Metropolitan Division Prospect Team

TEAM SHEET

(Int.) International, (A) MLS Affiliated/Academy, (D) MLS Drafted

FORMATION

Based on the players from the Metropolitan Division in USL League Two, I went with the 4-3-2-1 formation that became known to me through Carlo Ancelotti and his 2007 UEFA Champions League winning AC Milan. It’s one of my favorite formations for many reasons and it’s probably my most used formation within my own coaching. I felt as though it would be perfect for the starting eleven that I selected.

The formation gives the center forward two attacking midfielders to combine with rather than being too isolated (which sometimes happens when there are wide wingers). The narrow attribute of the top three players allows for the full backs to provide the width, or for the left and right center midfielders to overlap their attacking midfielders with the “Overlapping 8” concept. The full back can then provide support in the vacant center midfield spot with an inverted movement. The attacking midfielders can also drift wide into a natural winger position to provide space for an advancing center midfielder into the 10 spot. These are few of the movements that the formation allows.

But let’s get into the player selections…

Starting eleven

Nicholas Kaloukian — Cedar Stars Rush (CF)

The highly active and involved Nicholas Kaloukian was a clear choice at the center forward position. With a lone center forward in any formation, you can’t really afford to have a player that goes missing in my opinion, so his work rate is something to admire. Given that this formation is set up to allow for the players to be creative, versatile, dynamic and flowing, Kaloukian has the attributes to thrive in this kind of system.

The New Jersey native grew up within the Cedar Stars Academy and has been the go-to-guy for Cedar Stars Rush this summer. In the first four games of the season, he already had 5 goals. He can break the line as a direct threat from through balls, find spaces in the box to finish crosses, and square up defenders 1-v-1 and create opportunities as well.

Looking at his time so far in college, he hit the ground running at the University of Michigan back in 2022 where he was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. They only scored 19 goals as a team that season and Kaloukian eventually departed Ann Arbor for an opportunity to join the Orange ahead of the 2023 season. I have talked about Michigan having a good group of players throughout their current roster, but over the spring season, their struggles continued. His successor Alex Waggoner has also since left Michigan in favor of a new opportunity.

With Syracuse University, he was one of four players that started every match as he finished the season atop the stat sheet with 6 goals and 3 assists. Ian McIntyre and his staff have added quite a few transfers between proven ACC players Elton Chifamba and Ernest Bawa as well as notable lower division players Daniel Burko and Carlos Zambrano who have earned an upgrade to the top level. You have to imagine that the overall attack will improve further in 2024 as Kaloukian looks to increase his direct goal involvements.

Kaloukian has also made 3 appearances for the Armenian U21 National Team, most recently during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifiers back in March. He even had an assist on his debut against Macedonia last summer.

Recent Highlights (Credit — Nicholas Kaloukian)

Kelvin Baffour — Manhattan SC (LAM)

Due to Kelvin Baffour’s ability to play as an attacking midfielder or left wing, he was the sensible selection for the LAM position. His skill set allows for the different movements that I briefly explained above.

During my in-person visit to the New York City area, Baffour was incredible against Cedar Stars Rush on June 8, 2024 where he provided 4 assists in a 7-3 win for Manhattan SC. His ability to receive, turn, accelerate and drive was a catalyst for success all match. I always talk about the importance of being able to break the lines of the opposition and Baffour has that master key type ability while serving as an advanced playmaker.

He’s a great outlet on the breakout. He can cause issues for the defenders both in attack with his speed and vision, and in defense with a high press.

Recently making an appearance in the NCAA College Cup Final against Clemson, his efforts earned him a spot on the 2023 NCAA Men’s College Cup All-Tournament Team. He finished the season with 7 assists and 2 goals. Coincidentally, similar to Nicholas Kaloukian, Baffour was also recognized as a top freshman in 2022 as he was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team that season.

