Five Under-the-Radar prospects from Illinois freshman class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Soccer 2028 state rankings for Illinois were released this week. Check out the rankings here. Learn more about the ranking process here. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top talent from Illinois in this class is on the Youth National Team radar and getting consistent looks for the international level. There is considerable depth to this group as well. Below are five names to know from this 2028 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["261481"],"_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-66f5b4e00f986"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Escuita is a defender on the FC United MLS Next team. I've previously seen him play as a winger, but it looks like he is getting more playing time as an outside back this season. He is a dynamic player in that role. He is a talented dribbler and fearless in 1v1 situations. He is a top prospect in futsal and his skill from the court translates onto the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["261492"],"_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-66f5b4e00f9ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Kim is a midfielder or winger. Technical, skillful, difficult to mark. Quick with an electric burst and the ability to stop on a dime. A good finisher with a variety of ways to score from the run of play. Part of the ODP National Team. Been part of US Soccer Talent ID events in the past. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["262052"],"_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-66f5b4e00fa30"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Ristic is a forward/midfielder on Chicago Magic. He's six-foot-one so he's easy to spot on the field. Considering his stature he is very technical and moves his feet well. He's been a key part of the Magic team. He is an impactful two-way player. He drifts all over the field looking for areas to help his team or create advantages. He was named to the Best XI at the NL Pro event last December. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["153804"],"_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-66f5b4e00fa6e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Conroy is a midfielder from Chicago City SC. He is a freshman on the Wheaton Academy Varsity Team, one of the best teams in Illinois. Conroy has carved out a significant role for himself against older competition at high school. He's adjusted to the fast and physical style of play. He's clean on the ball and plays with his head up. He's one to track from this group as he has shown the toughness and soccer smarts to succeed against difficult competition. <br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["262056"],"_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-66f5b4e00faaa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Blue is a defender for Woodstock and Rockford Raptors 2010 ECNL. He previously played for Crystal Lake Force. He can play as a center back or as an outside back. He is probably a left back in the future considering his excellence as a 1v1 defender and ability to use either foot when on the ball. He is right footed. Blue has been a bright spot at the high school level this season. He should be one to watch during the ECNL season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->