| Rn |
Name |
School |
Class |
Hrightt |
Weight |
Notes/Comments |
| 1 |
Calum Angus |
St Louis |
Sr |
6′0″ |
168 |
Angus is a four year starter and the vocal defensive leader for the Billiken program. A Brit, the 6 foot Angus is a two time All-American and 2007 Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year. He led SLu to a 0.82 team goals against average this year with an Atlantic 10 leading 10 shutouts. A former outside back who’s played centrally in the NCAA’s, Angus does have the speed to play multiple spots in the back line. He’s graduating early this winter in preparation for a professional soccer career.
2008: All-American First Team, Atlantic 10 First Team.
2007: All-American Second Team, College Soccer News Third Team, Top Drawer Soccer First Team, Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year, First Team
2006: Atlantic 10 Second Team.
2005: Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team, Honorable Mention
MLS Combine |
| 2 |
Yohance Marshall |
South Florida |
Sr |
6′2″ |
170 |
After a promising freshman season, this 6 foot 2 Trinidadian missed most of 2006 with a with an injury but rebounded with a solid 2007 and spectacular 2008. Big, strong, and quick, this Third Team All-American led USF to shutouts in more than half their games. Marshall has a strong reputation as a leader and hard worker and has played for the Trinidad and Tobago U17s, U20s, and U21s.
2008: All-American Third Team, Soccer American Most Valuable Player First Team, College Soccer News First Team, Top Drawer Soccer Second Team, Big East First Team.
2007: Big East Second Team.
2005: Big East First Team.
MLS Combine |
| 3 |
Michael Holody |
Michigan |
Sr |
6′3″ |
199 |
The 6-3 Holody is only the second All-American in the Wolverine program’s short history. Holody leaves MU as the program all-time leader in minutes played and his 9 goals get him into the top ten on their scoring list. A strong two way player in the college game, it will need to be seen if that offense translates to MLS. In addition to his two All-Big 10 nods, Holoday was named to the 2008 PDL Team of the Year for his play for the Michigan Bucks.2008: All-American Third Team, College Soccer News Third Team, Big Ten First Team.
2007: Big Ten Second Team. PDL Team of the Year Michigan Bucks
2006: Big Ten All-tourney team.
2005: Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
Under Consideration |
| 4 |
Chris Clements |
Tulsa |
Sr |
6′2″ |
185 |
A sub-par year for Clements due to an early injury has him a little bit further down this list that he might have been with a clean bill in 2008. His return from injury coincided with Tulsa revival in the latter half of the year. An aggressive game reader with a big pro size body, Clements also has terrific feet for a large player. Clements is a three time All-Conference USA player and was a Third Team All-American in 2007. Out of the storied Dallas Texans club, Clements is also a former US U20.
2008: Conference USA Second Team
2007: All-American Third Team, Conference USA First Team.
2006: Conference USA Third Team
MLS Combine |
| 5 |
Jide Ogunbiyi |
Santa Clara |
Sr |
6′4″ |
205 |
A bit of a late bloomer and undoubtedly a raw project with upside, Ogunbiyi moved up to the West Coast Conference First Team in 2008 after three previous Honorable Mention nods. The big 6′4″ defender could become a dominating force in the middle if his progression continues. Born in Rochester, New York, Ogunbiyi has spent time with the Nigerian Youth programs and this last summer trained with their senior side, although he appears as of yet untied to them internationally. Ogunbiyi scored 11 goals and added 8 assists in his career, despite mostly coming off the bench in his sophomore year due to an off season injury.
2008: West Coast Conference First Team.
2007: West Coast Conference Honorable Mention.
2006: West Coast Conference Honorable Mention.
2005: West Coast Conference Honorable Mention, All-Freshman Team.
MLS Combine |
| 6 |
Matt Besler |
Notre Dame |
Sr |
6′0″ |
170 |
A First Team All-American this year, Besler started every game for the last three seasons for the Irish and earned three All-Big East nods. An Academic All-American as well, Besler is the first Golden Domer to do the All-American double. The tough and gritty Besler missed only one game in his college career and has lead the Irish to two consecutive Big East regular season titles. Besler can pass well out of the back, accumulating seven assists and five goals in his career.
2008: All-American First Team, Top Drawer Soccer Second Team, Big East First Team.
2007: Big East Second Team.
