Week 1 Rest of the Metros' Preseason Best Performers

<p>The final article about week 1 of preseason combines three separate metro areas. Due to a combination of lower population, lesser visibility, and fewer matches, doing articles for each this week was too difficult. However, the talent on display in each metro deserves mention. The following players were the most impressive this week.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">RDU Metro</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/08/PS-BestPerformers-Week1-RDU_c09470.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-317668" style="width:240px;height:auto" /></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Josh is a promising striker who thrives in the final third. His positioning allows him to be in the right place at the right time constantly. In turn, this also allows him to be an effective player when it comes to link-up play. Incredibly smart and selfless, he knows how to keep the ball circulating in the final third to open up spaces. When these spaces are opened up, he is the main player to exploit them as well. Finding gaps in the defence comes to him easily. When he gets near or in the box, he makes the opposition pay for not closing him down on time. His finishing is excellent, remaining calm before he puts the ball in the back of the net with style.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Samuel is a very talented attacking midfielder who can drift wide when needed. An impressive attacking asset, he constantly has his team piercing through the opposition centrally. This is noticeable when, in build-up play, he becomes a central runner. His speed allows him to break through with ease. Combined with his dribbling, he becomes an unstoppable force. When he gets into the box, he shows how great his finishing is, slotting the ball home calmly. His long shots are fantastic, too, creating danger constantly. Out of possession, he presses high and aggressively, being a constant nuisance for the opposition.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Greeenville Metro</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/08/PS-BestPerformers-Week1-GreenvilleMetro_cf0a9c.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-317669" style="width:241px;height:auto" /></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Kevin is a very interesting talent who plays as an attacking midfielder. He loves to be involved in play, drifting and dropping back to look for the ball. He is the heart of the team as all balls pass through him. With his determination, he makes things happen even when play seems stuck. He is also constantly aware of his surroundings, scanning the field frequently, whether he's on the ball or not. When he isn't circulating the ball, he crashes the box and finishes the play himself wonderfully.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Joseph is a good striker talent who complements Kevin very well. Skillful and agile, he always tries to get the better of his marker, wherever he's being marked. His linkup play allows for more fluid attacking play, especially when it's with his wingers or midfielders. This is noticeable when he shifts positions with Kevin, which they do swiftly and cleanly. In the box, he constantly looks to get a shot off. Regardless of how difficult the angle looks, he will shoot.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wilmington Metro</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/08/PS-BestPerformers-Week-WilmingtonMetro_63f41e.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-317674" style="width:235px;height:auto" /></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Lincoln is an unbelievable prospect as a striker, which led hm to play at a level higher than he's supposed to be at. The 8th grader has plenty of attributes, one of which being his link-up play. Active and selfless, he offers constant support for his midfielders when they're attacking centrally. This helps creates spaces for both his teammates and him to exploit. When he's in the box, he demonstrates his eye for goal. With a powerful and accurate shot, he makes the opposing goalkeeper work. He's also incredible agile, rotating on his axis with remarkable ease. Despite being the youngest player, he's evidently comfortable playing alongside and against older players.</p>

The final article about week 1 of preseason combines three separate metro areas. Due to a combination of lower population, lesser visibility, and fewer matches, doing articles for each this week was too difficult. However, the talent on display in each metro deserves mention. The following players were the most impressive this week.