Recent Highlights (Credit — Kelvin Kyei Baffour KKB)

Israel Neto — Hudson Valley Hammers (RAM)

As Baffour provides plenty of playmaking ability, Israel Neto provides that as well, but more importantly, he adds another goal scoring threat with Kaloukian. Similar to Baffour, Neto is a player that contributes as an attacking midfielder and a winger, so lining him up in this role was a no brainer. Through his first 6 games in the current USL League Two campaign, he leads the team with 5 goals.

In their earlier U.S. Open Cup campaign, Neto scored against New York Red Bulls II on March 20, 2024 with an overhead kick.

Goal Highlight (Credit — U.S. Soccer)

During his college career at Caldwell University in NCAA Division II, he scored 25 goals and had 18 assists in his 3,311 minutes. His efforts during his senior season saw him recognized as the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Player of the Year. His ability has seemed to translate to the higher levels as well as he faces plenty of Division I players. He’ll have his chance now that he’s apparently committed to Providence College. It'll be his last year at the college level and I'm sure plenty will be paying attention.

Recent Highlights (Credit — Ultrafootyllc)

Israel Neto Goal v. Long Island Rough Riders on June 9, 2024

Cooper Flax — Manhattan SC (LCM)

I’ve written about Cooper Flax before, and the more I see him, the more I like him. Flax is an all-round midfielder with the ability to play as a 6, 8 or 10, but for me, he’s been emerging as a clear 8. I feel as though he’s at his best when he operates as a box-to-box midfielder combined with some of the roaming playmaker characteristics. Though he has the technical ability and the range of passing to play as a 6 in a deep lying playmaker role, this formation would allow him to work up and down the field with more creative freedom. He’s also arguably better defensively in this kind of role as well. As a player who can run the beep test all day, having that ability in a box-to-box role allows for better coverage in defending against transitions.

For a team that is struggling to find a consistent goal scorer, Flax isn’t only just the club captain, but he’s been their talisman as well. During that 7-3 dismantling of Cedar Stars Rush, Flax contributed a hat trick for Manhattan SC. Spending time training with New York City FC’s first team this summer on top of his USL League Two duties, he’s been working hard to add even more to his game ahead of his junior season at Wake Forest University.

He opened his college career with an ACC All-Freshman Team accolade in 2022 and he continues to expand his influence as an important piece for Bobby Muuss. During the Spring Soccer Cup competition, he was played in a variety of roles while Muuss appeared to be working on how to best structure his new look midfield after the professional departures of Hosei Kijima and Jake Swallen, and while Liam O’Gara and Pierce Bateson work their way back from injuries. Ryan Fessler is finally back and the Deacs have also added Dayton transfer Basit Umar to strengthen the midfield group. Muuss and his staff have signed several freshman from MLS NEXT Academies as well, so despite the turnover, there’s a lot to be excited about with this team. Even without many of the newcomers, Flax helped lead Wake Forest to the Spring Soccer Cup title by scoring a late equalizer that sent the championship final to a shootout against a revitalized NC State.

Recent Highlights (Credit — KelkenSport)

As an added bonus for the positioning in this line-up, Flax has formed good chemistry with Baffour, so their combinations within this hypothetical team have been on display in reality with Manhattan SC.

Two goals from the run-of-play for Cooper Flax as he ended the night with a hat trick against Cedar Stars Rush on June 8, 2024.

Ethan Dekel Daks — Long Island Rough Riders (RCM)

Another versatile and creative central midfielder added to the starting eleven is Ethan Dekel Daks, who originally came to the United States to play for the University of South Carolina in 2022. He notably joined from the Nottingham Forest organization.

After missing most of his rookie season due to injury, he impressed during his sophomore season and was chosen for the Sun Belt All-Conference First Team. Dekel Daks has since transferred to the University of West Virginia where he’ll connect with fellow transfer first teamer Simon Carlson who graduated from Georgia State and will pursue a graduate degree in Morgantown. The Mountaineers made it to the NCAA College Cup Semifinals last season and they will return plenty of key figures in addition to the reinforcements.