2006: Top Drawer Soccer Second Team, Big East Second Team
MLS Combine |
| 7 |
Lyle Adams |
Wake Forest |
Sr |
6′1″ |
170 |
Don’t let the lack of conference honors fool you, immense talent can come through the Atlantic Coast Conference while hardly being noticed. Speed kills and this left sided flank defender has plenty of it. As a four year starter at Wake he plays in as advanced a pro style 4-4-2 as you’ll find in college. Adams was a key part of the 51 shutouts his defense earned in his time there. He’s got good feet and loves to take opposition with pace, eleven goals and six assists show the quality getting forward. Adams is the best wide defender in the senior class.
MLS Combine |
| 8 |
David Sias |
California Irvine |
Sr |
6′1″ |
175 |
Sias is the soft spoken, hard working leader of the Cal-Irvine impressive 2008 resurgence. After giving up 31 goals in 2007, Sias took responsibility for the back line in 2008 and reduced their goals against to a meager 21. A leader by example, Sias missed one game this season, the Anteaters lone loss heading into the NCAA tournament. His outstanding play this year garnered Sias the 2008 Big West Defender of the Year nod after a Second Team award in 2007. Sias is the second winner of the Defensive Player of the Year in Anteater history (Saul Wolf 2001)
2008: Top Drawer Soccer Third Team, Big West Defensive Player of the Year, First Team.
2007: Big West Second Team
Under consideration |
| 9 |
Brad Rusin |
UCLA |
Sr |
6′4″ |
200 |
After three straight Pac 10 Honorable Mention nods, Rusin was the sole defender named First Team this year as the Pac 10 limit their teams by position. At 6-4 Rusin is an imposing figure in the back line as he led a young Bruin back four to eight shutouts in 2008, including six straight in Pac 10 play, and also finished third on the Bruin scoring list with three goals and two assists. Rusin has played in the PDL with San Fernando Valley Quakes and last summer had trails with IK Start and BodoGlimt in Norway. Rusin is also know for playing with his hair spiked up about 5 inches in the air.
2008: Top Drawer Soccer Second Team, Pac-10 First Team.
2007: Pac-10 Honorable Mention
2006: Pac-10 Honorable Mention.
2005: Pac-10 Honorable Mention.
Combine list |
| 10 |
Ossie Michalsen |
Akron |
Sr |
6′0″ |
170 |
After red-shirting upon arrival at Akron, Michalsen ripped off a streak of three straight First Team All-Mid-American Conference awards before slipping to a Second Team spot this year as he struggled with a couple injuries. Overshadowed by Akron’s impressive underclassmen, Michalsen remains an interesting prospect. A member of the Norway U16, U18, and U19 teams, Michalsen played for the SK Brann youth program prior to joining the Zips. Michalsen graduated from Akron in 2008 and played his final year of eligibility while pursuing a MBA in International Business.
2008: Mid-American Conference Second Team.
2007: Mid-American Conference First Team.
2006: Mid-American Conference First Team.
2005: Mid-American Conference First Team, College Soccer News Second Team All-Freshman, Top Drawer Soccer All-Freshman team .
Norway U16, U18, U19 |
| 11 |
Rhett Bernstein |
Brown |
Sr |
6′1″ |
180 |
Bernstein stepped out from the shadow of his former center back partner Matt Britner to lead Brown’s back line this year. The three time All-Ivy defender also managed to lead the Bears in scoring with four goals and two assists. During his career Brown made the NCAA Tourney three times and won two Ivy League Championships.2008: Ivy First Team.
2007: Ivy First Team
2006: Top Drawer Soccer Third Team, Ivy First Team.
2005: Ivy Honorable Mention.
MLS Combine. |
| 12 |
Seth Sinovic |
Creighton |
Sr. |
5′9″ |
165 |
A defensive minded left back who can get forward some, Sinovic had a career high six assists in his senior year. Had both game winning goals in Creighton’s two NCAA wins. Part of a defense that allowed only 10 goals in 20 games this year.2008: Missouri Valley Conference First Team.
2007: Missouri Valley Conference Second Team.
