California 2026’s making a rankings push

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These five players from California should see their stock rise when the rankings get updated soon, as they show the quality that is needed to be considered as a riser. Here is the case for all five of them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='80849' first='Atsuya' last='Kashima'], Forward/Midfielder, MVLA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kashima is a versatile player, as he can play out wide as a forward but does his best work as a creative No. 10. When he's in the middle of the pitch with the ball at his feet, he is very tough to deal with. His ability to stop and start buckles defenders and he can carry the ball from box to box because he can make anyone miss. When he's playing forward, something he does that most don't do is that he continues his runs across the face of goal even if he doesn't get the ball on the vertical run. He doesn't mind going into the teeth of the danger as he will continue towards the ball. He can receive the ball at the near post and with nifty footwork, get a shot on goal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='8790' first='William' last='Knotek'], Midfielder, Beach FC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knotek is a creative midfielder with an eye for making the pass that unlocks the defense. He shows great vision and seems to know where to go with the ball. He anticipates very well, also, knowing where to be and when and has a knack for winning the ball, getting on the end of it and playing combination footy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='83307' first='Nathan' last='Mardaresco'], Forward/Midfielder, Strikers FC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mardaresco is a versatile player who can play as a forward or a midfielder, but wherever he is, he is a scoring threat. He makes well-timed runs and finishes neatly, using either foot. He can sit back in a midfield position and pick passes as well, showing good accuracy, decision-making and vision to go along with his playmaking creativity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='47905' first='Misha' last='May'], Keeper, SF Elite SC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>May was a big reason that the 2008 SF Elite SC ECNL team reached the playoffs, despite getting hurt towards the end of the season. He will be back soon, and is one of the better keepers in the 2026 class. May is a keeper who comes up with big saves, when they are needed. He shows good positioning and is able to cover almost anything between his posts because of how he positions himself, reads angles and gives very little for attackers to work with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='80808' first='Ramiro' last='Velazquez'], Defensive Midfielder/Outside Defender, LAFC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Velazquez could be on the rise when the rankings update, as he is a versatile player who can move up to the No. 6 spot. He is a key pivot man when he plays that spot as he moves the ball quickly, moves it well and makes key decisions. As an outside back, making runs and linking up during play are important parts of his game, as is getting back and being a physical defender who wins duals, wins the ball and helps transition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->