Dekel Daks has all the technique and knowledge you would expect from a high level academy graduate from England. As a midfielder who can either play as a 10 or an 8, he would be able to contribute to the desired attacking movements for this formation. He has a great first touch and passing accuracy, and he can score goals as well. Putting him with a group of other highly skilled passers would also allow for controlled possession when needed.

It’ll be exciting to see what Ethan Dekel Daks can do this fall with a supporting cast of Ryan Baer, Marcus Caldeira, Otto Ollikainen, Sergio Ors Navarro, Constantinos Christou, Simon Carlson and others.

Ezra Widman — Cedar Stars Rush (CM)

New York Red Bulls are known for developing solid center midfielders and Ezra Widman carries on that trend. Now having moved on to the New England Revolution organization, he could potentially become a replacement for one of my favorite MLS midfielders in Matt Polster.

Within any team, I feel as though the 6 is one of the most important pieces. For this formation, having a disciplined and mindful holding player to help support the advanced players and distribute in front of the defensive line would be a suitable role for Widman, despite playing more advanced during his upbringing.

With his academy foundation, soccer intelligence, passing ability and controlled movements, he has the tools to be an orchestrator of the midfield. His experience with the New England Revolution has given him a composure that is evident in his play.

Syracuse only had one freshman last season and that was Widman. Regardless, he made 9 appearances for Ian McIntyre and heading into his sophomore season, he’ll likely have the opportunity to expand his role this fall.

Gustavo Barbosa — Hudson Valley Hammers (LWB)

It was a stacked division at the left back position, but after seeing Gustavo Barbosa live against Long Island Rough Riders on Sunday, June 9, 2024, he locked in his spot in the starting eleven. It was the first time the Hammers had beaten their top division rival in recent memory and Barbosa’s quick pace, movement and involvement stood out against a challenging opponent. Barbosa is what comes to mind when you think of a Brazilian full back.

Looking back, Barbosa attended Montverde Academy before joining the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2022. Then in 2023, it was a season to forget as the Blazers didn’t manage a win which saw them end with a 0-11-4 record. Looking at the results, it's not as though UAB were being blown out or anything. The score lines were relatively close most of the season. Only 4 of those losses were by more than one goal. They just couldn’t score very often, and because of that, Barbosa actually finished the season as the joint top goal scorer with 2 goals and an assist. Moving forward, Barbosa and the Blazers will have a new coaching staff and a new center forward in Coleman Jennings, who will bring a lot of experience to Birmingham’s attack and provide Barbosa with a more serviceable target up front.

Recent Highlights (Credit — Gustavo Barbosa Soccer)

Pierce Infuso — Long Island Rough Riders (LCB)

Pierce Infuso has been towards the top of my U.S. Domestic list for a while now, so this one won’t be a surprise. However, I was slightly surprised that he wasn’t taken in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft based on what he has done in previous USL League Two and NCAA Division I seasons.

He’ll have one more shot at the college level as a graduate student before finding a professional opportunity.

Since stepping foot on to Hofstra’s campus, he has started in all but two matches for the Pride. As he goes into his last season of eligibility, he has already played 6,638 college minutes while being named on two All-Conference teams in the past two seasons. I’d imagine that somewhere in the USL system would be a good fit for him eventually, especially with some of the new teams joining the league in 2025. Nearby expansion team Brooklyn FC could be one of those options.

Kamran Acito — Manhattan SC (RCB)

Kamran Acito hasn’t played much for Manhattan SC this summer between a Duke University trip down to Australia and a family trip to France, but I’ve been a fan of his game and overall profile for a while. He’s one of those players that feels like they have been around for a long time, but he just only turned 20 years old back in March.

As a prototypical central defender, he has the size, knowledge, and leadership combined with all of the skills required of the role.

