Sizing up CUP stars who are playing high school soccer

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite falling short in USYSA regionals, the Cincinnati United Premier 2006 Gold boys team was able to qualify for USYSA nationals during group play and advanced in five straight matches en route to the 2022 national championship crown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the heels of a stout defense, CUP relied on some unlikely and timely goal scorers as they knocked off Nationals Union (Mich.) 2-0 in the final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During the year long road to the Disney finish line, CUPS imnpressive stat line included</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>24-4-4 record in all competitions</li><li>4-0-1 finals record, just one goal allowed</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now with high school play kicking off, here are some of the more notable players from that team and where they can be found this fall. As many as six had activity from Division I schools on the "opening contact day" of June 15.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Max MiIller</strong> won the Golden Glove Award with four shutouts at Nationals and can be found in goal with Mariemont. Left back<strong> Alex Bucher</strong>, named to the Best XI for the tournament and considered by many to be the most consistent performer of the group (played in all 32 games), will feature with last year's OHSAA Division I state finalist, Centerville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maddox Miller</strong> (no relation) had a monster of an event, buoyed by his ball winning and tackling and will be with CUPs head coach Mike Welker at Archbishop Moeller. Winger <strong>Brevin Shinkle</strong>, who is also drawing strong Division I interest as is <strong>Mason Cooper</strong> (10 goals), one of the summer's emerging sleepers, will also wear the navy and gold for Moeller. Miller's center back partner <strong>Ty Gronostaj</strong>, who was named to the Best XI for USYS National League during regular season group play, will patrol the backline for Monroe High School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Midfield anchor and Ivy League candidate Kellen Ren will be with Mason. Best XI member, 14 goal scorer and widely considered the team's pro prospect, Alex Free is playing for Troy Christian Academy. Finally, [player_tooltip player_id='55694' first='Connor' last='Wilkes'] (11 goals) is a bustling winger and a rising sophomore at Indian Hill and when it's all said and done might be the most decorated and sought after player in the group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->