Rankings Analysis: Missouri’s best freshman

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The PrepSoccer boys state player rankings for Missouri's 2026 class was released last week. The updated rankings for the state come on the heels of <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/04/new-names-to-know-from-2026-boys-national-rankings/">the National Release</a> earlier this month. Learn more about <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/04/behind-the-scenes-the-prepsoccer-national-rankings-2/">our rankings and scouting process here</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Louis City SC MLS Academy headlines the 2026 class. With players contributing on the club's U15, U16, and U17 teams, the 2026 class is making a mark across the academy. A few of the players on this list have already made it onto the Youth National Team and a few others should be in the picture in the near future. Below is a scouting report on a few of the players in the rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["136550"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Cochrane is an outstanding prospect for the goalkeeper position. He has all of the tools to be the top recruit in the class for the position. His best asset is his athleticism. He has made a number of great diving saves this season - plus some really remarkable quick-reaction blocks on close efforts as well. His quality in distribution ranks among the best in the state as well. He is right footed and can ping a ball with accuracy cross field. Cochrane should be on the radar for all scouts and he is already getting a look from the US YNT scouts after appearing in the Regional Talent ID event last month.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["136518"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnRight winger.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnHe has the pace and work rate to be a standout on the wing. I wish he was more aggressive and selfish in the final third. On film, he looks to be the facilitator often, which has helped his team to a successful campaign, but if he adds more of a finisher's instinct, his game would go to the next level.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["136551"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnMidfielderrnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnTechnical player with a sharp soccer mind. Goldstein was a real bright spot for the SLSG midfield. The play goes through him because he is clean on the ball with a good first touch. The way he keeps control of the ball under pressure really stands out compared to his peers. He has the other characteristics of a top midfielder with decision-making at the top of the scouting chart. His passes, typically, set his teammates up for success. His quick combination passing helped break pressure on a number of instances from game film. Goldstein was also identified by US Soccer scouts to take part in the Regional ID event recently.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["136531"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnMidfielderrnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnCovers a ton of ground for his side. He is willing to do the work to help his team win. One of those players who the coach will put on the team sheet early and build the rest of the squad around him. Nyatanga offers quality in the midfield and good skill - he contributes key passes at a high rate at the MLS Next level. His dogged determination is a key component of the St. Louis City Academy style of play.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["136545"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnMidfielder/Defenderrnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnVersatile player who has appeared at center back and center midfielder for the MLS Next U16 team. Calm and composed on the ball, Curic has a veteran like approach to his game. He is a strong defender and uses his body well.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["124784"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Saw him play as an attacking midfielder. Really impressed with his decision-making. He is a quick-thinker, finds the best pass immediately. He really shined in the transition for his team. St. Louis City SC plays with a press that requires him to play make without much support. He creates chances with his intelligence and skill.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["136536"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnDefenderrnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnSolid all-around game. Played as the right center back for SLSG. Reads the game well, gets into the right spots. Can match up well in duels against physical forwards as well as speedy forwards. Clean in possession and makes accurate passes.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["136517"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnRight back.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnLooked good going forward. He wasn't a flyer down the touch line, but he was active in possession. Did well in trying not to do too much - put his foot on the ball when his team didn't have the numbers and kept possession of the ball. Made some nice diagonal passes. He was solid defensively. Held his mark in check, did well in recovery.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["136535"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnWingerrnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnSaw him play on the left side, he looked like he was right-footed. Good skill on the ball. Strikes a ball really well. Not a speedster, more of a technical player.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["136540"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnForwardrnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnCenter forward with a good first touch and pace to get behind the defense. Adamitis has been a breakout star for St. Louis City SC U15 in the MLS Next this season. He is a clever player with good instincts. The center forward position is definitely lacking on the national scene and Adamitis has the quality to develop into a top option in that role.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64497e354e25e"} /-->