MLS Combine |
| 13 |
Evan Brown |
Wake Forest |
Sr |
5′11″ |
160 |
Smooth a silky on the ball, Wake’s ever present right back the last two and half years. He’s made some rapid improvement the last two years and was honored as Wake’s Most Improved Player in 2006 and earned the Wake Hard Hat Award for his efforts in 2007. Like his teammate Adams, Brown never garnered any conference nods, but helped his team to two straight College Cups and a National Title. He’s just a player I find has a little something I like and is worth more than his resume. Not notably fast but can beat multiple players getting forward out of Wake’s pro style formation.MLS Combine |
| 14 |
David Tyrie |
Central Connecticut |
Sr |
6′1″ |
180 |
In his senior season this British lefty center back grabbed five goals. The leader in the back for Central Connecticut, Tyrie and company held the opposition scoreless six times. In 2007 Tyrie earned the Northeast Conference Defender of the Year nod by leading a defense that allowed a league-low six goals in conference play while posting five shutouts. A strong four year starter and conference award winner.2008: Northeast Conference First Team.
2007: Northeast Conference Defender of the Year, First Team.
2006: Northeast Conference First Team
2005: Northeast Conference Second Team
Combine list |
| 15 |
Darrius Barnes |
Duke |
Sr. |
6′2″ |
175 |
Like many talented payers in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Barnes never got a whole lot of award attention. He has a reputation as a terrific athlete and certainly has the size at 6-2. A three year starter for the Blue Devils, in 77 games Barnes has 70 starts, 1 goal, 9 assists, and an impressive 32 shutouts. Barnes was named to the 2008 PDL Team of the Year playing for the Cary Railhawks U23s.2008: Atlantic Coast Conference Second Team, PDL Team of the Year Cary Railhawks U23
MLS Combine |
| 16 |
Rich Costanzo |
Maryland |
Sr |
5′9″ |
166 |
A once promising midfield talent, Costanzo switched to defense in 2007 for the talent overloaded Terrapins. Started his career at Penn State where he was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and consensus Freshman All-American as a midfielder with four goals and seven assists. Sat out 2005 with an injury before transferring to Maryland, then was a starter in midfield in 2006. In 2007 converted to defense and this season helped Maryland to the NCAA Title. A offensive minded right back, Costanzo can beat multiple players on the dribble and is an above average crosser. A former US U18 pool player. Played at FC Delco with Stephen King.2004: Big Ten Freshman of the Year
Combine list |
| 17 |
Jack Traynor |
Notre Dame |
Sr |
5′9″ |
170 |
A four year starter for the Irish with two goals and seven assist over his career as a left back. This season helped the Notre Dame defense hold opponents to a goal or less in eight of the last nine down the home stretch of the season. Traynor helped the Irish to two NCAA Quarter-final appearances in 06 and 07 as well as two straight Big East Regular Season titles.2008: Big East Second Team.
2007: Big East Third Team.
2006: Big East Honorable Mention
MLS Combine |
| 18 |
Ryan Mirsky |
Southern Methodist |
Sr |
6′1″ |
171 |
A strong defender with both the size and pace to compete at the pro level. His injury late in his senior year helped contribute to the decline in the Ponies season. A four year starter he was overshadowed early in his career by pro-level talent of Jay Needham and Ugo Ihemelu.2007: Conference USA Second Team
2006: Conference USA Third Team
MLS Combine |
| 19 |
Michael Coburn |
Memphis |
Sr |
6′3″ |
180 |
The Tigers massive center back is a two time All-Conference USA player. After missing 2006 with a medical red-shirt for an ankle injury, Coburn returned with two strong season. This year he notched two game winning goals to go with his strong defense.2008: Conference USA First Team
2007: Conference USA Second Team
Combine list |
| 20 |
A.J. Delagarza |
Maryland |
Sr. |
5′8″ |
140 |
A three and a half year starter for the National Champs, Delagarza is a great reader of the game and smart defender. A quick first step allows him to intercept passes and shield player off the ball. Unfortunately at 5′8″ he’s likely to short for the center back spot at the MLS level. Can he transition his game to wide in the back of perhaps defensive midfield?2008: Atlantic Coast Conference Second Team
MLS Combine |
| 21 |
Dave Hertel |
Michigan State |
Sr-r |
5′10″ |
|
Strong, fast and a lefty, Hartel emerged this year as a top teir defender in the Big 10 with the Spartan’s conference title. After starting his career at Kentucky as a part time starter, Hertel red-shirted in 2004 and went on to be a three year starter for State.2008: Big Ten First Team.
