Game-Changers: Best Forwards and Midfielders in NY’s 2028 Class

The Prep Soccer state rankings for New York's 2028 class came out this week. Check out <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/new-york/rankings/girls/2028-rankings/">the rankings here</a>. Learn more about <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/how-we-rank/">the rankings process here</a>.   The forwards and midfielders in this group include a player in the Youth National Team pool and a number of others who look to be close to reaching that same level. Check out a scouting report on the most impactful players from the midfield and forward positions below.    [player_tooltip player_id='276285' first='Sophia' last='Polizzi'], Midfielder, World Class 2010 ECNL - Polizzi is an attacking midfielder on the World Class 2010 ECNL team. She is listed as a defender on the US Soccer U15 Women's National Team roster. Her play at the club level suggests she could be utilized in a similar way as Katie Scott as an outside back. She has an excellent first touch, dynamic dribbling ability, and cleverness in creating space from the defender when on the ball. Polizzi is a bright talent as an attacking midfielder and could star in that role against much older competition.     [player_tooltip player_id='276525' first='Kendall' last='Tricoli'], Midfielder, East Meadow 2010 ECNL - Tricoli is a defensive midfielder for East Meadow ECNL. She can also play as a center back. She has a strong right leg and can ping a pass over distance with accuracy. She's good on the ball with her quick decision-making and excellent first touch. Tricoli has versatility to her game and soccer smarts which makes her a top prospect in this class.     [player_tooltip player_id='276536' first='Victoria' last='Valdes'], Forward, SUSA 2010 ECNL - Valdes is a center forward on the SUSA 2010 ECNL team. She has good footwork and an excellent first touch. She can play with her back-to-the goal or face up and go at defenders. She uses her size and strength well around the goal to hold off defenders and get off a shot on goal. She is a key player for the SUSA style of play as she does well in the link up play. Valdes shows all the traits to be an excellent No. 9 at the college level.     [player_tooltip player_id='276283' first='Brook' last='Milheiser'], Midfield, SUSA 2010 ECNL - Milheiser is listed as a forward on her profile, but she was playing in the midfield for SUSA at the most recent events. She's a left footed box-to-box midfielder who could slot out onto the wing as well. She strikes the ball well and hits corner kicks for her club team. Milheiser's quality is easy to spot. She's been part of US Soccer Talent ID Events in the past and looks like one of the top contributors in ECNL.     [player_tooltip player_id='276284' first='Ella' last='Mullin'], Midfielder, Albany Alleycats RL 09 - Mullin is listed as a defender on Youth National Team rosters, but she plays as a box-to-box midfielder for her club team. She's left footed, which suggests her future as a left center back. She strikes a wonderful ball from free kicks. Watching Mullin play shows some glimpses similar to Julie Ertz (Johnson). The versatility to play in either role is apparent. She's playing up an age group at the club level and there is just sheer competitive spirit that transcends. Mullin is going to make it happen for her team to win with whatever it takes. That drive is going to get her to the top of the rankings in the future.     [player_tooltip player_id='276279' first='Payton' last='Galuski'], Midfielder, Albany Alleycats 09 RL - Galuski is an attacking midfielder on the Albany Alleycats side. She's playing up an age group with that team. She's left footed, dynamic on the ball, and displays quick feet to dance away from defenders. Galuski might have the highest ceiling among the players in this class. She's an unstoppable type of talent as an attacking midfielder. She can be singularly focused and try to force her pass in the direction she is facing too often, but the attacking mindset and aggressiveness to get after the defense especially in transition make her a difference-maker at the top level of the club game.     [player_tooltip player_id='276571' first='Hillary' last='Ostar'], Forward, RNY GA - Ostar was part of the Girls Academy Talent ID Northeast event last season. She also impressed as a freshman for Brighton High School. The dynamic attacking talent is an opportunistic scorer. Quick to pounce on a chance around the box, Ostar impressed at both the club and high school level with her ability to create space and finish chances near the goal.     [player_tooltip player_id='276297' first='Clare' last='Jones'], Midfield, [program_tooltip program_id='276499' first='WNY' last='Flash'] - Jones is a midfielder, do-everything type of player. She is versatile and could end up playing another position in her future. She is a terrific dribbler with close control, balance, and strength. She's a tenacious tackler with a bite to her game that seems to always leave an impact. Jones plays as a defensive midfielder for her club team. She can dictate the game from that role and she leads by example on the field.

The Prep Soccer state rankings for New York's 2028 class came out this week. Check out the rankings here. Learn more about the rankings process here.