Having grown up in the New York City FC system, he signed an academy contract to play in MLS NEXT Pro matches during the 2022 summer before joining the Blue Devils. He made 3 appearances for NYCFC II and has also trained with the NYCFC first team, gaining valuable experience at a young age. He had also been invited to U17 and U20 camps for the U.S. National Team.

Acito jumped right into the starting eleven when he chose to attend Duke University. After a largely successful 2022 season, he was given the ACC Freshman of the Year designation as well as a place on the ACC All-Freshman Team with Cooper Flax and KK Baffour. The Blue Devils had a good 2023 season in terms of their overall record and ending the season as the best scoring offense in the country, but after a first round loss in the NCAA National Championship Tournament against a difficult Western Michigan side, the team will look to improve in 2024.

The Manhattan native looked good during the Spring Soccer Cup season with a depleted Duke team that had the smallest roster in the tournament. As the fall season quickly approaches, the ACC will be tougher than it has ever been. Acito and company will have to be up for the challenge. It’ll be a good test to gauge the progress that this young center back continues to make as a professional prospect.

Max Jennings — FC Motown STA (RWB)

Georgetown’s Max Jennings heard his name called during the 2024 MLS SuperDraft as Real Salt Lake selected him with the 76th overall pick. He was one of many draftees to return to college and he’ll head into his senior season looking to build upon his solid junior year where he scored 5 goals as a defender. Similar to Kamran Acito, Jennings wasn’t selected for any of the all-conference teams, which obviously didn’t matter when it came to his draftability.

It’s one of the more competitive divisions in all of USL League Two. A lot of the attention has been on the Hudson Valley Hammers and the Long Island Rough Riders, but FC Motown STA has been a formidable competitor, and the back four that they have assembled is professional level.

Trace Alphin — Manhattan SC (GK)

Another player that I’ve posted about a lot is Trace Alphin.

In terms of his development at the college level, what’s better than being a goalkeeper in arguably the country’s most challenging conference? Having been a starter ever since he was a freshman, he has faced plenty of current and future professionals.

I’ve always been a fan of Alphin’s goalkeeping style. It feels a bit European due to his shot stopping attributes, often showing quick reflexes and acrobatics to make big saves. Stylistically, I compare him to Hugo Lloris. In possession, I tend to draw similarities to goalkeepers in a Roberto De Zerbi Brighton & Hove Albion type system. If you watch Jason Steele in possession, that’s similar to what Alphin has been able to do with Wake Forest. Not too many teams around the NCAA Division I landscape play out from the back quite like Demon Deacons, and a lot of credit should go to Alphin for being an important piece of that. In the modern game, having a goalkeeper that is confident with the ball at his feet is a great attribute to have at your disposal. It opens up more options for the style of play and gives the defensive unit an additional piece of mind and calmness under pressure.

This past season was his best one yet. Wake Forest only lost three matches all season and Alphin only conceded 17 goals. He was named to the ACC All-Conference Second Team as a result.

Recent Highlights (Credit — KelkenSport)

During the Spring Soccer Cup, Wake Forest lifted the trophy after a big game from Trace Alphin. Against a highly energetic and dynamic new look NC State, the Demon Deacons were able to end the game in a draw, forcing a penalty shootout where Alphin made two massive saves to secure the win.

Trace Alphin Highlights from the Spring Soccer Cup Final against NC State on April 14, 2024.

Substitutes

Prince Amponsah — Manhattan SC (CB)

Based on everything I’ve seen from Prince Amponsah whether it’s at Wake Forest or recently with Manhattan SC, he probably would have made the starting eleven for this team if I had used a 3-5-2 type formation. He was a key figure in the success of the Wake Forest team last fall as they finished atop the stacked ACC Atlantic Division. He could also play as a left back in a more defensive minded system.

After moving to New York City from Ghana as a 7 year old, Amponsah ended up in the NYCFC Academy where he spent most of his teenage years. He’s another one of the players from this division that has trained with the NYCFC first team in the past.

