Rankings Analysis: California Girls Best Stand Tall
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The PrepSoccer Rankings for the Class of 2025 for California was released earlier this week. This is the first edition of the rankings. They will be updated three times per club season. The initial rankings for the class of 2025,…
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Continue ReadingThe PrepSoccer Rankings for the Class of 2025 for California was released earlier this week. This is the first edition of the rankings. They will be updated three times per club season. The initial rankings for the class of 2025, sophomores in high school, included over 70 players in the rankings and dozens more in the watch list. The rankings will be expanded in the next update as we have the opportunity to scout more players in the coming months during showcases, events, and league games.
Throughout this week, we have done deep dives into the rankings from a scout perspective; looking at the players with the highest ceiling, the defenders to know, and the key attacking talent from the class.
This article is a deep dive into the blue-chip prospects from the class of 2025. A blue-chip prospect is as close to a sure-thing as it comes in the recruiting space. It’s a player with elite skills that easily translate to the next level, and project as a player who could reach the processional level in the future. The top 10 of the California 2025 rankings include some of the top talents in the country and will be a fun group to watch develop and grow over the next few years at the youth level.
Barcenas missed out on some events in 2022 due to a minor injury keeping her off the U.S. Youth National Team for the Concacaf U17 Championship. The attacking midfielder might have been on the mend during that event, but there is no reason to doubt she is one of the top talents in the game right now. She is an intelligent, skillful player who is quickly making a name for herself. Barcenas plays up two age groups at the club level, as she stars with the San Diego Surf 05 team in the ECNL. Barcenas is a terrific passer. It’s her elite skill, as it’s obvious to see her influence on the game is with her playmaking. She has a strong technical foundation and looks very comfortable on the ball, which sets her up to play out of tight spaces and under considerable pressure. She makes quick decisions on the ball and looks ready to step up to a game played at a much faster pace.
Bugg is one of the players who has climbed the most in the past 18 months. The midfielder/do-everything player is one to watch as she continues to put all of the pieces together on the field. Bugg’s athleticism is unreal. She covers so much ground and refuses to quit on any play. She is the type of player that every coach wants on their team, and every coach knows she needs to be on the field as long as the game is competitive.
Highlights
Ashlyn Puerta Ashlyn Puerta M #14 Nation CA was a standout for the USA U15 Women’s Youth National Team during the recent Concacaf Championship in Florida. She came off the bench in the second half and provided a goal and an assist. Puerta offers that game-breaking ability. She is clever on the ball and has great vision. She has quick feet and uses her body well to hold off defenders. Puerta’s had a dream summer with a club championship along with an international title, but it feels like she is just barely scratching the surface of her potential.
Elhom Khursand Elhom Khursand null | M State #83 Nation CA is another player on the rise in the recent months. The forward had a standout campaign with San Juan SC during the ECNL season. Her play at the club level earned her an invite to the ECNL National Camp in Portland in July. She continued her impressive run of form at that event while playing against the best in the country. Khursand earned a spot on the Best XI squad.
Powell is a rare player on the list as she plays outside of the two major national club leagues for Tudela FC, which is a club that will be taking part in the Girls Academy events during the 2022/2023 season. Powell will be one of the players that scouts will be most curious about this season. She is an attacking player who lines in the midfield. She is dynamic on the ball and a good finisher.