Four Boys 2025s on the Rise in Illinois
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The Illinois club scene is hot and this summer showed the depth and quality of the group as the Illinois teams were prominently featured late in the knockout rounds of pretty much every national league. There were some standouts from…
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Continue ReadingThe Illinois club scene is hot and this summer showed the depth and quality of the group as the Illinois teams were prominently featured late in the knockout rounds of pretty much every national league. There were some standouts from the 2025 class that really caught the eye of scouts from those club games as well as from the past high school season. Below is a scouting report on four of the players.
Hudson is an intriguing prospect. There is little information about his club play online – it does seem like he previously played for Central Illinois United 06. The reason he made this list is the play at the high school level. The forward earned nearly every honor last season as a sophomore including All-State First Team. His scouting profile starts with his size – he is a tall player with finishers instincts. He has the frame that could develop into a back-to-the-goal center forward at the college level. He has poacher’s instincts and a quick twitch to jump on the ball around the box. His stats back it up with over 20 goals last season for his high school. He also offers a long throw-in weapon for his side.
Hynek is a tiny shinguards type of player. He plays with a veteran savviness that shines through at the youth level. He is a smart player, always focused on the game and anticipating the next play. It’s easy for scouts to love his game as he takes as much pride in his defense as he does his offense, which makes him a perfect weapon as a box-to-box midfielder. He is good in the open field with tackling. He makes quick decisions on the ball and rarely wastes a touch. With that player profile and mentality, it’s easy to see him playing for a long time.
Highlights
A right back or center back, Matei had an impressive season with FC United. He is more attack-minded than one would anticipate from a player who likely projects as a right center back in a back three at the next level. Don’t let the position fool you. He can be an impact player when given the freedom to get forward. He hits an excellent cross and he can finish chances on set pieces. Defensively, he has the pace to matchup against the top attackers at the youth level. He showed his quality during the MLS Next playoffs as he started two of the three games.
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Radeke is a player. And he proved it during the postseason with his Eclipse Select 06 squad. His play during the season earned him a spot on the Boys ECNL Conference Cup roster this summer. He is one of three 2025s on the North roster. Radeke is listed as a forward/midfielder on the roster. He has the versatility to play either spot at the next level. As an attacking midfielder, he offers the quality on the ball to be a playmaker in the attacking third or even a target in the buildup. He has a good first touch and he plays clean passes to his teammates. As a false 9, he is a difficult mark. His movement off the ball and the timing of his runs is excellent. Radeke is one player to really watch from the 2025 class.