On top of everything he provides a team in terms of his experience and overall soccer ability, another one of my favorite things about Prince Amponsah is his personality. He’s a passionate player who can bring the intensity to a team. At times, I’ve been critical about the lack of intensity in the modern players around the United States, but that critique has never applied to guys like Amponsah. He’s also just a good natured, funny guy and an all-around great teammate. It’s not a surprise that he was awarded the Ron and Linda Wellman Lifetime Teammate Award in 2022-23, which is voted on by the students themselves.

Going into his last season, he’ll continue to be a leader in a very experienced the back line.

Junior Nare — Cedar Stars Rush (M)

Junior Nare is another ACC player who will have one last go around at the college level before taking a shot as a professional. In this formation that deploys two attacking midfielders, he was a natural choice as a substitute based on his style of play.

The speedy attacking midfielder started his college career with La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team as a freshman. After spending another season with the Explorers, he joined fellow countrymen Vusumzi Plamana and Calem Tommy at NC State University. A native of Johannesburg, South Africa, Nare has played for the U17 and U20 National Teams with Plamana.

If you’ve been following my work, you’ll probably know that I’ve been keeping a watchful eye on NC State now that Marc Hubbard and his staff are at the helm. They have already looked like a more inspired and dangerous team during the spring season, but nothing is ever easy in the ACC. In a conference that poses a challenge at every turn, Nare and the new look Wolfpack will have to be sharp. I know he’s locked in for this final season in Raleigh as he looks to be an impact player for the ‘Pack attack.

Junior Nare's first of two goals against Manhattan SC on June 8, 2024.

Justin McLean — Long Island Rough Riders (M/F)

Justin McLean was a bright spot in a so-so season for Georgia State last fall. Tied for second on the team in points with 4 goals and 5 assists, McLean has continued his contributions during the summer season with the Long Island Rough Riders. Through his first 5 appearances, he had 3 goals.

For substitutes, McLean’s versatility would be an advantage because even though I haven’t watched him too extensively, he provides a different kind of profile to the attacking positions with his 6’0'‘ frame. He’s the man for many situations, and if there was a need for a formation change, he can play on the wing or lead the line as a forward. He can serve as a centralized attacking midfielder or can even be added deeper in the midfield to sure up operations.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, he has played for the Atlanta United Academy.

Kieran Chandler — Long Island Rough Riders (FB)

Kieran Chandler joined the Long Island Rough Riders after having a Freshman of the Year caliber season in the Big East Conference. The recognition is even more impressive when you consider that he was playing in a relatively new position. He grew up in the center midfield, but at the University of Connecticut, he’s been converted into a left back. We’ve seen plenty of players with that kind of background be successful long term, so even though it’s still early in Chandler’s college career, he’s a player with a lot of potential. He’s continued to sharpen his skills at the left back position this summer in preparation for another big year in Storrs.

Recent Highlights (Credit — kieran chandler)

Jonah Mednard — Cedar Stars Rush (GK)

Trace Alphin will eventually pass the torch to Wake Forest teammate Jonah Mednard, so why not put him in this hypothetical team as well? Mednard is already highly regarded among his Demon Deacon teammates and despite not making an appearance in the fall season as a freshman, he was called up to the Haiti U20 National Team for the Concacaf Under-20 Championship Qualifiers in late February. During his three full-match performances, he only allowed two goals while helping Haiti achieve two wins and a draw. Mednard was recently tabbed to follow up those appearances by representing the U20 National Team again for the Concacaf Under-20 Championships in Mexico this summer. He would potentially face Mexico, Panama and Guatemala in the first round.

He made a few appearances throughout the spring season this year, and I anticipate that he may get a couple of starts this coming fall season.

Jason Bouregy — FC Motown STA (AM)

For a couple days, I went back and watched a lot of the FC Motown STA replays and Jason Bouregy stood out as a shifty and technical player with quick feet and close control. I admittedly didn’t know anything about him until this summer, but looking at his resume, his playing style makes sense when you consider he was also a New York Red Bulls and Players Development Academy (PDA) product.

