Rankings Analysis: North Carolina 2028s with top potential

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Soccer 2028 state rankings for North Carolina were released last week. Check out <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/north-carolina/rankings/boys/2028-rankings/">the rankings here</a>. Learn more <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/how-we-rank/">about the rankings process here</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From the scouting process, there were a few players who stood out from the action for their unlimited potential. Check out a scout reporting on the ones to know below. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["278212"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a11d6fd399d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Center forward on the Charlotte FC U15 MLS Next team. High activity type of striker. Very willing runner and a weapon in the press with his effort. Esquivel had a fast start to the season with some multi-goal games to open the campaign. He wasn't quite as prolific during the MLS Next event in December, but still managed to score one against Chicago Fire. He's a constant threat with his pace and nonstop motor. There's a high ceiling for a player with that much skill and effort. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["278209"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a11d6fd39fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Right back for the Charlotte FC U15 MLS Next team. He wears the captain's armband for his team. He's a physical defender who does well in duels when he can use his strength and body to dispossesses the attacking player cleanly. Almendarez also reads the game well and anticipates where to be as a support player along the backline. He's made a number of plays to stop goals with this tactical read of the game. He is skillful on the ball and can beat players off the dribble. He plays with his head up and can provide the key pass to generate chances for his side. Almendarez has been outstanding in MLS Next play this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["278235"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a11d6fd3a42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fritchley is a forward on the Queen City Mutiny U16 MLS Next team. He plays as a center forward. He's strong and fast attacking talent. He can play with his back to the goal and be the focal point for the attack with his link up play. He also can turn on the defense in a blink of an eye with his quick reflexes and skill. Fritchley's imposing nature on the field makes him a top target forward in this class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["278237"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a11d6fd3a86"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Palladino comes from a soccer family. The Queen City midfielder has been impressive this season in MLS Next play. He operates as the playmaker for his club side. Skillful on the ball with a tenacity in the tackle, Palladino brings a well-rounded game to the No. 8 position. He impressed me with his quick decision-making. He was always a play or two ahead of the opponent with his approach and it set up his side for success. The soccer brain is going to take him a long way in this game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->