Boys DC/MD Boys HS Review-’24 Defenders That Impressed
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With the Maryland-D.C. High School soccer season in the books, let’s take a look at some of the top 2024 boys defenders that will be looking to have a strong season in the spring for their club side and a…
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Continue ReadingWith the Maryland-D.C. High School soccer season in the books, let’s take a look at some of the top 2024 boys defenders that will be looking to have a strong season in the spring for their club side and a bigger role with their high school team come 2023! Have a player that you want to feature? Email our DMV Soccer Reporter Sean Maslin at semaslin05@gmail.com.
Jake Bender
Jake Bender
Bender was part of a Tuscarora backline that dominated Maryland State 3A play this fall, earning 14 shutouts and top honors in the final. His timing on his tackles is superb, able to deftly make a good, physical challenge without incurring a caution. Furthermore, he is more than comfortable on the counter-attack, scoring 9 goals for the Titans this season. fOR his efforts he was named to the MACS All-State Second Team and the Frederick County Post’s All-County First Team. At his club side Potomac Soccer he is a part of their 2005 side that is currently playing in US Youth Soccer’s National League.
Carmichael was recently named to the Boys ECNL National Selection game, a testament to his work for his club side Pipeline but also for his high school exploits at Loyola-Blakefield. The Dons posted an impressive 15-4-1 record in MIAA play thanks in large part to Carmichael’s organization and leadership along the backline. His ability to build attacking chances from the back and maintaining possession when in the lead helped the side to the top of one of the toughest conferences in the state. He was named to the Baltimore Sun’s All-Metro First Time and was named to the Maryland All-State First Team.
Dominic Radice
Dominic Radice
The young Churchill side dominated Montgomery County league play this season and Radice’s efforts along the backline were a major reason why. The Potomac Soccer defender helped the Bulldogs backline record eight shutouts during the season, pushing the side to the number one seed in the Maryland 4A Regional playoffs. He is going to get a lot more experience with PSA playing in the National League which will undoubtedly help when it comes time for his senior season.
Eddie Smith
Eddie Smith
Smith is one of the top center-backs in the state, having led John Carroll to the MIAA finals this season with one of the state’s top defenses. He controls the pace of the match perfectly, making expert passes out wide when needed or a timely clear to end goal-scoring chances. He is also unafraid of going up for headers, both in terms of 50-50 balls and on set pieces. On the attack, he has shown a willingness to take a chance at goal, as evidenced by his critical shot against Loyola Blakefield this season. Last season, he was named to the ECNL All-America team at Pipeline and has participated in US Youth Soccer National Team Regional ID Camps.
JJ Condra
JJ Condra
Condra’s work getting back on counter-attacks and making timely clears helped Old Mill High School make it to the top of the Anne Arundel High School County standings. The Maryland United FC center-back possesses excellent vision and can make precise runs at attackers that limit their chances at goal. He also has a booming right foot which helps in dangerous situations inside the eighteen yard box.
Camden Deming
Camden Deming
Deming is an interesting defender because he also plays basketball. That influence positively impacts his game, both in terms of how he sees the field and his ability to box out attackers. He approaches it very much with a basketball mindset which is something attackers don’t normally see at the high school level. He more than proved his value to the young side in their Maryland 2A Regional match against Century, holding one of the top offenses in the state to just a goal. Will be a major player in the Monocacy Valley Athletic League next season.
Quinn Favorite
Quinn Favorite
Favorite is a strong, tall center-back that likes control the pace of the match with pinpoint passing and his expert vision. He is very good at seeing the entire field and picking out teammates with space to operate. He is also quite fast (he is also on Manchester Valley’s track and field 4×400 and 4×200 track and field team) and has from time-to-time led the side in the counter-attack, either from the defense or as a midfielder.