While most of the top talent in college soccer left school for the pros and/or used up its eligibility, there's still no lack of intriguing talent returning to campus for another season of scintillating college soccer. Curious who you guys think the best returning players are and who are some players you think are poised to break out after previously flashing some potential. And please don't just regurgitate the Hermann watch list. You're better than that. I've got a few names in each category but I'm curious to see you guys think should be here.
okay, I'll bite. I will stick to what I have seen here in North Carolina, specifically the Triangle. UNC - Three seniors, all consistent starters last two-three years, one on Hermann list Jack Skahan - just like his game, very confident in one v one. Possibly the hardest shot in the ACC Jeremy Kelly - a local kid, very clever on the ball and great awareness Mauricio Pineda - Hemann list, this should be his team this year. We shall see how he leads. Duke - a graduate transfer, senior and sophomore Sergi Nus - graduate transfer from UVA, a stabilizing force on the backline. great vision and deep laying pass threat. Max Moser - senior a wingback who really plays end to end. Coaching staff over the years have really held him back,IMO. With such a short roster, he will have to play lots of meaningful minutes. Can he hold up? Aedean Stanley - sophomore, a known player, but played out of position as centerback in three man back as freshmen. With arrival of Nus, Duke pushed him out to a more natural position, left wingback, this past spring. NC State - anyone's guess. Lot of questions on this squad. David Lorea - Hermann list Brad Sweeney - strong holding mid, allows Lorea a lot of freedom. Other than these two, just more questions, good recruiting class, a few strong bench playrers but not sure who will step up.
https://sleterfc.com/ritaccio-co-captain-nationally-ranked-akron-msoc/ Hard nosed but undersized CB who has earned USNT caps at multiple levels. He is always in charge. Zips brass figure they may as well make him team captain since he constantly bosses everyone around anyway. It is rare in Akron for a sophomore to don the black armband. Carlo Ritaccio is a natural leader.
I cannot give the name I have in mind, because I am biased……… A clue? Transferred to Wright State from an underachieving Californian team, to hopefully fulfill his potential as a central back in a pretty good top 40 squad which plays attractive football. For his senior year, he (and his Pop') would be delighted. Like Sandon would tell, "it's the hope that kills you". But I am still a dreamer…
Okay, we have have exhibition games starting tonight. We need some names from across the country. I am curious.
Providence - got a xfer from UMass apparently late I hadn't heard anything from either school. Striker Davis Smith got some AA attention as a Fr.. We shall see how the 6'7 Jr. Ma native does after his ok So year?
It's too late to make an honest "prediction", but this player is working out well after two weekends -- https://usdtoreros.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8254 I confess I am totally biased in his favor, since he attended the same high school as my kids and I used to have long conversations with his father at away games.