick for Walter Johnson, is rumored to not be returning to his high school soccer this season. If he's back, he's a lock on the Preseason 11. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MIDFIELDERS: </strong>The top projected returner was expected to be<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='11758' first='Kristian' last='Fletcher'] </strong>at Landon School, who was a PrepSoccer.com first-team All-America pick last year. Instead, he signed a professional contract and will not be playing high school soccer this fall. The move could leave <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='41537' first='Rory' last='Brookhart']</strong> of Churchill, a Colgate commit, as the top projected returner in midfield. He has been a club standout going back to the U14 days and this is expected to be his second year playing high school soccer. ... <strong>Nik Avillo </strong>of Walter Johnson was a first-team all-state and honorable mention Washington Post All-Met selection after helping Walter Johnson to a national ranking for parts of 2021 campaign. ... <strong>Conrad Brady </strong>of Landon School, who played alongside Fletcher, also was an honorable mention Washington Post All-Metro pick in 2021.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DEFENDERS:</strong> <strong>Tony Lombardi</strong> is among the most coveted East Coast defenders. The Division I prospect who plays his club soccer in Baltimore helped Tuscarora to a national ranking last year and he earned Frederick News-Post Defensive Player of the Year. ... <strong>Colin Pendergast</strong> of Gonzaga was a Washington Post All-Met first-team pick last year. He also plays in the midfield. ...<strong> Robbie Gresham</strong> of Good Counsel rounds out the defender group. He was a second-team WCAC pick during last year's title run by Good Counsel. He played club soccer for Baltimore Armour.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GOALKEEPER:</strong> Two of the best keepers in the D.C. area are league rivals in the WCAC -- <strong>Owen Allegro</strong> of Bishop McNamara and <strong>Finn Godfrey </strong>of The Heights. Allegro, who was an WCAC honorable mention honoree last year, gets the nod. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:shortcode --> [table id=240 /] <!-- /wp:shortcode --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->