MLS Combine |
| 22 |
Otto Loewy |
Winthrop |
Sr |
6′0″ |
|
Anchored a defense that led the Big South in goals against two of the last three seasons. In 2006 played both defense and midfield.2008: Big South First Team.
2007: Big South Second Team
2006: Big South First Team
MLS Combine |
| 23 |
Kyle Russell |
Coastal Carolina |
Sr |
5′11″ |
165 |
A four year starter, two time All-Conference player, and defensive leader for CC. Has played PDL with Chicago Fire (2006) and Michigan Bucks (2007, 2008). Bucks team captain in 2008. Out of the Chicago Magic youth club.2008: Big South First Team.
2007: Big South First Team.
MLS Combine |
| 24 |
Ian Daniel |
Oakland |
Sr |
6′3″ |
180 |
A four year starter for Oakland and the 2007 Summit league Defensive Player of the Year when his team had a staggering 0.16 goals against average. In 2008 lead the OU defense to a top 10 national ranking in goals against average (0.53) and shutout percentage (.600). Earned numerouss Academic awards during his career.2008: SL First Team.
2007: SL Defensive Player of the Year, First Team
Combine list. |
| 25 |
Wes Knight |
College of Charleston |
Sr |
5′11″ |
175 |
A four year starter after red-shirting in 2004. Knight helped lead the CoC defense that allowed 31 goals on the season and recorded five shutout victories, which was the second best mark in the Southern Conference. Knight helped get CoC to the Southern Conference Title game. A hard working player, Knight having come out of a program not know for producing MLS talent will need a strong Combine performance with the SuperDraft shortened.2008: Southern Conference First Team.
2007: Southern Conference Second Team.
MLS Combine |
| 26 |
Connor Tobin |
Vermont |
SR |
6′2″ |
170 |
A unanimous American-East selection and America East Defender of the Year in 2008. From the center back spot, Tobin led the Catamounts that ranks 12th in the nation in goals against average (0.63) and is tied for 22nd in shutouts. He also chipped in up front with two goals and two assists. Played outside back as a freshman. An Academic All-American.2008: American East Defender of the Year, First Team.
2007: American East First Team
Combine list |
| 27 |
Paul Gerstenberger |
Boston College |
Sr |
6′0″ |
160 |
A left back, Gerstenberger played 66 games in his BC career and scored 18 points. Primarily a starter only in his last two seasons, Gerstenberger earned All-Tourney honors at the 07 Atlantic Coast Conference Tourney with one goal and one assist.MLS Combine |
| 28 |
Oscar Castillo |
Connecticut |
Sr |
5′7″ |
165 |
Castillo played two seasons at DIII Mount Saint Antonio College where he was First Team All-West honors in the Junior College division before transferring to UConn. Very undersized at 5′7″ showing at the combine he has the strength and pace for the pro game will be essential.2008: Big East Third Team
MLS Combine |
| 29 |
Matt Poole |
Virginia |
Sr |
5′10″ |
160 |
Four year starter for the Cavs is a versatile player who can play in both midfield and defense but has been primarily a defensive stalwart for the Cavs over his career. Broke out on the score sheet with 3 goals and an assist this year after grabbing only 2 assists in his previous three years. Listed as a midfielder on the combine list but might have a better shot in the back line.MLS Combine. |
| 30 |
Stephen Oyuga |
Campbell |
Sr |
6′1″ |
185 |
A Kenyan, Oyuga is the brother of Kenyan international and Swedish League professional Paul Oyuga. A two-time All-Atlantic Sun player, he has helped guide CU to the best team goals against (0.83) and the most shutouts (9) in the Atlantic Sun this year. A three year starter for Campbell after being a role player his freshman year at the University of Mobile (NAIA).2008: Atlantic Sun First Team
2007: Atlantic Sun First Team
Combine ALT |
| 31 |
Daniel Leach |
Oregon State |
Sr |
6′3″ |
180 |
A lefty from down under, this Australian was honored four times by the notoriously defender honor stingy Pac-10, three times Honorable Mention and one Second Team nod this year. Leach was an Australian U17. Leach scored three goals with four assists during his career at Oregon State.2008: Pac-10 Second Team.
2007: Pac-10 Honorable Mention.