Over the last half of June, Bouregy added 4 goals to his account across 4 games, having scored against Manhattan SC and Hudson Valley Hammers.

We’ll have one last chance to watch Bouregy at the college level. He has joined Villanova University as a graduate student.

Recent Highlights (Credit — Jason Bouregy)

Daniel Ittycheria — FC Motown STA (ST)

Daniel Ittycheria’s ability was also apparent when combing through the FC Motown STA games.

Ivy League forwards have garnered some attention recently. Yale saw Kahveh Zahiroleslam make a move to the Belgian Jupiler Pro League as he signed for Sint-Truden last summer. Penn’s Stas Korzeniowski was drafted by the Philadelphia Union back in December as well, but he will return for his senior season. Last season, Ittycheria scored 9 goals to finish runner-up in the Ivy League golden boot race which earned him an Ivy League All-Conference First Team selection. Cornell’s freshman Alex Harris led the way with 12 goals in an equal 15 appearances.

Ittycheria can play anywhere along a front three. He has good size and athleticism, and he can score in a variety of ways. He’ll be one of the goal scorers to keep an eye on as the Ivy League is bringing back several of the top attackers from last season. He bagged two goals against Metropolitan Division powerhouse Hudson Valley, handing them their first loss of the season.

Recent Highlights (Credit — Danny Ittycheria)

Nick Zielonka — Hudson Valley Hammers (F/W)

Ahead of my visit to the New York City area, when I asked Samory Powder who he has been impressed by throughout his time with the Hudson Valley Hammers, he said Israel Neto and Nick Zielonka were the guys. Sure enough, both of them ended up scoring in a 3-1 win against Long Island Rough Riders when I was in attendance.

Zielonka had been great for the University of Massachusetts over the past two seasons, tallying 12 goals and 13 assists in 21 starts with the Minutemen. This fall season, he’s moving out to the Sun Belt Conference to play as a graduate student with the University of Kentucky. It’s a tight conference between Marshall, West Virginia, Central Florida, James Madison and South Carolina, but Kentucky look to be on the rise. With the addition of Zielonka, Johan Cedergren also welcomes Iker Carew from the College of Charleston and Lewis Johnson from MK Dons. Evidently, one of the offseason goals was to bolster the Wildcat attack that only scored 21 goals in 2023. They will also retain Isaiah Chisholm who has been getting his summer work in with Lionsbridge FC.

Recent Highlights (Credit — Nick Zielonka)

Trip Fleming — Long Island Rough Riders (DM)

Again, I can’t overemphasize the importance of a good defensive midfielder or deep lying playmaker, and Trip Fleming is a promising young player that has already brought a wealth of experience to the University of Wisconsin. Joining from the Chicago Fire Academy, he’s already played at the professional level within the MLS NEXT Pro environment and has trained with the first team.

Unlike many of the MLS NEXT Academy players that may only appear a handful of times for their NEXT Pro team before they go to college, Trip Fleming has logged over 3,000 minutes at the NEXT Pro level during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

As an obvious choice for the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, Fleming started every match for the Badgers in 2023.

RESERVes

Nigel Prince — Long Island Rough Riders (CB)

Nigel Prince sat out of the match against the Hudson Valley Hammers, so I didn’t get the chance to see him play live, but he’s been on my watchlist since last fall. Prince was the ironman of the Northwestern team as he played nearly every minute of every game all season. He achieved Big Ten All-Conference First Team and All-Tournament Team designations in the process.

Another product of the Atlanta United Academy, Prince was yet another example of a college player that made appearances at the professional level in the USL Championship with Atlanta United II in 2021 and 2022. Last winter, the organization traded Hermann Trophy Finalist Garrison Tubbs after his final season at Wake Forest for $275k in GAM, so I wonder how the front office will value Prince when his college career is over.

