Scouting the Top NY team in the 08 age group
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The MLS Next campaign is heading toward the next showcase event in the MLS Next Flex in Maryland. Prior to the event, Prep Soccer has looked at some of the top teams in the 08 age group from across the…
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Continue ReadingThe MLS Next campaign is heading toward the next showcase event in the MLS Next Flex in Maryland. Prior to the event, Prep Soccer has looked at some of the top teams in the 08 age group from across the country.
One of the hottest teams (and clubs) in the country has been BW Gottschee. The New York club is running through the competition and unbeaten so far in 2024. BW Gottschee is 8-0-1 since January. There have been a number of key contributors to the side during that spell. Below is a few of the players who stood out from recent games.
Goncalves is a skillful midfielder who should have plenty of fans among scouts at the next level. He is a delight to watch. He can play as a No. 8 or as a No. 10. He does all of the little things really well. He is good about checking his shoulders before receiving the ball. He is smart about the placement of his first touch and the use of his body. He is difficult to dispossess. He is right footed and a good ball striker. He has been a goal scorer this season through a variety of ways. He offers high level upside and looks to be a top player at a national level in the 2008 age group.
Highlights
Kim is such a sound two-way player. In most games, he might go unnoticed because he shuts down the opposing winger early and the opposition just stops trying to go against him. He gets forward in a responsible way. He rarely leaves his team unbalanced with a mindless run into the attack. He hits a good cross with his left foot. He is clever with his ball skill and showed the ball mastery to win the duel consistently. Defensively, he is mindful and always aware. He does an excellent job of scanning for the ball and player to keep both in his sightline. Kim’s quality and consistency makes him a key player on this squad.
Highlights
The center forward for BW Gottschee impressed me with his recent performances. I thought he was the best player on the field against Met Oval. He offers a lot of top quality for the position. He can play with his back to the goal. He has a big frame and strength, but his footwork is really good. He can play out of tight spaces. I think he could improve tactically. He tends to drift, which can be an asset in the build-up for his side, but it also leaves some gaps in the formation. Teran’s natural instinct to float to the ball to get touches could be an asset for the right style of play moving forward.
Highlights
McGowan has been one of the most consistent performers for the BW Gottschee side. The right center back is a standout in possession. He makes good decisions on the ball and plays with the calm composure that should help him at the next level. He is a good communicator and organizes the defense well. His sets the line and gets the group on the same page. McGowan can get a little heavy in his feet and seem a step slow on some plays. He recovers well and rarely is beat in 1v1 situations. McGowan’s leadership traits make him a top prospect from the state in the 08 age group. He is also a weapon on set pieces and played a pivotal role in the game-winner in a recent victory.
Highlights
Kamil Georges
Kamil Georges
Georges is a physically imposing player on the field. He plays left center back for the BW Gottschee side. He dominates the center forward and controls where the opposition can play. He does well in back pedaling and keeping his eyes on the ball when he needs to drop off. Georges has good pace and can win the foot race in the open field. I’d like to see him more willing to get into the slide tackle when the opportunity is available. He is going to be a target for the next level with his physical stature, strength, and soccer intelligence. I’d like to see him refine some other parts of the game to be an immediate contributor at that level.
There are things that Powell can do on a soccer field that should have him on the path to the next level in the near future. He has the physical profile to be one of the most dominant midfielders in this class. The effort and work rate are already there. He has established himself as a key part of the BW Gottschee midfield during these last few months. He can improve on his first touch and composure on the ball. He can rush into the decision-making on the ball and force passes or get caught in possession with his indecision. He needs to take better care of the ball and force himself to think at a faster speed of play. His improvement is the key to unlocking BW Gottschee 08 in the postseason.