Rankings Analysis: Talent Exodus from California 2025s
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The rankings for the Boys Class of 2025 for California were released on PrepSoccer. The initial rankings for this class include some of the top talent in the country. A reminder of the PrepSoccer Rankings requirements: only players who retain…
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Continue ReadingThe rankings for the Boys Class of 2025 for California were released on PrepSoccer. The initial rankings for this class include some of the top talent in the country. A reminder of the PrepSoccer Rankings requirements: only players who retain amateur eligibility are considered for the rankings, and the location of the player’s club is used for the state rankings.
For the state of California, the 2025 class has lost quite a few players over the years to academy teams in other states. There are still a number of players who remain, but the number seems to be dwindling by the day.
Kyrome Lumsden Kyrome Lumsden M State #1 Nation CA , Ruben Ramos Jr., and Rohan Rajagopal Rohan Rajagopal M State #14 Nation CA hold the top three spots in the PrepSoccer rankings. All three look to be on the professional pathway at this point with their respective clubs, LAFC, LA Galaxy, and San Jose Earthquakes. The rest of the rankings reveal some players for scouts to watch this season as they continue to develop and earn more opportunities on the pitch.
Alex Cruz Alex Cruz D CA made news during the offseason as he decided to leave his boyhood club Sacramento Republic and join LA Galaxy. The Republic team was a hot spot for MLS scouts as the 07 group advanced to the semifinal round of the MLS Next Cup, and then saw a number of players leave for other clubs.
Cruz is an outside back with a lot of potential who should immediately contribute to the Galaxy Academy and look for a spot on the reserve team in the upcoming years.
Nolan Ruiz Nolan Ruiz D State CA is a player who has impressed at the youth national team level in the past. He was part of an ID camp last year. The defender has the trademarks of a Strikers player – a high work rate, a determination, and a coach-ability. He is a player to watch in the future as Strikers has expanded the player pathway to multiple outlets with a professional avenue now available as well.
Moreno impressed scouts with his play at the Boys ECNL National Playoffs in June. He is a two-way midfielder who is clean on the ball and calm under pressure. He is a good defensively and reads the game well. He is always in the right spots – he makes an impact on the game without even popping up on the scoresheet most games. Moreno showed a high-level understanding of his positioning, and will be one to watch in the future.
Looney is an attacking midfielder from the previously mentioned Sacramento Republic team. He is the type of midfielder who loves to join the attack on late runs or create an impact with his passing for a deep playmaking position. He is clever on the ball and often leaves defenders in his dust with his ball skills. Looney will be one to watch this season as the Republic will ask more of him after a number of players moved onto other clubs in the off-season. Republic has done an excellent job with player development and Looney should be one who benefits from the opportunity ahead.