There’s still plenty of time to get more familiar with his game and monitor his progress. Nigel Prince has only just turned 20 years old back in March as he embarks upon his junior year. The 6’2” defender is also eligible for the Jamaican National Team, and has already been called in for a training camp with the U20 squad.

Camron Boumsong — Manhattan SC (DM)

It was my first time watching Camron Boumsong as he started at the defensive midfield position for Manhattan SC and I thought he played well in the role. I’ll have to keep watching more from him, but based on what he showed on that June 8th evening, he has the potential to be a solid player in that spot. He patrols ahead of the defensive line to good effect, both defensively with his tackling and interceptions as well as in possession with his range of distribution.

Boumsong only just started his college career at St. John’s University last season, making 13 appearances. His foundation was formed back in France with Olympique Lyonnais before moving stateside to attend Bridgton Academy.

Alessandro Arlotti — Manhattan SC (W/AM)

As another one of the Ivy League attackers that has risen to the top of the conference, Alessandro Arlotti was recognized as such. Not only was he named to the All-Conference First Team, he was given the honor of Offensive Player of the Year as well.

With 6 goals and 6 assists for Harvard University last season, Arlotti has been the model of consistency. In his freshman season, he started off strong with 9 goals and 7 assists before following it up with 5 goals and another 7 assists in 2022. To avoid having to add that up, that makes it 20 goals and 20 assists in 48 starts.

His technical ability is evident of a player that grew up in the academy system of AS Monaco for 11 years of his youth. He represented the U17 Italian National Team at the highest levels of competition between the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup and UEFA European Under-17 Championship in the same year.

It’ll be interesting to see what he decides to do once he graduates from Harvard.

Bruno Rosa — Westchester Flames (F)

I’ll write more about the Westchester Flame and their Monroe College contingent at the end of this list, but Bruno Rosa is probably the most notable former Mustang that popped up during my review into the Metropolitan Division. The Westchester Flames are already on pace to outperform last year’s finish. After the first 5 games, Rosa has led the team with 3 goals.

Bruno Rosa was an important piece in Monroe College’s NJCAA Division I National Championship winning season in 2022, adding 9 goals and 11 assists throughout that season. Since then, he has joined Providence College where he contributed 4 goals across 738 minutes of work.

Despite being from Lisbon’s surf town of Cascais, Rosa has played for a two Porto based academies of FC Porto and Boavista FC.

Seth Powder — Hudson Valley Hammers (F/W)

If you're familiar with the college and lower professional levels in the United States, you most likely recognize the name. Seth is the youngest of three brothers as he approaches his 19th birthday next month.

Oldest brother Noah has been playing professionally since departing the New York Red Bulls II for a career in the USL leagues back in 2018. He's currently playing for Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in USL League One. He has also made 16 international appearances for Trinidad and Tobago. Fans of USL League Two may best know of middle brother Samory as the 2022 Player of the Year while also having played for Hudson Valley. He recently wrapped up his college career having played for the University of Portland and University of Detroit Mercy.

Seth will be entering his first season at Loyola University Maryland.

Nicholas Sanchez — Hudson Valley Hammers (FB)

Maybe a little bit of a dark horse for this list based on my lack of familiarity with him, but Nicholas Sanchez had a good showing in the Long Island match, so I’ll be keeping tabs as he enters his sophomore season at Marist University. As a freshman, he appeared 17 times for 1,454 minutes in defense.

Micaah Garnette — FC Motown STA (F/W)

Nick Carlin-Voigt might be assembling a super team up at the University of Portland. Not only are they returning Jacob Babalai and Buba Fofanah who were both selected in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, but he's brought in Alex Waggoner from the University of Michigan to go along with an existing talent rich attacking group.

If he earns a more increased role with the Pilots, Micaah Garnette has the potential to add to an already great offense that finished second in the nation last season. He has 3 goals in his first 4 starts with FC Motown STA.

It’s also neat that Garnette has represented St. Kitts and Nevis at the U17 and U20 levels.

