Virginia’s 2028 Class: Freshman Talents Scouts Should Know

Ilkhanoff is a defender on the D.C. United Academy. He has been part of the U.S. Soccer Talent ID events in the past. He was also called into the U14 Boys National Team Team Talent ID event earlier this year. He plays as a center back. He has good size and showed good tactical intelligence for the role. Ilkhanoff is highly rated from the scouts at the national team and club level. There are some areas from improvement in his game. He had some questionable decisions on handling crosses against the top MLS clubs - in regards to attacking the ball or letting it come to him. He has the physical frame where he should be dominant in aerial duels and confident to clear the cross from the high point. On the ball, he is good for his age group, but could clean up some touches as he looks to be on the professional pathway and will soon get the challenge against the older age groups in the near future. He is right footed, but comfortable and confident with either foot. There is a high level potential to his game that makes him a clear candidate as one of the best players in this class. 

Right footed attacking midfielder. Star of the DC United U14 team last season. Should be a top performer at the national level in 2025. Been called into the US U14 Boys National Team. Also part of the Dominican Republic national team. He's athletic and a willing runner. He covers a ton of ground in every game. He needs to be stronger on the ball in order to progress as an impactful player for the next level - and eliminate some wasted touches. Castillo is a fun player to scout. He plays with a swagger and flair that makes him stand out from his peers. He has the quality to be on the professional pathway and continues to shine against the competition at his age level. 

Danner is a midfielder on the DC United Academy. He was a key player on the U15 team last season. He was one of the youngest players on that team and had a starting role for that group. He is technically clean on the ball and shows good instincts in checking his shoulders and scanning the field before receiving passes. He operated as a deep playmaker for DC United last season. Against some of the top MLS academy competition, he lacked the physical impact defensively and didn't show enough from that side of the ball to jump out as an elite prospect from game film. He's got the potential to elevate that side of his game, and has been highly regarded by US Soccer scouts with call up to the 09 age group Talent ID events. 

Baldwin is a do-everything midfielder on the VDA 2010 ECNL team. He was outstanding during the playoffs this summer. Right footed with a booming kick, Baldwin dominates the center of the pitch. He is smooth on the ball and plays with his head up. He shows good decision-making in possession and excellent vision. He provides a key pass for his side often. Baldwin has all of the traits to offer up the potential as a top defensive midfielder at the next level. 

Bardales is the player on this list with the best game-breaking qualities. He scored some wonderful goals at the ECNL level last season - and I full expect him to continue that streak this season. He dribbled through defenders on slaloming 60 yard runs with the ball at his feet capped with classy finishes. The attacking winger/midfielder from NVA has Youth National Team Talent ID call-ups in his past. He is great in the open field, but he could improve on his game in tight spaces. He keeps close control of the ball, but his decision-making in those situations needs to be better. He has the potential to be an international level player thanks to his gifts in the attacking third. Refining the other aspects of his game will make him a top player in this class. 

Pinto is a midfielder from the DC United Academy. He has been part of the US Soccer Talent ID events in the past. He impressed in the center of the field for DC United U14 last season. He should have a key role with the DC United U15 team this season. He has quick feet and good skill. He is extremely talented dribbler. He had an outstanding game against Philadelphia Union last season. He broke press with his quality on the ball and put in a dedicated effort defensively for his side. Pinto has exceptional qualities that should keep him in the game for a long time.