2006: Pac-10 Honorable Mention.
2005: Pac-10 Honorable Mention.
Combine list |
| 32 |
Ryan Adeleye |
North Carolina |
Sr |
6′1″ |
170 |
A two year starter for the National Runner-ups after starting two seasons at Davidson. Big, strong, and physical, Adeleye will need to improve his game reading and ball skills to make it to MLS.Combine list |
| 33 |
Kyle Schmid |
California Irvine |
Sr |
6′2″ |
180 |
Part of the resurgent Anteater program that had a terrific 0.99 goals against during their strong 2008 campaign.2008: Big West Second Team
Combine ALT |
| 34 |
Chris Brown |
Massachusetts |
SR |
6′1″ |
170 |
The best defender on the 2007 UMass College Cup team in my opinion. Brown plays a aggressive defensive style that relays on cutting off passes and denying possession. An off the radar kind of player that has some nice upside based on his field awareness.2008: Atlantic 10 First Team |
| 35 |
Jerry Dickinson |
Holy Cross |
SR |
6′1″ |
180 |
A 3 year captain and 4 year starter, Dickinson is the 3rd Patriot League Defender of the Year in Holy Cross history. Led the Crusader defense 20th best in the nation in goals against average (0.71), 27th in save percentage (0.831), 31st in shutout percentage (0.47) and 42nd in winning percentage (0.647). Added two goals and one assist on the offensive end.2008: Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, First Team
2007: Patriot League Second Team |
| 36 |
Angelo Amato |
Monmouth |
Sr |
6′0″ |
170 |
A four year starter and center back who is a solid one on one defender, Amato led the Monmouth defense to impressive 0.58 goals against average this season. Amato is the second Monmouth player ever to earn Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year award.2008: College Soccer News Third Team, Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year, First Team.
2007: Northeast Conference Second Team.
Combine list |
| 37 |
John Pardini |
Fordham |
SR |
6′5″ |
198 |
A two-time All Atlantic 10 award winner at center back, Pardini notched two goals and five assists out of the back while leading the Fordham defense to a 0.90 goals against average and eight shutouts.2008: Atlantic 10 First Team.
2007: Atlantic 10 First Team.
Combine list |
| 38 |
Bolade Ogunmade |
Mercer |
SR |
6′1″ |
170 |
A lefty from Scottland, Ogunmade was a two year starter for Mercer. Prior to that he was a All-American at Northern Oklahoma College. Having scored seven goals to lead Mercer, with six in in Atlantic Sun play to tie with Richard Jatta for second, Ogunmade was voted team MVP, Offensive MVP, and Defensive MVP.2008: Atlantic Sun First Team
Combine list |
| 39 |
Jeff Russell |
San Francisco |
Sr |
6′1″ |
180 |
A finesse player despite his size, really only emerged in his senior year when he anchored the Don’s back line. A two year starter.2008: West Coast Conference First Team
Combine list |
| 40 |
Ed Brand |
San Jose State |
Sr |
5′11″ |
170 |
A Brit, Brand is a four year starter and four year Mountain Pacific Sports Federation honoree. Played in the youth system of Chelsea Football Club of the English Premier League for seven years. 18. He finished his college career with 67 starts among 68 appearances, with six goals, all coming from the penalty spot, and three assists. You can read his blog about his senior year here.2008: Mountain Pacific Sports Federation First Team.
2007: Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Second Team.
2006: Mountain Pacific Sports Federation First Team.
2005: Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Honorable Mention
Combine list |
| 41 |
Dan Schultz |
Boston University |
SR |
5′11″ |
175 |
A there year starter who can play both centrally and wide right, Schultz Represented the United States at the Maccabiah Games in Israel in 2005. Frequently a member of Conference All-Academic teams. Schultz led the Terriers to eight shutouts, including one against then-No. 3 Connecticut, and allowed just two goals in the previous seven games to put BU atop the America East standings.2008: American East First Team.
2007: American East Second Team
Combine list |
| 42 |
Adam Owens |
Sacramento State |
Sr |
6′2″ |
175 |
The Sac State all time leader in games played with 74. A strong center back, three time Mountain Pacific Sports Federation All-Conference performer, and a two year captain.2008: Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Second Team.
2007: Mountain Pacific Sports Federation First Team.
