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Category Archives: ISN Next Gen for 2010

ISN Next Gen for 2010 (September/October)-MID Cameron Jordan, Indiana University

Junior striker Will Bruin might get most of the headlines for Indiana University men’s soccer team, but he is not the only player likely to be selected in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. 

Jordan will likely be selected in the later rounds of the MLS SuperDraft.

Jordan will likely be selected in the later rounds of the MLS SuperDraft.

Senior midfielder Cameron Jordan has jumped onto the draft charts recently thanks to a series of solid performances at Indiana University and a successful summer with the PDL’s Cleveland Internationals. 

“As an MLS prospect, Cameron is well suited to playing in the midfield, specifically as a holding midfield player,” Internationals PDL Head Coach Denzil Antonio stated.  ”As he matures playing as an attacking mid-field player is well within reach as the skill to do this is present.”

The Fort Wayne native logged 1014 minutes over 13 appearances with the Internationals, adding two assists to the Cleveland attack. 

Already this fall Jordan has made 7 starts over 11 appearances for the Hoosiers, who currently sit at a 6-4-1 record. Jordan’s best performance this season came against No. 5 UCLA, a game where Jordan controlled the midfield in a 5-1 victory for IU.  Much more is expected from this defensive midfielder as his team digs deeper into conference play in the Big Ten.

What makes Jordan a sensible choice for MLS scouts is simply his experience.  He also spent time with the University of Central Florida, the Ft. Wayne Fever (PDL), and the U-17 National Team Residency Program.  In addition, Jordan played for one of the nation’s best youth clubs, the Chicago Magic, which finished third nationally in 2003.

ISN Next Gen for 2010 (August) – FWD Jimoh Abiola, Lampang FC (Thailand)

Finding “the next big thing” in international takes you to some out of the way places.  Today we travel to Thailand, a country that is not well known for soccer.  The Thai national team is currently ranked #104 in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings, not exactly a sign of a footballing powerhouse.  We go even deeper to Thailand’s Regional League Divison II to find Jimoh Abiola of Lampang FC.

The young Nigerian striker is a long way from home, but has made the best of an opportunity.  Abiola has become a proven scorer, averaging almost a goal every two games.  He has a nice touch on the ball, possesses good speed, and is capable of consistently delivering an assist or a goal.  Abiola has tallied 8 goals and 6 assists in 19 appearances (7 starts), but he can’t do it alone as Lampang finds itself 11th in the table. 

Abiola gets tactical advice from the head coach

Abiola gets tactical advice from the head coach

Abiola spent time with several clubs in Nigeria including the prestigious Pepsi Football Academy, Olukoya FC, and Polytechnic Ibadan.  He also possesses a good understanding of soccer in Nigeria and on the international level. 

Like many Nigerians, Abiola was disappointed with his country’s performance at the World Cup.  Kanu, Mikel John Obi, and Obafemi Martins are players that fans adore, but no one was expecting just one point in the 2010 World Cup. It was their poorest outing ever at the WC, but Abiola remains hopeful of the country’s future in international football. 

ISN Next Gen players are the “best of the best” when it comes to the next generation of soccer stars.  These players may come from the high school or club ranks or could be the next big thing at the collegiate level.  We even select young professionals that are worthy of such an honor.  Feature articles, based on  a specific player, will be released each month on our blog. 

ISN Next Gen for 2010 (July) – FWD Emerson Barros, Shea HS (RI)

Striker Emerson Barros quickly established himself as one of the top players at the Concave Sports National Soccer Combine in Canton, Ohio.  Players took notice of his impressive stats: 4.26 in the 40 and 10.34 in the 100 to go with three goals and an assist in just two exhibition matches. The scary part is that he didn’t play a full 90 minutes in either match. 

The quality and speed of play was very high at this event; it wasn’t a cakewalk by any means. We are talking about superior talent and elite competition: over 65 of the best players from the United States and Canada. The fact that he stood out among such a talented and diverse group was impressive.

Barros, who grew up on the Cape Verde Islands, burst onto the scene last year as a sophmore at Shea HS in Rhode Island.  His 32 goals and 10 assists were simply put: amazing. His raw talent is something of legends, something you don’t see very often.   

Emerson has unlimited potential and will make some college coach very, very happy.  He is a pure striker that has the ability to be everywhere on the field.  He has speed, athleticism, and natural ability. He also handles the ball very well and can take on two and three defenders.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in MLS or even playing overseas in a few years.  Check out the following video to learn more about this young talent:

 

ISN Next Gen players are the “best of the best” when it comes to the next generation of soccer stars.  These players may come from the high school or club ranks or could be the next big thing at the collegiate level.  We even select young professionals that are worthy of such an honor.  Feature articles, based on  a specific player, will be released each month on our blog. 

ISN Next Gen for 2010 (June) – MID Zach Moyers, Billings West (MT)

When people think of a soccer powerhouse, they may not think of a high school in Montana.  However, Billings West is such a school, winning consecutive Class AA state championships.  2008 Montana Gatorade Player of the Year Jack Pueringer led the squad to a state title two years ago, but it was junior Zach Moyers who got the job done this past fall.  Moyers too received the Montana Gatorade Player of the Year, but was quick to give credit to his coach and teammates. Zach praised Pueringer for being a mentor and leader on the team.  “Jack is a star at his position.  He is one that teaches you a lot, just by watching him.” Moyers commented. ”He inspires, motivates you.”

Photo Credit: Jon Moyers

Photo Credit: Jon Moyers

Moyers is also the star of Magic City SC, a local club team that competes all across the U.S. in prestigious tournaments.  The speedy midfielder, who will be a senior in the fall, is on the radar of almost every college program in the country.  Schools like UNLV, Colorado, and UCSD hope they are among the favorites. 

Billings West Head Coach Mike Mayott desribes Moyers as “a spark plug of a player.”  Mayott praised Moyers’ leadership abilities as well, saying  “Zach has the ability to increase the energy and desire of his team to rally to their best.  Couple this with his technical abilities and one will find a successful soccer team.”

And successful they have been as individuals and a team.  Moyers tallied 3 goals and 15 assists in his award-winning junior year, leading West to a 14-0-1 record.  Everyone looks forward to seeing Billings West go for a third consecutive state title this fall.  Moyers will be counted on again to contribute and is the likely favorite to repeat as Montana Gatorade Player of the Year.

ISN Next Gen players are the “best of the best” when it comes to the next generation of soccer stars.  These players may come from the high school or club ranks or could be the next big thing at the collegiate level.  We even select young professionals that are worthy of such an honor.  Feature articles, based on  a specific player, will be released each month on our blog.  The ISN Next Gen for July 2010 will be announced at the conclusion of the 2010 Concave Sports National Soccer Combine on July 16-17.