MLS Next Cup Playoffs: U-15 – Standout Forwards
The best MLS academies and boys club teams in the country were in Frisco, Texas, during nine days in June wrapping up their seasons with the MLS Next Cup Playoffs. Champions were crowned in each division and several players stood…
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Continue ReadingThe best MLS academies and boys club teams in the country were in Frisco, Texas, during nine days in June wrapping up their seasons with the MLS Next Cup Playoffs.
Champions were crowned in each division and several players stood out with excellent performances throughout the week while Prep Soccer watched the action very closely.
I was in attendance during the first weekend of play and watched as many Round of 32 matches as I could, picking several players to highlight. With the tournament now over, it’s time we run that list down, starting with the U-15s. These are some forwards who were in top form during the playoffs:
Omar Hassan
Omar Hassan
Hassan’s energy and pace up top were among the main offensive weapons of the Seattle Sounders. Playing primarily on the left, he tormented defenders with his dribbling ability and aggressiveness on the ball, going at opponents every time he had a chance to do it. The pacey winger is great at keeping the ball under control when sprinting and creates a lot of problems for players that try to stop him. Hassan is also a very good finisher, displaying great calm and composure when in front of the goal, and is also very strong at pressuring defenders, understanding when to push them and moving quickly and aggressively.
Adams displayed a very complete game and led the line for the Columbus Crew up top. Because of his size and his strength, he operates well as a target striker, getting on the end of long passes and playing with his back to the goal. Adams has the skills and the vision to drop back and combine with his teammates and can also hurt defenses by making short runs with the ball in the final third. He also knows his way inside the penalty box and often finds himself in good positions to score.
Mathis Albert
Mathis Albert
A very dynamic and aggressive winger, Albert is a constant threat on the left side of LA Galaxy’s attack. He’s very good in 1v1 situations and is never afraid of getting on the ball and challenging opposing defenders. Albert is highly successful in his individual plays because of his numerous moves and his high soccer IQ, which allows him to pick the right one to use in each situation. He’s very quick and direct too and can finish well with both feet. Albert is very intelligent with his movement off the ball and doesn’t limit his impact to the left side of the field, often drifting inside to get on the ball and make plays.
Cliff-Grova Rwabira
Cliff-Grova Rwabira
A tall and athletic striker, Rwabira split his playing time at the New England Revolution striker spot with Cristiano Carlos. Rwabira’s physical tools allow him to work as an offensive reference to the team up and make of him a very strong player in the air, but he’s also very mobile, circulating well inside and around the penalty box. He uses his body well to shield the ball and protect his space and is also efficient in combination plays and with his positioning inside the penalty box.
Cadriano Marsh
Cadriano Marsh
Recently called up to the Jamaican U15 national team, Marsh combines pace and physical strength in a very efficient way. Normally deployed on the left side of Inter Miami’s attacking line, he’s very good at dribbling the ball forward, moving quickly on the field and using his long frame to shield the ball from opposing defenders. Marsh gives his team a lot of options up top as he’s capable of either getting the ball in empty spaces or to his feet, making quick turns to beat defenders and start his run. He’s also very disciplined to track back and help his team on defense.