2006: Mountain Pacific Sports Federation First Team. |
| 43 |
Tom Clements |
Fairfield |
Sr |
6′3″ |
205 |
Another Brit and another 4 year starter, Clements led Fairfield in scoring most of the year and finished with four goals and five assists. Clements is a four time Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference honoree.2008: Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Second Team.
07; Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Second Team.
2006: Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Second Team.
2005: Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Rookie Team.
Combine list |
| 44 |
Brad Simpson |
Cincinatti |
SR-r |
6′4″ |
185 |
Simpson, Cinci’s loan senior starter, led the Bearcats with four goals this year. His stalwart defense contributes to nine shutouts this year and 28 in his career. Simpson totaled five career goals and was a dangerous option for the Bearcats on restarts and corner kicks. He finished his career with seven assists and 17 points. A foru year starter, Simpson red-shirted in 2004 with a injury.2008: Big East Third Team |
| 45 |
Henry Kalungi |
Winthrop |
Sr |
6′2″ |
175 |
A former Ugandan U20, Kalungi was the Player of the Year and Defender of the Year for the Uganda Royal College in 2005 before coming to Winthrop. Played for Hampton Roads Piranhas of the PDL in 2007 and Fredericksburg in 2008.2008: Big South First Team.
2007: Big South Second Team.
2006: Big South First Team. |
| 46 |
Daniel Gwyther |
Buffalo |
Sr |
6′0″ |
158 |
Led the Buffs in points for 2008 with four goals, including three game winners, and three assists. A Brit, Gwyther was the Buffalo Top Newcomer in 2005. Played for the Watford FC and Barnet FC.2008: Mid-American Conference First Team.
2007: Mid-American Conference Second Team.
2006: Mid-American Conference Second Team. |
| 47 |
Mike Gelatt |
Liberty |
Sr-r |
5′10″ |
190 |
A three year starter, Gelatt has started the past 51 Liberty contests. Helped Liberty post five shutouts this year.2008: Big South First Team.
2007: Big South First Team. |
| 48 |
Alejandro Melean |
Holy Cross |
SR |
6′0″ |
160 |
A three year starter, he finished tied for fourth on the team in scoring with one goal and three assists for four points, including one game-winner. Scored five goals in 2007 out of the back.2008: Patriot League First Team.
2007: Patriot League First Team
Combine list |
| 49 |
Ryan Imamura |
Stanford |
SR |
6′2″ |
180 |
A standout in central defense for a group that allowed only 21 goals all season and never more than two in any game – the only team in the Pac-10 to accomplish the feat. A sixth year senior, Immamura started his career at Cornell in 2003 and sat out 2004 to transfer to Stanford. Only made two appearances in 2006.2008: Pac-10 Second Team
Combine list |
| 50 |
Paul Pessina |
Appalachian State |
Sr-r |
6′2″ |
185 |
Led the Apps defense to a conference goals against average with a 1.13 and tied with Georgia Southern for the least goals allowed, with 21. A four year starter, has played PDL with the Atlanta Silverbacks and Cary Railhawks.2008: Southern Conference First Team.
2006: Southern Conference First Team. |
| 51 |
Barry Neville |
Binghamton |
SR |
5′11″ |
175 |
Scottish. A two-time All conference First team’er. Binghamton team MVP and America East Tourney MVP in 2006. Led a Bearcat defense ranked first in the American East and seventh in the nation with a 0.55 goals against average.2008: American East First Team.
2007: American East First Team.
2005: American East All-Rookie Team
Combine list |
how the f is Tyler Barry from California not on there in the top 50? Let alone above Kyle Schmidt and Imamura? He was All-pac 10 Second team and All-Far West First Team. He has been a four year started on one of the best defense’s in the league? Come on Buzz.
Second that above about Barry, but he might be a 4 year starter on the best team in Pac-10 which isnt saying much considering this year . Russin is a joke! The scouts and agents have joked about how bad he has played this year. Didn’t even get invited to the combine and is slow as molasses. your rankings need to be re-assessed. Have you even done your research here BC?
no Tyler Barry from Cal? 4 year starter on one of the best defensive teams in the country- all pac-10 second team and All-Far West 1st team. Why isn’t he on your list?
more harm than good with some of bc’s comments. if you cannot be accurate than please do not publish. thank you
I have been wrong before and I will be wrong again.
