With all the tops names that the ACC programs are signing, things are sure to heat up next year. Who's the favorite, who's got the best recruiting class as of now? I say UNC signed the best set of offensive/attacking recruits but they will be challenged against the defense of Wake and their talented class. Any thoughts?
There is no clear cut favorite and there is no certain bottom feeder either. Last year UMD had a everyone back for a Final Four team and was the top choice while NC St was assumed to be the step child of the league, a title they earned in prior seasons. This year UMD lost eight players (six to the pro's) and NC St proved to be a middle of the table team. Wake was very good but like every year choked in the post season, they have an outstanding class coming and will challenge for the top rung. UNC was young and talented so they will only be better with experience, they also didn't lose too much to graduation. UVA brings everyone back to a team that somehow won the ACC Tourny so they will be dangerous again. Duke had a very good recruiting class and may be the tallest team in the nation. I don't know too much about Clemson except they needed help and I believe they picked up some NT recruits. This is not a league where freshmen typically turn a program around in one season. The good ones have an impact but it's more a building process, it takes a couple of seasons to dream of champions and a good run into the postseaon. All that said, I firmly believe tha ACC has been and continues to be the best soccer league in the country. It's going to be fun to watch again, anybody up for 7 bids to the NCAA's.
I'm gonna hope for and guess another UVA win this time around. It's gonna be my last fall in the area, and I'm hoping with all the returners and the new recruits, it will be a good one.