US Soccer identifies top 09 talent in Midwest
US Soccer is hosting Talent ID Center events across the country in key markets over the next few weeks. Many have already taken place with quite a few still to come. The roster for the upcoming one in Columbus, Ohio…
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Continue ReadingUS Soccer is hosting Talent ID Center events across the country in key markets over the next few weeks. Many have already taken place with quite a few still to come. The roster for the upcoming one in Columbus, Ohio was leaked on social media.
Check out some of the names to know from this group and the full roster at the bottom of the page.
Rushchak is a midfielder on the Columbus Crew MLS Next team. He is originally from Detroit. He plays as a defensive midfielder. He’s silky on the ball. Clearly can play at a higher level than his current age group based on how quickly he processes options for the next pass. Rushchak has some clear indicators that he is on the professional pathway so it’s easy to see why US Soccer scouts are keeping a close eye on him. He’s not the tallest defensive midfielder, but he makes up for it with his soccer smarts. He is seemingly always in the right position and rarely loses possession of the ball. Rushchak’s been a key piece of the Crew side this season.
Chapman is a defneder on the FC Cincinnati MLS Next U15 team. I’ve seen him play right center back for his club side this season. He has previously played left center back as well. He was part of the Talent ID Mini-Camp in Florida last year. Chapman impressed me with his play at the MLS Next event. He is an excellent defender. He is one of the better center backs in MLS Next in duels. He uses his strength to knock forwards off the ball cleanly and then quickly moves the ball to his teammate. Chapman is also a good man-marking center back. He tracks runs and keeps a hand on the forward. He has a good first step so he is first to knocking a cross away. Chapman is good on the ball and can ping a long pass with accuracy. There is some room to grow in that aspect. The pace of his passing and decision-making needs to pick up for the next level. Chapman’s tools as a shutdown defender make him a top prospect in the 2027 class.
Koje is a center forward on the Michigan Jaguars MLS Next team. There is a lot to like about Koje’s current game and potential. He is a forward who will create his own chances through his positioning off the ball and also his defensive work. There is room to improve in both areas though. I think he could be more physical in his defending. He is a solid defender, but almost too clean in his approach. This will never show up in highlights, but on game film, he looks like he is afraid to foul at time. If he uses his strength to his advantage when in close contact with center backs, he will put them under pressure and create more turnovers. He has good control of the ball and enough pace to create separation. He needs to be a bit more lethal with his chances. He is getting plenty at the youth level but he needs to be more efficient in the future. Koje is a handful at MLS Next level and probably on the radar for a ton of MLS teams. The potential he has as a No. 9 is exciting.
Presthus is a defensive midfielder on the Columbus Crew MLS Next team. He’s a fun player to scout. He was incredible for Sporting Columbus last season. He plays the game at his speed – never in a hurry, always under control. Presthus stood out from the Sporting Columbus team for his quality on the ball. He has a good first touch and operated as the playmaker from the midfield. He’s continued that approach with Crew this season. I believe he is wearing the captain’s armband for his club side. He has brought a leadership approach to his actions on the field. Crew is at it’s best when playing through Presthus.
Sphire is a midfielder on the FC Cincinnati U15 MLS Next team. He plays as a box-to-box midfielder. He has the perfect all-around game for that role. He is part playmaker, part destroyer, and has an unrelenting approach to pressing. Sphire is the type of player you never want to take off the field because of everything he does for his side. He was invaluable to his squad during the MLS Next event in Arizona. His performance against Nashville showed the quality he offers in the final third. And his showing against Portland displayed what he brings in controlling the game from the center of the field. Sphire has big time potential.
Williams is a center back on the Michigan Jaguars MLS Next team. He can play either side of center back. He is right footed, but I’ve seen him play left center back this season. Williams stands out from game film for his defensive quality. He is sharp in the tackle. He moves his feet well and rarely gets crossed over. His shows good posture on the field. He always has his head up and constantly scans the field to take snapshots to help organize his team. He is right footed, but he is a capable passer with his left as well. He is confident in possession and plays with the necessary swagger to be an impactful player from his role. Williams is one of the top in Michigan from his position.
USYNT Talent ID – 2009 – Columbus, Ohio
Keller Abbott Keller Abbott GK State OH (Columbus Crew), Justin Aguilar Justin Aguilar M OH (Columbus Crew), Juan Arizmendi Juan Arizmendi M State OH (Columbus Crew), Jackson Bonos Jackson Bonos M State #144 Nation OH (Columbus Crew), Connor Boyle Connor Boyle D #137 Nation MI (Vardar), David Brimmer David Brimmer D OH (FC Cincinnati), Luke Broz Luke Broz GK OH (FC Cincinnati), Jared Cardenas Jared Cardenas F State #56 Nation OH (FC Cincinnati), Owen Chapman Owen Chapman M OH (FC Cincinnati), Dillon Clark Dillon Clark M MI (Michigan Wolves), Gianmarco Di Noto Gianmarco Di Noto D State #58 Nation OH (Columbus Crew), Immanuel Ewing Immanuel Ewing F State OH (Columbus Crew), Prince Forfor Prince Forfor F State #8 Nation OH (Columbus Crew), Nico Gabriel Nico Gabriel M State OH (FC Cincinnati), Aiden A Garciamendoza Aiden A Garciamendoza 5'8" | M Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy | 2027 OH (Cleveland Force SC), Giovani Koje Giovani Koje F MI (Michigan Jaguars), Chance Malilo Chance Malilo F State #25 Nation OH (FC Cincinnati), Rhys Presthus Rhys Presthus M OH (Columbus Crew), Yuriy Rushchak Yuriy Rushchak M State #43 Nation OH (Columbus Crew), Christian Ruiz Christian Ruiz F OH (FC Cincinnati), Andrew Suarez Andrew Suarez M OH (Cleveland Force SC), Camden Sphire Camden Sphire M OH (FC Cincinnati), Zack Slagle (Michigan Wolves), Brady Stickler Brady Stickler F OH (Cleveland Force SC), Noah Torrens (Louisville City FC), Trey Williams Trey Williams D MI (Michigan Jaguars)