Top Ohio talent in the Prep Soccer National Rankings 

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Soccer National Rankings for the 2028 and 2029 classes were released last week. Check out the rankings here. Learn more about the ranking process here.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the national rankings, a number of standouts from Ohio's 2028 class made the list. Check out a scouting report on some of the names to know from that group below.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["280147"],"_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-67c75167ed599"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Left-footed. Defensive standout. Pace.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hopper is a left back or left center back for Crew MLS Next U15. He's also earned some playing time with the U16 team. He's a left-footed defender. He's excellent as a 1v1 defender. He's got pace, strength, and smarts. His defensive skills stand out from a scouting perspective as they are advanced for this age group, but he's a two-way player. He gets into the attack when the opportunity is available. He's also an excellent passer. Hopper has shown the quality on game film to be viewed as one of the best from Ohio's class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["280157"],"_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-67c75167ed630"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Morell is a midfielder on the [program_tooltip program_id='279924' first='FC' last='Cincinnati'] U15 MLS Next team. He was part of the US Soccer Talent ID event in Columbus in October for the 2010 age group. Morell plays as a defensive midfielder for his club team. His best attributes are his skill, intelligence, and strength. He has a strong frame and battles in every challenge. He has a knack for winning the 50/50 duel in the open field. He struggles some with pace at times. He can get caught on his heels. He is smart enough to commit the tactical foul when that happens so his team rarely exposed on the counter. Morell has been a key piece for the [program_tooltip program_id='279924' first='FC' last='Cincinnati'] group this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["280149"],"_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-67c75167ed68d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Speed. Versatile. Playmaker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gandu is a defender/midfielder on the Crew SC MLS Next U15 team. He previously played for Sporting Columbus. He was part of the US Soccer U14 Boys National Team camp last year. Gandu played as an attacking midfielder for Sporting Columbus last season, but it looks like Crew is trying to use him as a defender this year. He's adjusted well to the new role, and has shown the versatility to make an impact in any role at a high level. Gandu's pace stands out from game film. Watching him eat up ground in a blink of an eye is jaw-dropping. Gandu is going to be one to watch from the Crew Academy.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["280158"],"_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-67c75167ed6ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Huguet is a midfielder on the [program_tooltip program_id='279924' first='FC' last='Cincinnati'] MLS Next U15 team. He plays as an attacking midfielder. He was part of the US Soccer U14 Boys National Team camps last season. He has quick feet, plays with his head up, and excellent vision on the pass. He's right footed. He strikes a good pass over distance. He is an active two-way player and willing to get stuck into the tackle. Huguet is an elite facilitator and playmaker for his side. He regularly generates chances with his passing. He's a key piece for the [program_tooltip program_id='279924' first='FC' last='Cincinnati'] attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["280155"],"_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-67c75167ed752"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Salmeron is a defender on the Crew SC MLS Next U16 team. He previously played for Albion SC Merced. He officially joined the Crew over the summer. Salmeron was called into the US Soccer Talent ID event for the 2010 age group during the Fall. He's earned a spot playing up an age group recently. An excellent passer and vocal leader, Salmeron is often in the center of the defender for Crew. His consistent play and excellent decision making has made him one of the best players on one of the best teams in MLS Next. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["279943"],"_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-67c75167ed7b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fikic is a forward on the [program_tooltip program_id='279924' first='FC' last='Cincinnati'] U15 MLS Next team. He can play in the center or on the wing. He's been part of US Soccer Talent ID events in the past. He previously played for XF Academy (Washington). He joined [program_tooltip program_id='279924' first='FC' last='Cincinnati'] officially over the summer. He's right footed, strong, and has a poacher's mentality. Fikic has scored some outrageous goals over the past couple of seasons including some memorable free kicks. His most noteworthy trait though is his ability to find goal scoring chances in the box when the defense fails to clear the ball. He's great at being in the right spot and smashing home the tally inside of the box. He's been an efficient finisher this season for [program_tooltip program_id='279924' first='FC' last='Cincinnati'] as he has adjusted well to his new club.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["280145"],"_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-67c75167ed80b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tall. Athletic. Winner.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson is a center back on the Crew SC MLS Next U16 team. He joined Crew's academy this season and has already taken over a prominent role. He comes from a soccer family as his sister plays at a high level too. Johnson was superb in the recent game against Chicago Fire. His positioning, read of the game, and decision-making stood out. There were a few noteworthy plays from the game, but at the pinnacle of his highlights was a clearance at the far post on an aerial duel where he cleanly won the header and directed it away from danger. Johnson has shown elite upside and has the physical profile to be on the professional pathway.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->