Joaquin Niehenke — FC Motown STA (FB)

Joaquin Niehenke basically announced himself this summer with how he’s played for FC Motown STA. As I said, it was a left back heavy division between players like Gustavo Barbosa, Kieran Chandler, and Prince Amponsah, but I couldn’t leave Niehenke out of the team. After I spent a couple days watching FC Motown STA match replays, he ended up having a three assist performance against one of the division’s best in the Hudson Valley Hammers. Given his level of involvement in the previous matches, a game like that against Hudson Valley was bound to happen.

He makes the reserve list because he only played 140 minutes for Penn, but this coming season, that’ll surely expand as he continues to prove himself.

Zach Barrett — FC Motown STA (CB)

While the focus has been on the Hudson Valley Hammers and Long Island Rough Riders, FC Motown STA had positioned themselves in third halfway through the season. With an impressive back line of Max Jennings, Zach Barrett, Bryce Lebel and Joaquin Niehenke, the defense has been sturdy, only allowing 6 goals after 6 games.

Zach Barrett is known from his time at the University of Vermont and Vermont Green FC. He earned honor upon honor throughout his four year career with the Catamounts. Barrett made the All-Rookie Team in his freshman season before going on to back-to-back All-Conference Second Team awards, and then finishing off with an All-Conference First Team. Before joining Motown, he played with Vermont Green FC during their recent U.S. Open Cup campaign, having advanced beyond the first round with a 4-3 win against USL League One side Lexington SC.

Eryk Dymora — Long Island Rough Riders (GK)

There are quite a few talented goalkeepers throughout the division, but I’m throwing Eryk Dymora into the reserve list. In his two years as the starting goalkeeper at Monmouth University, he has allowed less than a goal per game. Stats aren’t everything in evaluating goalkeepers though. I’d need more time to fully assess the goalkeepers.

Honorable Mentions

Bryce LeBel — FC Motown STA (D/M)

It was very difficult leaving Bryce LeBel off of the team sheet above, but I had to write a segment anyway.

He recently concluded his undergraduate studies at the University of Louisville after 5,776 minutes of play for the Cardinals. Though he wasn’t recognized by the ACC throughout his time there, he was a stalwart for John Michael Hayden. The former New York Red Bulls II player is finishing up his college eligibility at Northwestern this fall as the Wildcats set their sights on moving up the Big Ten table.

Jordaine Jaeger — Manhattan SC (GK)

I didn’t list him because I haven’t watched him aside from his abbreviated action against Cedar Stars Rush, but Southern Methodist newcomer Jordaine Jaeger is one of those additional goalkeeping prospects. Last season with Saint Francis University, he finished 12th in the nation in goals against average and 20th in save percentage. He’ll take over for Cole Johnson who signed with the Columbus Crew organization in the offseason.

Westchester Flames and Monroe College

I haven’t really had a reason to look deeper into the junior college levels, but the Westchester Flames peaked my interest with several players associated with Monroe College.

Taiga Matoba seems like an interesting prospect as he’ll eventually leave for the NCAA Division I level. As a freshman this past season with Monroe College, he led the team in minutes played as they went on to win their second NJCAA Division I National Championship title in two years (2022 and 2023).

There was also a familiar name for English Premier League watchers as Godwin Partey featured for Westchester Flames as a fullback who can play on both sides of the field. His brother Thomas Partey plays for Arsenal. Godwin was a member of the team that won the NJCAA Division I National Championship back in 2022 before transferring to St. John’s University in 2023. During that season, he was also selected as an NJCAA All-American.

Manhattan SC and Manhattan College’s Ensa Sanneh played for Monroe back in 2021 as another example.

CONCLUSION

With any effort like this one, there are inevitably going to be players that I missed, or ones that I may not have fully considered. There are good players everywhere, and it ultimately depends on what kind of player you’re looking for and what kind of coaching you want to provide.

Previous
Previous

South Atlantic Division Prospect Team

Next
Next

Hakim Karamoko - NC State