2010 Birth Year Boys US Soccer Nor-Cal Talent ID Preview

On March 19th 17 young boys from Northern California will have the opportunity to compete in front of USYNT coaches and scouts. An honor that so many want to achieve and so few get to do. I would like to congratulate every single one of them on this monumental achievement. There is a ton of talent on this list and it will be fascinating to see who ultimately gets selected to to full USYNT camp. Here are the 7 names whom I think have the best chance to do so.   [player_tooltip player_id='254744' first='Jeffrey' last='Lara'] (San Jose Earthquakes)- one of two 2011 born kids on this list, Lara is scary good. The San Jose Earthquakes youngster plays up on the 2010's and from what I watch he is the best player on the field 9 times out of 10. He has incredible touch, vision and instincts in the final 3rd. His primary position is 10 but I think he could play 8 and inverted 7 and 11 as well. This sky is the limit for this young talent.   [player_tooltip player_id='216007' first='Charlie' last='Wachs'] (Oakland Roots)- The Scan God himself is selected for yet another Talent ID roster. His recent move to the Oakland Roots development squad Project 510 has paid instant dividends. His improvement since playing with bigger, faster, stronger and more experienced players has improved his game immensely. He is the kind of player that is often overlooked in the US and shouldn't be. Tactically there is not a kid his age who is more advanced. Technically he is one of the most sound midfield players in the entire country in his age group.   [player_tooltip player_id='215960' first='Winston' last='Hoover'] (SF Glens)- The other 2011 born player on this list has turned a ton of heads in the past 12 months. [player_tooltip player_id='215960' first='Winston' last='Hoover'] is the real deal. The striker from Oakland is 6'2 already and incredibly fast. A potent finisher from inside and outside of the box. At club level with the SF Glen's he is often double and triple teamed during games and still finds a way to acquire goal contributions every week. No one can touch him on the dribble as he carves opposition defenses up with ease. MLS Academies around the country are desperate to sign him and for good reason. He has an incredibly rare profile and an elite mentality, always looking for ways to improve his game.   [player_tooltip player_id='216013' first='Alejandro' last='Velazquez']-Mendonza (Lamorinda)- He's big, he's fast, and he's an elite competitor. The Lamorinda star will be very familiar with his surroundings on March 19th as his club practices on the same field (Wilder #2) that US Soccer is hosting the event. Scoring goals, getting assists and wreaking absolute havoc for the teams he is playing against. This kid is hungry and needs to be fed.   [player_tooltip player_id='215439' first='Orion' last='Jolliff'] (San Jose Earthquakes)- The biggest snub on the most recent US national team U-15 roster was Joliff. He is a top talent. He is up and down the flank at outside back. He has an incredible engine as he gets forward and defends with equal ferocity. He is eager to deliver crosses to his teammates, get to the byline, block crosses and has excellent timing on his tackling. He is a transition king as he will quickly switch from attack minded dynamo to defensive dawg at a moments notice. I haven't watched him play in a while but as long as he's developing the way he should I'd be shocked if he wasn't on the next US Roster.   [player_tooltip player_id='216009' first='Ezra' last='Mahteme'] (San Jose Earthquakes)- This guy has all the physical attributes to be an MLS player or maybe even play in a top 5 league in Europe one day. Phenomenal athlete and solid technical skills. His emotional control is something he needs to work on. The biggest competitors can often have the biggest problems overcoming set backs. When things are going his way he looks like Paul Pogba in his prime. Can do everything and anything on a soccer field. But like Mr Pogba himself things can go down hill. Which version of Mahteme are we going to get at camp?   [player_tooltip player_id='216004' first='Rocky' last='Romell'] (San Jose Earthquakes)- The most solid, reliable center back in the 2010 age group in Northern California. The kid can play. When you watch soccer now days coaches are wanting speed at center back. Romell out races opposing strikers from what seems like 90 percent of through balls. He loves being physical and bully's opposition for fun. Wins most of his aerial duels and does it all with a fat smile on his face. Watching him and the strikers at this camp go at it will be fun!

On March 19th 17 young boys from Northern California will have the opportunity to compete in front of USYNT coaches and scouts. An honor that so many want to achieve and so few get to do. I would like to congratulate every single one of them on this monumental achievement. There is a ton of talent on this list and it will be fascinating to see who ultimately gets selected to to full USYNT camp. Here are the 7 names whom I think have the best chance to do so.