Barry is on my list, just not in the top 50. Here’s why in my book he wasn’t as high… Yes he was a four year starter, but not only wasn’t he selected to the combine, he wasn’t even nominated for the committee to look at by the Pac 10 coaches. Most people seem to think Cal’s defense was good because of Frei. Barry’s honors came late in his career when coaches tend to award dedicated seniors. And Barry suffered a season ending knee injury in Oct and only played 11 games, this hurting his status.
I hope he makes it to MLS and proves me wrong.
Well BC,
Most likely he wasn’t nominated for the combine by the Pac-10 committee because he received his injury.. I guarantee he would be on the combine list if he was healthy, meaning he’s probably the only worthy defender in Pac-10 that will make some sort of impact as a defender in the mls. Either way, Schmidt on that list over barry(injured or not) is a joke. A goalie (frei) can only be so helpful for a defense that has proved to be one of the best. Although very good, he had to have had some help on the side.
The guy is doing best he can. As an avid college soccer watcher, i think buzz has done a pretty good job. If you clowns have so much to complain about then why dont you get out and try to do what buzz is doing.
He is doing a service for us. Not many people out there reporting on college soccer and you guys are complaining about the ones that are.
well done to you lot.
Buzz, thanks for doing these lists. To rank over 50 defenders when possibly only about 10 will be on MLS teams next season, I think I speak for most of your readers when I say thank you. I will be looking forward to the midfielders and forward series as well.
One thing I would change is to rank Lyle Adams higher. A left back with good pace who loves to go forward is something every team needs.
Everybody who is raving about the Cal defender…if he is injured, not on the mls combine list, not even nominated for the combine, and with the reduction of mls roster sizes he probably will not sniff an mls field this year. I have never seen him play but unless he is a top-5-10 pick talent when healthy a team in only a 4 round draft is not going to waste a pick on a player they do not know when will be returning from an injury.
its a free country and Buzz can publish his opinions as much as he wants. We trust the pro scouts are not taking these opinions seriously(hopefully not reading this site) and do their own homework! I’m just trying to keep it real for these young men hoping to have a future (jeopardized based on buzz’s opinion)playing pro soccer. If he can assess a players skills than don’t complain when we assess a writer’s skills.
Hey Joe Gifford, No one cares about your opinion of Buzz’s writing skills. Let me be clear NO ONE CARES what you think.
Buzz does a great job and just because you don’t agree with his rankings is no reason for your baseless comments. Not ranking someone you obviously have a mancrush on doesn’t hurt that person in the draft as NO team would be so stupid to depend on a website to make their draft selections.
I suggest, if you think you are so smart, that you take the time to build your own website and put your own rankings up so others can come and criticize you. I am willing to bet Buzz’s rankings will be far closer to how the draft plays out than your rankings.
I second the post above me.
Maybe Tyler Berry should stop coming on this site and work on his football skills instead.
i’m ok if no one cares about my opinion..i also do not know tyler barry… my comment has nothing to do with this particular player…i am sure he is a fine player …however i just want to remind the readers that it is impossible to rank soccer players from different conferences, teams, team mates, coaching style , strategy, tactics and different opponents …ie; a keeper with a .79 gaa is not necessarily better than a keep with a 1.2 gaa…look at the defenders, style of play, opponents etc etc etc…thats all…..
actually Joe, it is NOT impossible to do so. Not only does Buzz do it, and do it well, but analysts in every sport do it, Football, Basketball, Baseball. And Coaches and scouts do it.
I really don’t know why you even are bothering posting here.
Buzz, i think those readers that know college soccer and the suttle nuances of the game that creates a dependence on your team mates for individual performance and stats know why i bothered to post here. its about the players NOT YOU!
Joe, I don’t believe I’ve ever claimed it’s about me.
Great article Buzz, as usual
NO OMAR GONZALEZ????? He is a top 5 pick in the draft, let alone out of the pool of defenders. And what about Rodney Wallace? He’s a defensive minded mirror image of Beasley.
Josh, at the very top of the article is says Generation adidas player won’t be included in my rankings until they are announced.
a hindsight check back. Schmid had tryouts with several MLS teams. Still trying to find Tyler Barry.
barry is fully recovered from the ACL, and will be headed to europe most likely to train and prepare for the upcoming season in MLS. the question of whether he can make it or not will be answered soon buzz.