National Soccer Ranking.com

[Corner Kick]

The genAdidas players have been identified and are heading to the MLS combine. It includes three HS players. See article below:


January 10, 2008
MLS announces Generation adidas Class of 2008
Patrick Nyarko, Eric Avila and Alex Nimo are three of the marquee members of the Generation adidas class of 2008, which was announced by Major League Soccer on Thursday.

MLS named nine players as part of the new class and all nine will be eligible for the MLS Draft on January 19th in Baltimore.

Here is the list:

Patrick Nyarko, forward, Virginia Tech
Eric Avila, midfielder, UCSB
Alex Nimo, forward, FC Portland (high school)
Josh Lambo, goalkeeper, Chicago Magic (high school)
Tony Beltran, defender, UCLA
Chance Myers, defender, UCLA
Rob Valentino, defender, South Florida
Brek Shea, midfielder, Texans FC (High School)
Ciaran O'Brien, midfielder, UCSB
Nyarko is widely-regarded as the best player available in the draft and the likely No. 1 pick. The Virginia Tech striker is coming off a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament last month. Avila, who scored the game-winning goal in the NCAA College Cup final in 2006, is considered the best midfielder in the draft while Nimo is considered the best long-term prospect.

All nine players will take part in the MLS Combine this weekend in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. SBI will be there to give you the rundown on the Combine so be sure to check in this weekend for the latest news.

[Goalpost]

I heard that Nyarko, Avila, Julius James and Nimo did very well at the combine. The Ohio State boys did not fare as well. Xavier Balc and Casey Latchem may have played themselves out of getting drafted, or into the A League. I though both were non-descript in the NCAA final. I didn't hear anything about WF's Phelan, but I believe that he had to miss one day for National team duty.

[Corner Kick]

Thanks for the feedback. I read also that the 17 year old keeper from Chicago Magic, Josh Lambo did well the first day and opened eyes as a player whose stock rose in the draft.

[Corner Kick]

In fairness to the above post, I read that all of the goalkeepers played well the first day , and because Lambo is so young, he distinguished himself as being able to play at this level.

[Corner Kick]

Goalpost- Your pre-draft prediction about Latchem and Balc came true. Neither was drafted. I was certain that Balc was going to be taken. Is something more up than a late season slump?

[Goalpost]

Balc was picked up in the supplemental draft. Latchem was not.