Bluem
Joseph Lapira, Notre Dame
5-8, 150; Lake Charles, La. (Cajun Burn)
Scouting report (Notre Dame head coach Bobby Clark):
"Trained with Irish national team during summer of 2007, earned a cap on May 23 vs. Ecuador ... a nose for scoring goals ... very quick physically and mentally, sees the field very well ... very tough striker, never reacts negatively to being roughed up ... relentless attacker ... could also play as a wide midfielder, delivers excellent crosses ... 2006 Hermann Trophy winner"
"There is no question that Joseph is a top prospect for MLS. The fact that the Irish national team played him against Ecuador shows that they think he is ready for that kind of competition." -- Clark
MIDFIELDERS
Ryan Cordeiro, Connecticut
5-11, 175; Highland Mills, N.Y. (Yorktown Spirit)
Scouting report (UConn head coach Ray Reid):
"Great flanker with a excellent natural left foot ... very strong with the ball ... good finisher ... good in the air ... very athletic"
Sheron Manswell, Boston College
6-1, 180; Maracas, Trinidad (El Dorado Secondary)
Scouting report (BC head coach Ed Kelly):
"Has a chance to play defensive midfielder in MLS ... very strong ... good shot ... such a big man, very fast when he gets going ... good in the air ... will be able to handle physical aspect ... needs to work on keeping the ball with pace"
Ben Nason, Virginia Tech
5-10, 180; Stafford, Va. (Richmond Strikers)
Scouting report (Virginia Tech head coach Oliver Weiss):
"Big East Rookie of the Year in 2003 ... very quick and technically sound ... can beat his man with the shot or dribble ... adept with both feet ... second-most assists in Virginia Tech history ... really matured into a great leader for Hokies in senior year"
"The main element that young players need to play in MLS is maturity and willingness to do what it takes to stay in the league. They need to be seasoned and have that desire, and that is what Ben has really earned during his time here." -- Weiss
DEFENDERS
Eric Brunner, Ohio State
6-4, 165; Scioto, Ohio (Ohio Thunder)
Scouting report (OSU head coach John Bluem):
"The top-ranked pro prospect in Big Ten ... great speed ... incredible timing ... can use right foot and left foot equally well ... very intelligent ... team's second-leading scorer as a defender ... scored four goals on headers from corner kicks, scored two goals on free kicks in Sweet 16 win over UCSB"
"Eric is someone that MLS teams will take a strong look at. He's been instrumental in getting us where we are." -- Bluem
Joe Donoho, Bradley
6-3, 195; Tampa, Fla. (Tampa Bay Kickers)
Scouting report (Bradley head coach Jim DeRose):
"Fantastic athlete, legit 4.5 speed, 30-inch vertical leap ... All-Conference high school basketball player from Tampa, Fla. area ... reads game very well ... excellent on the ball ... has worked hard to improve one-on-one defending ... Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year ... athletic enough to play in a back-three formation"
"Joe has gotten a lot of attention from MLS teams. He's on a lot of GMs watch lists." -- DeRose
Julius James, Connecticut
6-0, 175; Maloney Gardens, Trinidad (St. Anthony's College)
Scouting report (UConn head coach Ray Reid):
"Great in the air ... great leader ... solid tackler ... very tough mentally ... very athletic ... finalist for the Hermann Trophy"
"Julius has very few weaknesses and is ready for professional soccer right now." -- Reid
Ryan Miller, Notre Dame
5-11, 160; Barrington, Ill. (Sockers F.C.)
Scouting report (Notre Dame head coach Bobby Clark):
"Tremendous athlete ... very versatile, can play wide midfield, attacking fullback or under striker ... two very good feet ... only 5-11 but can really jump, very good in the air ... good speed with and without the ball"
Pat Phelan, Wake Forest
6-0, 175; Enfield, Ct. (Oakwood Soccer Club)
Scouting report (Wake Forest head coach Jay Vidovich):
"Good vision, sees game very quickly ... very tough, strong ball winner ... excellent long ball distributor ... excellent marking ability"
Julian Valentin, Wake Forest
5-11, 180; Lancaster, Pa. (FC Leeds United)
Scouting report (Wake Forest head coach Jay Vidovich):
"Very good ball winner ... lockdown one-on-one defender ... air game is quite good ... excellent competitor"
"Julian really brings his best effort to practice every day." -- Vidovich
GOALKEEPERS
Chris Cahill, Notre Dame
6-6, 190; Louisville, Ky. (Mockingbird Valley)
Scouting report (ND head coach Bobby Clark):
"Great size with very soft hands ... has work to do in some areas, but is good natural talent and has real potential"
Brian Edwards, Wake Forest
6-3, 190; Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Soccer Club)
Scouting report (Wake Forest head coach Jay Vidovich):
"Very good size and athleticism for goalkeeper ... very good distributor ... throwing range out to midfield, good for starting counter attacks"
Casey Latchem, Ohio State
6-0, 185; Perrysburg, Ohio (Michigan Wolves)
Scouting report (OSU head coach John Bluem):
"On a great run ... allowed six goals in last 14 games (three in one game to UCSB) ... named MVP of Big Ten tournament after saving three penalty kicks vs. Indiana in championship game ... College Soccer News national player of the week for Nov. 11 ... recorded 14th shutout of season and 26th of career in Buckeyes' semifinal win over Bradley."
