MLS Next Playoffs: Spotlights on the U17s
FRISCO, Texas – The U17 age group is in the spotlight for this piece with a look at some of the standouts from Day 4 of the MLS Next playoff and showcase games at the Toyota Soccer Complex. Charles Grayson…
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Continue ReadingFRISCO, Texas – The U17 age group is in the spotlight for this piece with a look at some of the standouts from Day 4 of the MLS Next playoff and showcase games at the Toyota Soccer Complex.
Charles Grayson Elmquist, Indiana Fire Academy U17
Position: Forward/Wide/Central, No. 39
Charles stood out through his work rate and speed and his clever movement. He possesses a nice turn of speed and uses it to attack and defend in equal measure. He has a very good reading of the game. He possesses a great knowledge of where to be in the box and scored a goal. He is quick in mind and has the athleticism to match too. Charles is also very comfortable on the ball and can play on both sides of the field.
Griffin Labonski, Beachside (Conn.) U17
Position: Center Back, No. 5
Griffin is a very good talker and a good organizer. He played very well and was always talking and organizing his players throughout the game. He is very assured on the ball, and strong in tackle too. Griffin has great positioning. He has great physical size to add to his speed. He is not afraid to step up and play either. He also is a real team player and tough defender.
Matthew Habovstak (Mattie), Phoenix Rising Pro Academy U17
Position: Center D/WB/Mid Right, No. 4
Mattie played a very disciplined game. He is confident on the ball and able to play with both feet. He has clever movement and good talking to his teammates. He is well-sized and strong on-ball, not knocked off the ball easily. He possesses a great pass and good eye for passes too. Very nice link player also and not afraid to tackle or defend either, he is a very likable player.
Jose Valdez, RGV Toros FC U17
Position: Midfield/FWD Wide, No. 70
Jose is quite an accomplished player and is tidy on the ball and off the ball also. He is offense-oriented and loves to play vertically. Jose is comfortable on the ball. He is always looking for the ball and holds his position quite well too. He links play very well from defense to offense. He is quick of mind and speed as well as has a great eye for a splitting pass in between lines also. Seems he could play as a 10 or false 9 also. Exciting player.
Alejandro Moreno, Oakwood SC U17
Position: Def/Mid, No. 27
Alejandro is another kid I saw that reminded me of old-school players. He is big, strong and quick. He possesses very good positioning know-how. He has a discipline in his position and knew his role in the team. Tough but fair in his tackling, seemed to know where to be rather than having to make robust challenges. He can also play and is confident to bring the ball up the field too. He is good in the air also. You can tell he is also a great team player.
Angel James, Houston Dynamo Academy U17
Position: Goalkeeper, No. 1
Angel had a great game. He has a very calm presence throughout game, very confident. He is a good talker and went about organizing his defense very well. He is good with distribution. You can see him as good leader of his team. He has good agility, good positioning and good at coming for crosses too. His starting position also is good. He also covers his goal quite well too with his size. He is very good in 1v1 situations made a couple of fine blocks in this area, and also has great reactions and agility too.
Honorable mentions also for Amari Fowlkes Amari Fowlkes D IN , No. 13 (Indiana Fire Academy, U17, midfielder), Parker Gamboa, No. 46 (Houston Dynamo Academy U17, wide mid), Christian Dionne, No. 40 (Oakwood SC U17), and Keagen Rhodes, No. 2 (De Anza Force U17)