The Top Uncommitted Talent from USL Academy U19
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The USL Academy has been in action over the last few weeks with the U19 teams squaring off. The league has been a perfect platform for some areas that lacked representation in national leagues in the past – as well…
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Continue ReadingThe USL Academy has been in action over the last few weeks with the U19 teams squaring off. The league has been a perfect platform for some areas that lacked representation in national leagues in the past – as well as providing a different avenue for other players. Some clubs take the USL Academy games very seriously and play their recent professional signings along with amateurs.
PrepSoccer highlights some of the uncommitted talent from the league in the 2023/2024 classes that stood out in these games.
Howard is a 6-foot goalkeeper for Louisville City Academy U19. He has experience playing against players in the U23 age group, which shows he is ready for the college game. Howard’s understanding of positioning and spatial awareness is especially impressive. He is good on breakaways because he cuts down angles and stays big. He has good hands and showed that he can handle himself in traffic on crosses. He is active off the line, but smart when he goes for the ball. Howard has plenty of qualities to his game to rate as a Division I prospect for the position and one to watch from the 2024 class.
Berglund is another exciting prospect from the class of 2024 in the goalkeeper position. He plays with a fearless nature. He will throw his whole body in front of a shot if it means saving a goal. He has an excellent read on the shooter’s body positioning and has pulled off some penalty kick saves thanks to that vision and his athleticism. He is a quick diver and he is fast to get back on his feet. His agility for the position may be among the best in the class. His distribution is good and he is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Berglund’s work ethic will be a major selling point for scouts as he continues to improve on his game.
Highlights
Ali Almaliki Ali Almaliki F Valhalla | 2023 CA is a forward/attacking midfielder who is fun to watch. From the dummies to the body feints to the close ball control and agile footwork in tight spaces, Almaliki is full of tricks that has defenders fall all over the field. He was a bright spot in the Orange County SC game against El Paso. He did well in his link up play with fellow attackers Nico Ruiz Nico Ruiz M #89 Nation CA and Bryce Jamison. Almaliki’s second goal of the game was something to behold. He may lack in breakaway pace, but he certainly does not lack in flair. He had defenders tripping over their feet while he danced around on a breakaway off an assist from Jamison. The collected finish after making everyone’s head spin was spectacular. Almaliki is a high potential player who would be a great fit for a top program looking for a difference-maker from an attacking midfield/winger position. Diego Orosco Diego Orosco M Del Norte | 2024 CA was another bright spot for Orange County SC. He is a center midfielder who is excellent on the ball. He has been a standout for San Diego Surf and showed that he can shine at the U19 level with his high-level soccer intelligence.
Beck had a strong performance for VBR Star against North Carolina FC. It was a good bounce-back performance after the last outing for VBR Star. Beck is a long, rangy goalkeeper with strong hands. He is comfortable playing off his line and did well cutting out chances by being active and reading/anticipating the play. He is good with his feet and did well in clearances when outside of his box. He has the potential to develop into a top prospect from Virginia in the position.
Brucker is a left back who is excellent in the attack. He is an ideal wing back if he plays in the right system. He has the ball skill to be a weapon in possession and the vision to provide key passes. He had the assist against Orange County SC on the opening goal, which was a good example of what he can bring to the table at the next level. He has quick feet to operate in tight spaces. He does well in his movement off the ball to create new passing angles. And he has the ability to provide the product in the final third. Teammate Alex Waggoner also looked like a standout in this game. Waggoner, a recent Michigan commit, is going to be a handful at the Big Ten level. His combination of size, strength, and finishing instincts should make him an early impact player for the Wolverines.